Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA

I am Dr. Daniel Barron, a board-certified psychiatrist located in Philadelphia. My expertise lies in the diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD.
In my practice, I recognize the significant impact mental health has on an individual's life. Mental health affects not only emotional well-being but also influences physical health, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.
I am Dr. Daniel Barron, a board-certified psychiatrist located in Philadelphia. My expertise lies in the diagnosis and medication management of mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and ADHD.
In my practice, I recognize the significant impact mental health has on an individual's life. Mental health affects not only emotional well-being but also influences physical health, relationships, work performance, and overall quality of life.

Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.
Ideally my patient is as invested in their care as I am. They could have a variety of diagnoses but the thing they have in common is they are willing to give the process time, are open to new ideas, and know there is no magic pill to fix all their problems. My patients want to get to the best version of themselves and are willing to try therapy as well as medications to help them reach that goal. My patient wants an empathetic, listening provider who can guide their care based on the evidence, but tailored to their individual needs.

Have you been struggling with mental health symptoms despite your best efforts to employ coping skills? Are you looking for individualized medication options? I am a PMHNP who utilizes a strengths-based approach. In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with compassion and evidenced-based psychopharmacological approaches so you can overcome life’s challenges.
Have you been struggling with mental health symptoms despite your best efforts to employ coping skills? Are you looking for individualized medication options? I am a PMHNP who utilizes a strengths-based approach. In our sessions together, I’ll meet you with compassion and evidenced-based psychopharmacological approaches so you can overcome life’s challenges.

I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.

The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.
The ideal client is quite simply someone who truly wants help. Someone who is willing to work where the goal is to live the best life, reach the goals one seeks, and to enjoy the journey. The details of how that is done of course depends on the individual's station at the time one seeks help.

Dr. Chuck Stanfa is a board-certified psychiatrist who genuinely enjoys helping people. He has practiced in a wide range of settings, including both outpatient and inpatient during the past 10 years. He studied medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He went on to complete a Community Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and has continued to serve the greater Philadelphia area.
Dr. Chuck Stanfa is a board-certified psychiatrist who genuinely enjoys helping people. He has practiced in a wide range of settings, including both outpatient and inpatient during the past 10 years. He studied medicine at the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Drexel University College of Medicine in Philadelphia. He went on to complete a Community Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Pennsylvania and has continued to serve the greater Philadelphia area.

Have you been feeling overwhelmed, rundown, or stressed more than usual? Do you worry about losing track of your goals? Is it becoming increasingly difficult to handle life's challenges? Has this started to negatively affect the way you live your life? Whether you are new to treatment or considering re-engagement, we will create a plan to achieve your wellness goals. I am a mental health nurse practitioner experienced in treating a variety of mental health condition in children and adults to include but not limited to ADHD, anxiety/depression, school, and behavioral problems.
Have you been feeling overwhelmed, rundown, or stressed more than usual? Do you worry about losing track of your goals? Is it becoming increasingly difficult to handle life's challenges? Has this started to negatively affect the way you live your life? Whether you are new to treatment or considering re-engagement, we will create a plan to achieve your wellness goals. I am a mental health nurse practitioner experienced in treating a variety of mental health condition in children and adults to include but not limited to ADHD, anxiety/depression, school, and behavioral problems.

I'm Ayeesha Adolphus, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience treating clients of all ages facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, grief, women’s issues, and bipolar disorders I & II.
I'm Ayeesha Adolphus, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with extensive experience treating clients of all ages facing challenges such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, stress, grief, women’s issues, and bipolar disorders I & II.

I like to think I am best suited for treating individuals who are very sensitive and want more out of their lives, those who are seeking a deeper, richer life than where they find themselves currently. Identifying and changing those things that block emotional satisfaction is something patients and I work together on. Doing this allows my patients to make better emotional contact with themselves, with their loved ones and their life's work. I like to help patients identify what is healthy and what is unhealthy in their emotional and physical lives. Establishing genuine contact with my patients is the hallmark of psychotherapy.
I like to think I am best suited for treating individuals who are very sensitive and want more out of their lives, those who are seeking a deeper, richer life than where they find themselves currently. Identifying and changing those things that block emotional satisfaction is something patients and I work together on. Doing this allows my patients to make better emotional contact with themselves, with their loved ones and their life's work. I like to help patients identify what is healthy and what is unhealthy in their emotional and physical lives. Establishing genuine contact with my patients is the hallmark of psychotherapy.

