Photo of Samantha Wyckoff, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Samantha Wyckoff
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am well-versed in using medications to assist with treating both psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders, including alcohol-, opioid- and cocaine-use disorders, as well as benzodiazepine dependence.
I am a fellowship-trained Addiction Psychiatrist offering virtual appointments for patients in Pennsylvania and in-person appointments for patients in Philadelphia (call for NY availability). I have a special interest in working with individuals with co-morbid mental health and substance use disorders, and have extensive clinical experience treating a full range of psychiatric and substance use disorder diagnoses. I practice using a harm-reductionist approach and strive to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their goals, work through resistance, and develop motivation for behavioral change.
I am well-versed in using medications to assist with treating both psychiatric disorders and substance use disorders, including alcohol-, opioid- and cocaine-use disorders, as well as benzodiazepine dependence.
I am a fellowship-trained Addiction Psychiatrist offering virtual appointments for patients in Pennsylvania and in-person appointments for patients in Philadelphia (call for NY availability). I have a special interest in working with individuals with co-morbid mental health and substance use disorders, and have extensive clinical experience treating a full range of psychiatric and substance use disorder diagnoses. I practice using a harm-reductionist approach and strive to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their goals, work through resistance, and develop motivation for behavioral change.
(484) 603-3959 View (484) 603-3959
Photo of Aviva Zohar, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Aviva Zohar
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Here at Thalia Medical Center, we don’t tolerate self-shame. We don’t care what you look like, the car you drive, your background, or your history. Our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. TMC's services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. Now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
Here at Thalia Medical Center, we don’t tolerate self-shame. We don’t care what you look like, the car you drive, your background, or your history. Our treatment philosophy balances meeting you where you are and supporting you to get to where you want to be. TMC's services include medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, substance use disorder therapy and Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy. We are powered by a balanced approach — curating an individualized, evidence-based program that supports our clients not just medically, but emotionally, physically, and socially as well. Now offering Telehealth in Delaware & Florida.
(610) 365-1743 View (610) 365-1743
Photo of Elena Del Busto, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Elena Del Busto
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am an ABPN Board certified psychiatrist and Clinical Associate at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Psychiatry. I have been honored as Top Doc in Philadelphia Magazine in May 2018 and Main Line Today in 2014. I offer an integrated, holistic approach to mental health treatment and believe in using psychotherapy and psychopharmacology when appropriate. I feel it is best to use evidence-based medicine and personalized treatment plans to help optimize outcomes and improve my patients' mental health.
I am an ABPN Board certified psychiatrist and Clinical Associate at the University of Pennsylvania in the Department of Psychiatry. I have been honored as Top Doc in Philadelphia Magazine in May 2018 and Main Line Today in 2014. I offer an integrated, holistic approach to mental health treatment and believe in using psychotherapy and psychopharmacology when appropriate. I feel it is best to use evidence-based medicine and personalized treatment plans to help optimize outcomes and improve my patients' mental health.
(610) 616-3633 View (610) 616-3633
Photo of Jessica Plocher, Psychiatric Nurse in 19102, PA
Jessica Plocher
Psychiatric Nurse, CRNP
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
I am currently scheduling new patients for initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We additionally have psychotherapists (within our network at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates) whom we collaborate with if indicated. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (2003-2008), The Johns Hopkins Hospital in both clinical and supervisor roles (2009-2012) and have instructed at The University of Pennsylvania (where I completed my training including certification to prescribe psychiatric medications).
I am currently scheduling new patients for initial psychiatric evaluations and medication management. We additionally have psychotherapists (within our network at Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates) whom we collaborate with if indicated. I have over a decade of experience working in the mental health field, including working as a mental health resource specialist at Massachusetts General Hospital (2003-2008), The Johns Hopkins Hospital in both clinical and supervisor roles (2009-2012) and have instructed at The University of Pennsylvania (where I completed my training including certification to prescribe psychiatric medications).
(267) 331-4799 View (267) 331-4799
Photo of Christina L Persaud, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Christina L Persaud
Psychiatrist, MD, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102  (Online Only)
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life through the right combination of medications and therapy. My therapy style combines elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy…along with the appropriate doses of sensitivity, empathy and humor.
My goal is to help you improve your quality of life through the right combination of medications and therapy. My therapy style combines elements of psychodynamic therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness, and supportive therapy…along with the appropriate doses of sensitivity, empathy and humor.
(646) 956-5955 View (646) 956-5955
Photo of Dr. Jessica Spellun, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Dr. Jessica Spellun
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Not accepting new clients
Life is complicated. Despite our best efforts, everyone struggles at times. I understand that making changes in your life can be overwhelming. I encourage you to gather courage, ask questions, and have hope that things can get better if you are willing to work for it. My goal is to create a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental space for clients to be heard and understood. My approach prioritizes individuality and a holistic view of emotional wellbeing. Communicating feelings in a safe environment promotes healing through expression, leads to new insights about yourself, and can help you form more meaningful connections with others.
Life is complicated. Despite our best efforts, everyone struggles at times. I understand that making changes in your life can be overwhelming. I encourage you to gather courage, ask questions, and have hope that things can get better if you are willing to work for it. My goal is to create a safe, caring, and nonjudgmental space for clients to be heard and understood. My approach prioritizes individuality and a holistic view of emotional wellbeing. Communicating feelings in a safe environment promotes healing through expression, leads to new insights about yourself, and can help you form more meaningful connections with others.
(267) 848-9216 View (267) 848-9216
Substance Use Psychiatrists

How do substance and drug recovery or rehabilitation programs work?

In inpatient programs, individuals live in a facility with other clients in recovery; in outpatient programs, individuals reside at home. These facilities are staffed with healthcare professionals including physicians, nurses, psychologists, counselors, and psychotherapists. Staff often also includes people who have recovered themselves, serving as mentors and guides. These programs may use abstinence, harm reduction, detoxification, psychotherapy, and other methods.

How do 12-step programs combined with psychotherapy work?

Members of 12-step programs help each other reach abstinence and work to maintain it. These programs promote complete change in the individual’s emotional, mental, physical, and even spiritual perspectives. Some programs require that new members attend 90 meetings in 90 days. Many people do attend these programs in conjunction with their work in psychotherapy; the combination of therapy along with 12-step can be extremely effective.

How does harm reduction combined with psychotherapy work?

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, harm reduction prevents death, injury, disease, overdose, and substance misuse. People who choose harm reduction for substance use reduce the amount of drugs they consume. It is not abstinence-based like a 12-step program, but combining harm reduction with psychotherapy proves to be effective for many people.

Are there specific medications for substance and drug use?

There are medications approved to treat substance use disorder—such as buprenorphine, methadone, naltrexone, and acamprosate. These medications do help people cope with substance use as well as avoid the problem of relapse. Naltrexone can help reduce cravings, methadone is an opioid medication used to treat severe pain, and acamprosate may help ease symptoms like poor sleep and anxious feelings.