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 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
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. Zheya Jenny Yu, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Dr. Zheya Jenny Yu
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Life is a journey, it does not always go as we have planned or not. Each stage of life brings us different kinds of fulfillment as well as challenges. If you find yourself having difficulties in overcoming these challenges whether they are loss, trauma, or extreme stress related to school, work, relationships, you are not alone. When not dealt with, these challenges may interfere with your daily function and affect your capacity to achieve your potential. As a result, you may experience combination symptoms of insomnia, appetite and weight change, muscle tension and fatigue, inability to focus, depression, anxiety or more.
Life is a journey, it does not always go as we have planned or not. Each stage of life brings us different kinds of fulfillment as well as challenges. If you find yourself having difficulties in overcoming these challenges whether they are loss, trauma, or extreme stress related to school, work, relationships, you are not alone. When not dealt with, these challenges may interfere with your daily function and affect your capacity to achieve your potential. As a result, you may experience combination symptoms of insomnia, appetite and weight change, muscle tension and fatigue, inability to focus, depression, anxiety or more.
(484) 209-1641 View (484) 209-1641
Photo of Shraddha Jani, MD, PC, Psychiatrist in 19102, PA
Shraddha Jani, MD, PC
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Not accepting new clients
I understand that having a good rapport with your psychiatrist is as important as the treatment itself. My aim is to help individuals explore their feelings to overcome the obstacles that lie in the way of gaining acceptance of themselves and reaching their goals. You may feel reluctant asking others for help, especially when it involves discussing personal issues with someone you barely know. I provide a brief telephone consultation at no charge to help new patients find out if we are a right fit.
I understand that having a good rapport with your psychiatrist is as important as the treatment itself. My aim is to help individuals explore their feelings to overcome the obstacles that lie in the way of gaining acceptance of themselves and reaching their goals. You may feel reluctant asking others for help, especially when it involves discussing personal issues with someone you barely know. I provide a brief telephone consultation at no charge to help new patients find out if we are a right fit.
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 Cara Gouldey, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 19102, PA
Cara Gouldey
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
My specialties include, but are not limited to treatment of depression, anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), and ADHD.
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
My specialties include, but are not limited to treatment of depression, anxiety (generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder), and ADHD.
The best psychiatric care is tailored to an individual's unique needs, understood through the context of their environment, relationships, and lived experience. With this foundation, I work with patients to identify and achieve their mental health and wellness goals. I am a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with over ten years of direct patient care experience in a diversity of roles, including diagnosing and treating mental health disorders in group practice, community settings, and via telehealth. I provide psychiatric evaluations and medication management for adults, adolescents, and school-aged children.
(484) 207-6269 x1 View (484) 207-6269 x1
Photo of Karen (Yang) Chen, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 19102, PA
Karen (Yang) Chen
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Philadelphia, PA 19102
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 psychiatric providers including Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychotherapists. We offer in-office and Virtual Telehealth appointments in Philadelphia, The Main Line of Philadelphia and Virtually to NJ, NY and FL. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more.
Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates is a network of over 20 psychiatric providers including Psychiatrists, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners, and Psychotherapists. We offer in-office and Virtual Telehealth appointments in Philadelphia, The Main Line of Philadelphia and Virtually to NJ, NY and FL. I am a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in medication management for a variety of mental health conditions in adults ages 18+, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, PTSD, PMDD, bipolar disorder, and more.
(215) 770-3879 View (215) 770-3879
ADHD Psychiatrists

When should I seek treatment for ADHD?

You should seek treatment for ADHD if you consistently have difficulty with attention, hyperactivity, or impulsivity that interferes with your daily life. Symptoms of ADHD include the inability to sustain attention during tasks, difficulty organizing tasks and activities, being easily distracted, frequent fidgeting or squirming, and talking or interrupting excessively. If these symptoms interfere with your career, academics, or relationships—for example, consistently failing to complete professional projects on time—you should seek an evaluation for ADHD.

How does treatment for ADHD work?

Effective treatment for ADHD often consists of medication, behavioral therapy, and lifestyle changes. Stimulant medications such as Adderall and Ritalin work by altering levels of neurotransmitters in the brain; higher levels of dopamine and norepinephrine are known to improve attention and focus. Therapy works by helping people with ADHD understand the condition, discuss their areas of difficulty, and develop behavioral strategies to manage their symptoms. In some cases, modifying one’s diet and exercise can also help improve symptoms.

Are there specific medications for ADHD?

Medications to treat ADHD are generally stimulants, the most common are Adderall and Ritalin. There are two categories of stimulants: Amphetamines include Adderall, Dyanavel, Vyvanse, and Dexedrine, and methylphenidates include Ritalin, Concerta, Daytrana, Focalin, Quillichew, Quillivant, and Metadate. Non-stimulants and antidepressants may be used as an alternative if stimulants aren’t effective or viable for a particular patient.

How long does treatment for ADHD take?

It’s tough to give an exact time frame because everyone varies. In terms of medications, stimulants begin to work very soon after you take them, generally within the hour. It may take time to identify the right medication and dosage, but the medication itself is fast-acting. In terms of therapy, it takes time to develop skills and put them into practice, but you will likely see improvements within a few weeks or months.