I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnoses and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.
I am Board Certified in Adult Psychiatry and have been practicing since 2005. I completed my residency from Tufts University in Boston, Massachusetts and my Fellowship in Addictions from the Robert Johnson Wood Foundation. In 2014, I was featured in SJ Magazine as one of New Jersey’s top psychiatrists. I have experience working with adults as well as adolescents suffering from both psychiatric diagnoses and substance use disorders and have extensive experience working in both outpatient and inpatient settings.

Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders including depression, and anxiety. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Kotadia is a board-certified psychiatrist who completed his psychiatry residency training program at Nassau University Medical Center in Long Island, NY. After completing training, he has been practicing outpatient psychiatry and specializes in the evaluation and management of major psychiatric disorders including depression, and anxiety. Typically, he offers this in conjunction with supportive or emotionally focused therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. However, occasionally Dr. Kotadia may believe that additional therapy is also needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team to provide the best outcome.
Dr. Tran has extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBT, perinatal, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. He also worked with experts in treatment-resistant depression and provided consultations for patients considering procedural interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and ketamine infusion.
Dr. Tran has extensive experience treating psychiatric disorders in diverse populations, including college students, LGBT, perinatal, veterans, and those with socioeconomic disadvantages. He also worked with experts in treatment-resistant depression and provided consultations for patients considering procedural interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and ketamine infusion.

Dr Cardiel- Sam is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed undergraduate training at the University of Miami followed by medical school at St. George’s University. He has completed Residency in Psychiatry at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and fellowship training for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Penn State University. His training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has given him a unique perspective on mental illness. He has found that these conditions rarely start in adulthood, but rather, are a product of multiple factors and years of lived experience.
Dr Cardiel- Sam is Board Certified in both General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. He completed undergraduate training at the University of Miami followed by medical school at St. George’s University. He has completed Residency in Psychiatry at Bergen New Bridge Medical Center and fellowship training for Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Penn State University. His training in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry has given him a unique perspective on mental illness. He has found that these conditions rarely start in adulthood, but rather, are a product of multiple factors and years of lived experience.

I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.
I am double board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine. I believe in using both medication when indicated as well as therapy. I was trained in CBT and was given the Excellence in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy during my residency program. I use supportive therapy with each client I see. During my residency I served as Chief Resident and was awarded the Overall Excellence in Psychiatry Award as well as the Clinical Excellence Award.

My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions, including psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care and engage in open and honest communication with their providers.
My ideal client would understand that the journey to wellness and recovery requires time, effort, and patience. They would be receptive to treatment suggestions, including psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and medication options. My patients would take an active role in their care and engage in open and honest communication with their providers.

Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions, including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.
Michelle is passionate about delivering care to individuals suffering from anxiety, substance use, and depression. Client motivation and dedication are key to utilizing the tools provided during our sessions, including medication management, implementing lifestyle interventions, and therapy to help develop and implement a successful treatment plan. Relief of the client's suffering in dealing with their mental health issues and striving for an improvement in their quality of life is key to treatment.

I am a dual-board certified Adult and Addiction Psychiatrist offering virtual appointments for patients in Pennsylvania. I have a special interest in working with individuals with co-occurring 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 a dual-board certified Adult and Addiction Psychiatrist offering virtual appointments for patients in Pennsylvania. I have a special interest in working with individuals with co-occurring 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 believe in establishing an open, respectful and collaborative relationship with my patients to help in their healing to lead more productive, meaningful lives.
I believe in establishing an open, respectful and collaborative relationship with my patients to help in their healing to lead more productive, meaningful lives.

