From Military Medicine to Integrative Psychiatry
with Dr. Matt Gerenz
Stories to Solutions
Interview Recorded on: January 17th, 2025
Dr. Matt Gerenz began his journey into medicine as a combat medic in the North Dakota Army National Guard at age 17, discovering his calling while bringing mobile healthcare to thousands of service members across the state. This early experience of meeting patients where they were would later shape his innovative approach to psychiatric care.
Today Dr. Gerenz is practicing an integrated approach to mental healthcare that goes beyond traditional methods. Recognizing the pressing need for better substance use disorder treatment, he pursued additional training through the TNT (Train New Trainers) fellowship program, developing expertise in evidence-based treatments and motivational interviewing techniques.
As Dr. Gerenz puts it, "You're oftentimes just treating symptoms which can be effective sometimes. But other times... you get into positions where you might then call something treatment resistant" – when what's really needed is a more complete understanding of the person behind the symptoms.
Today Dr. Gerenz is practicing an integrated approach to mental healthcare that goes beyond traditional methods. Recognizing the pressing need for better substance use disorder treatment, he pursued additional training through the TNT (Train New Trainers) fellowship program, developing expertise in evidence-based treatments and motivational interviewing techniques.
As Dr. Gerenz puts it, "You're oftentimes just treating symptoms which can be effective sometimes. But other times... you get into positions where you might then call something treatment resistant" – when what's really needed is a more complete understanding of the person behind the symptoms.
Interview Recorded on: January 17th, 2025
Dr. Matt Gerenz began his journey into medicine as a combat medic in the North Dakota Army National Guard at age 17, discovering his calling while bringing mobile healthcare to thousands of service members across the state. This early experience of meeting patients where they were would later shape his innovative approach to psychiatric care.
Today Dr. Gerenz is practicing an integrated approach to mental healthcare that goes beyond traditional methods. Recognizing the pressing need for better substance use disorder treatment, he pursued additional training through the TNT (Train New Trainers) fellowship program, developing expertise in evidence-based treatments and motivational interviewing techniques.
As Dr. Gerenz puts it, "You're oftentimes just treating symptoms which can be effective sometimes. But other times... you get into positions where you might then call something treatment resistant" – when what's really needed is a more complete understanding of the person behind the symptoms.
Today Dr. Gerenz is practicing an integrated approach to mental healthcare that goes beyond traditional methods. Recognizing the pressing need for better substance use disorder treatment, he pursued additional training through the TNT (Train New Trainers) fellowship program, developing expertise in evidence-based treatments and motivational interviewing techniques.
As Dr. Gerenz puts it, "You're oftentimes just treating symptoms which can be effective sometimes. But other times... you get into positions where you might then call something treatment resistant" – when what's really needed is a more complete understanding of the person behind the symptoms.
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Links to Solutions
The Traditional Training Gap
Standard psychiatric education, while comprehensive, often doesn't provide enough hands-on experience with substance use disorders – despite their prevalence in practice. Dr. Gerenz's experience highlights the need for additional specialized training to effectively treat these complex conditions.
Breaking Down Barriers
Dr. Gerenz identifies three major obstacles in mental healthcare: insurance limitations, availability of services, and persistent stigma – particularly around substance use disorders. His solution involves both expanding access to care and changing how we approach treatment conversations.
The Power of Holistic Care
Looking ahead, Dr. Gerenz envisions a future where psychiatric care fully integrates mind and body, treating the whole person rather than just symptoms. This approach considers everything from diet and exercise to sleep and social relationships, potentially preventing the misdiagnosis of "treatment-resistant" cases that might actually need a more comprehensive approach.
Meet Our Guest
Dr. Matt Gerenz
Dr.Matt Gerenz, MD, is a Psychiatrist at Happier Living in Los Angeles. He has a strong focus on mental health, particularly in areas such as PTSD, mood disorders, anxiety, psychotherapy, and psychopharmacology. Dr. Gerenz is committed to advancing mental health treatment and education, contributing to the field of psychiatry through both clinical practice and research. His personal interests include food, exercise, outdoor activities, social events, and video games, reflecting a well-rounded individual who values both physical health and social engagement.
Connect with Millie Christie
Connect to Dr. Matt Gerenz
TNT Fellowships Instagram: @tntfellowships
Business Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/happier-living/
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matt-gerenz
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
Dr. Emily Carter
Licensed Clinical Psychologist & Mental Health Advocate
How To Get Involved?
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