The role of the primary clinician in the multidisciplinary team

This article explores the role of the primary clinician as an integral member of the modern inpatient psychiatric treatment team, as it is practiced on the Professionals in Crisis program at The Menninger Clinic. The modern inpatient team consists of individuals from multiple disciplines and acts as an embodiment of the neo-biopsychosocial model, with each team member providing not only a unique perspective on viewing the patient but also offering unique opportunities to aid in creating an environment that is conducive to change. The role of the primary clinician as the conduit of communication between various treaters and as the individual who provides oversight of the patient's treatment is described. The unique therapeutic elements that this role brings to treatment, with particular respect to the four cornerstones of psychotherapeutic success (alliance, activity, focus, and expectation) are defined.