People often decide to see a psychiatrist because they are experiencing psychological or interpersonal pain. Because of this pain, they are unable to feel a sense of well-being or feel connected to themselves or others. Often, emotional pain results from unknown or unrecognized beliefs, conflicts, and patterns. When people are unaware of their feelings, thoughts, and actions, they may stay stuck in maladaptive ways of thinking and relating. Psychotherapy aims to help people develop a deeper awareness of themselves in order to relieve symptoms, enhance well-being, and develop a healthier relationship with the self and others.
People often decide to see a psychiatrist because they are experiencing psychological or interpersonal pain. Because of this pain, they are unable to feel a sense of well-being or feel connected to themselves or others. Often, emotional pain results from unknown or unrecognized beliefs, conflicts, and patterns. When people are unaware of their feelings, thoughts, and actions, they may stay stuck in maladaptive ways of thinking and relating. Psychotherapy aims to help people develop a deeper awareness of themselves in order to relieve symptoms, enhance well-being, and develop a healthier relationship with the self and others.

Dr. O'Brien is a board eligible adult psychiatrist who completed his medical education at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Following his graduation from NEOMED, he completed a residency in Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at West Virginia University/Charleston Area Medical Center. Throughout his training, he has enjoyed working in both outpatient and hospital settings and has a great passion for medical education and teaching the next generation of mental healthcare providers.
Dr. O'Brien is a board eligible adult psychiatrist who completed his medical education at Northeast Ohio Medical University. Following his graduation from NEOMED, he completed a residency in Psychiatry and Behavioral Medicine at West Virginia University/Charleston Area Medical Center. Throughout his training, he has enjoyed working in both outpatient and hospital settings and has a great passion for medical education and teaching the next generation of mental healthcare providers.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA
400+
Average cost per session
$200
Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA who prioritize treating:
96% | Anxiety |
95% | Depression |
80% | Bipolar Disorder |
74% | Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) |
73% | Trauma and PTSD |
70% | ADHD |
70% | Medication Management |
Average years in practice
11 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
94% | Aetna |
88% | Cigna and Evernorth |
79% | UnitedHealthcare UHC | UBH |
How Psychiatrists in Philadelphia, PA see their clients
57% | In Person and Online | |
43% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
73% | Female | |
27% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in Philadelphia?
The Psychology Today Directory enables users to search specifically for psychiatrists by selecting the provider type from the drop-down menu, and filtering results by city, zip code, or the psychiatrist's name. The search results feature detailed profiles that outline each professional's treatment approach, areas of expertise, credentials, fees, payment options, and accepted insurance. Results include both psychiatrists (MDs) and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), who hold advanced practice nursing degrees. Users can refine their search for a specific type of psychiatric provider using the "Provider Type" filter.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a psychologist?
Psychiatrists are medical specialists dedicated to understanding, diagnosing, and treating brain disorders and mental health conditions. As physicians, they are trained to identify the often subtle biological factors underlying mental disorders and to monitor how mental health treatments may impact other physical conditions, such as heart disease. Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe medication and typically conduct shorter sessions that focus on medication management rather than intensive psychotherapy.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
In contrast, psychologists are particularly attuned to the impact of early experiences on development, behavior, emotions, and cognitive processes. They often take a holistic approach to assessing and treating clients, considering aspects of personality and social functioning. Although psychologists cannot prescribe medication, they are frequently skilled in administering psychological tests—such as IQ tests, personality assessments, and behavioral evaluations—to assess an individual's functioning. Psychologists often engage in longer, more psychotherapy-focused sessions compared to psychiatrists.
What is a psychiatric nurse practitioner and what is the difference with a psychiatrist?
A psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP), also known as a mental health nurse practitioner or psychiatric nurse practitioner, is an advanced practice registered nurse (APRN) who has completed advanced training in psychiatric care, earning at least a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing. To become Board-Certified (PMHNP-BC), psychiatric nurse practitioners must also pass a national exam that tests their clinical psychiatric knowledge.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Like psychiatrists, PMHNPs are trained to assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. However, PMHNPs and psychiatrists differ in their training experience. While PMHNPs can complete their credentialing requirements (full bachelor's and master's degree training) in as few as 6 years, psychiatrists often spend upwards of 12 years to complete their bachelor's, medical doctorate degree, and residency training requirements. Because of training differences, some states require PMHNPs to be supervised by or enter into a collaborative agreement with a physician in order to prescribe medication.
