Psychiatrists in 15224
![Photo of Loren Sobel - LJS Psychiatry, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/bebad981-38fb-40d4-8497-fc0e2fa2871a/1/320x400.png)
LJS Psychiatry is a unique psychiatry practice that provides truly holistic psychiatric care. LJS Psychiatry providers are psychotherapists who can prescribe medications, when needed, in the context of individual psychotherapy. That means you no longer need to see one person for psychotherapy and another for medication treatment. Instead, we provide genuine whole person care that proves to be highly effective. When you're navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, or identity challenges, you need a space where you are met with genuine empathy, active curiosity, and a willingness to encourage honest self-examination.
LJS Psychiatry is a unique psychiatry practice that provides truly holistic psychiatric care. LJS Psychiatry providers are psychotherapists who can prescribe medications, when needed, in the context of individual psychotherapy. That means you no longer need to see one person for psychotherapy and another for medication treatment. Instead, we provide genuine whole person care that proves to be highly effective. When you're navigating trauma, depression, anxiety, or identity challenges, you need a space where you are met with genuine empathy, active curiosity, and a willingness to encourage honest self-examination.
![Photo of Adam Tripp - Better Stories in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/60aaa428-4870-41b8-92c4-a99be8b33835/3/320x400.jpeg)
Better Stories in Pittsburgh and Philadelphia
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Online Only)
As board certified mental health providers at Better Stories, we want to help you destress and improve your quality life with our years of experience and expertise in treating patients with a broad range of mental health disorders. Your care involves us working together, you provide your life experiences and perspective, we use our skills and experience in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Together we will create a treatment plan that we agree will help you reduce your symptoms and yield a greater quality of life.
As board certified mental health providers at Better Stories, we want to help you destress and improve your quality life with our years of experience and expertise in treating patients with a broad range of mental health disorders. Your care involves us working together, you provide your life experiences and perspective, we use our skills and experience in psychotherapy and psychopharmacology. Together we will create a treatment plan that we agree will help you reduce your symptoms and yield a greater quality of life.
![Photo of Kelly Walsh, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/8d40b675-5502-4231-b056-e8b8400b9bb0/2/320x400.jpeg)
Kelly Walsh is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2019. She received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Case Western Reserve University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Ursuline College. Kelly has several years of experience treating multiple different psychiatric disorders in a community-based outpatient setting.
Kelly Walsh is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Pennsylvania who has been practicing since 2019. She received her Master of Science in Nursing degree from Case Western Reserve University and Bachelor of Science in Nursing degree from Ursuline College. Kelly has several years of experience treating multiple different psychiatric disorders in a community-based outpatient setting.
![Photo of Shiela Hopkins, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/b9ee43e2-7113-4453-b479-afa85aa36b69/1/320x400.jpeg)
Shiela Hopkins
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Online Only)
Shiela is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns that include: depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, and other concerns not listed. Shiela is passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. As a PMHNP, Shiela's role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication.
Shiela is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMMHNP-BC) who manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns that include: depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, and other concerns not listed. Shiela is passionate about providing quality, compassionate and comprehensive mental health services to adolescents and adults. As a PMHNP, Shiela's role includes providing education, advocating for mental health, providing therapy, and managing medication.
![Photo of Tracy Proctor, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4394573a-5e5d-4ecb-b995-b34e7a83e569/1/320x400.jpeg)
Tracy Proctor
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Pittsburgh, PA 15224 (Online Only)
Tracy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience providing care to adolescents and adults. She manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, adjustment disorder, and insomnia. She is devoted to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, Tracy's role includes educator, advocate, therapist, and medication manager.
Tracy is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with years of experience providing care to adolescents and adults. She manages and treats a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, ODD, adjustment disorder, and insomnia. She is devoted to providing quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health services. As a PMHNP, Tracy's role includes educator, advocate, therapist, and medication manager.
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How does your Psychiatrist compare?
Number of Psychiatrists in 15224
< 10
Psychiatrists in 15224 who prioritize treating:
83% | Depression |
83% | Anxiety |
83% | Trauma and PTSD |
67% | ADHD |
67% | Grief |
67% | Bipolar Disorder |
67% | Sleep or Insomnia |
Average years in practice
17 Years
Top 3 insurances accepted
100% | Aetna |
100% | Highmark |
80% | BlueCross and BlueShield |
How Psychiatrists in 15224 see their clients
50% | In Person and Online | |
50% | Online Only |
Gender breakdown
75% | Female | |
25% | Male |
FAQs - About Psychiatrists and Psychiatric Nurses
How can I find a psychiatrist in 15224?
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.