When deciding to work with a psychiatrist or PMHNP, clients should consider factors such therapeutic fit, cost, and availability. Psychiatrists may have more substantial training in treating more severe psychiatric conditions, as well as in providing more specialized treatment services, such as child psychiatry. However, psychiatrists may be inaccessible to some clients, as their cost and availability may be prohibitive. It can often be easier for clients to find a PMHNP with openings for new clients when compared to psychiatrists, and PMHNPs may also offer lower cost treatment options for clients looking to minimize out-of-pocket costs.
Can a psychiatrist or a PMHNP prescribe medication?
The Psychology Today directory features two primary types of psychiatric professionals: psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs). Both are generally authorized to prescribe psychiatric medications. In 28 states, PMHNPs have full practice authority, allowing them to provide the complete spectrum of psychiatric care, including independent medication prescribing and management. In other states, however, PMHNPs are required to work under the supervision or in collaboration with a physician to prescribe medication. Both psychiatrists and PMHNPs may also offer additional services, such as psychotherapy, counseling, and care coordination, for clients seeking psychiatric care.
Do psychiatrists or PMHNPs offer therapy?
Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) are generally trained in a number of treatment modalities, including traditional psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), pharmacotherapy, and, occasionally, various somatic therapies. Typically, psychiatrists and PMHNPs make a diagnosis and determine a course of treatment based on chemical or biological factors, using lab tests, brain scans and physical and psychological evaluations.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
While psychotherapy may be used in the first session to aid in diagnosis, it is not typically utilized in subsequent visits. In fact, after the introductory session, most psychiatry sessions may only be 15-20 minutes in length and are largely focused on medication management; this is frequently the case for both psychiatrists and PMHNPs. However, medication providers who do not offer psychotherapy usually work collaboratively with psychologists and other mental health clinicians who do offer these services, and they can refer clients seeking more traditional psychotherapy services to their care.
How do I know if I need a psychiatrist, a PMHNP, or a therapist?
It is not always easy to know which type of mental health practitioner to choose. Many people are unaware of the root of their mental or behavioral problem and may be unaware of the differences in support provided by various mental health professionals. One way many people learn which type of care is best for them is by seeing their primary care provider (PCP) first. Depending on the nature and severity of the symptoms, the PCP may review their medical history and provide guidance or a referral to the appropriate type of provider.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
A referral to a psychiatrist or PMHNP is most often made when a client is in need of psychiatric medication management or assessment. These professionals are specifically trained to prescribe psychiatric medications, when necessary, for a client; however, they generally do not provide supportive psychotherapy on an ongoing basis. A therapist or psychologist, in contrast, can provide supportive psychotherapy but is unable to prescribe medications. Because of their unique roles, some clients see both a medication prescriber (either a psychiatrist or PMHNP) and a therapist at the same time to address their psychiatric concerns holistically. Many psychiatrists and psychologists are very open to referring clients to other professionals if unable to meet the client's needs or if they think the client could use additional support from a different type of professional.
Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist or a PMHNP?
A referral to a psychiatrist or psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP) is often not required. However, consulting your primary care physician (PCP) first can be beneficial and may streamline the process of getting the care you need. Your PCP can help determine whether psychiatric care is necessary or if another type of mental health support might be more appropriate. Additionally, some insurance plans require a PCP referral to cover part or all of the costs associated with seeing a specialist. Obtaining a referral can also expedite the appointment process, particularly in areas with provider shortages or for clients seeking specialists in fields like child psychiatry.
Is everyone in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory a licensed professional?
Yes, all professionals listed in the Psychology Today Therapy Directory are licensed to provide mental health services in the state(s) where they practice. The directory includes a variety of providers such as psychiatrists, psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs), physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and counselors. Each provider must hold a valid license issued by their state regulatory body to be listed. In addition, Psychology Today offers a verification process for certain providers, signified by a 'Verified' symbol next to their profile. This badge indicates that the provider’s primary credential or license has been independently verified by Psychology Today.