Answers, clearly explained.
Explore common questions about psychiatry, therapy, scheduling, insurance, and what to expect at your first visit.
How is The Via Center different from other Pittsburgh psychiatry and mental health practices?
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The Via Center was founded to provide thoughtful, individualized psychiatric and therapy care for children, adolescents, and adults in a collaborative and respectful environment.
Our clinicians integrate:
- Evidence-based treatment
- Developmental understanding
- LGBTQAI+ and Neurodivergent-affirming perspectives
- Family collaboration
- Coordination with schools and professionals when helpful
- Boutique experience in a clinic that also accepts insurance
We prioritize partnership, curiosity, and compassionate care. We are physician-led and all psychiatric care is provided only by physicians who have completed rigorous 4–5 year residency and fellowship programs at nationally-recognized institutions. Our robust team of support staff and nurses mean that you will get a reply quickly when you need support, which is crucial to your well-being.
How do I know if I or my child may need a psychiatrist or therapist?
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Many children, teens, and adults benefit from mental health support when emotions, behavior, attention, or daily functioning begin to feel harder to manage. Common reasons people seek care include anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, emotional regulation difficulties, school or work stress, sleep problems, or behavioral concerns. If you are looking for a psychiatrist or therapist in Pittsburgh or Pennsylvania for your child or yourself, our team can help determine the most appropriate next steps during an initial evaluation.
What is the difference between a psychiatrist and a therapist?
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A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in diagnosing mental health conditions and can prescribe medication, when appropriate. Psychiatrists may also provide therapy. Psychiatrists complete 4 years of medical school training followed by a 3–4 year residency in psychiatry or pediatrics. Some continue specialization through a 1–2 year fellowship program in child and adolescent psychiatry or other areas within psychiatry. All psychiatric medication management at our clinic is provided by psychiatrists only.
Therapists (such as psychologists, counselors, or social workers) undergo several years of training in mental health therapy and provide psychotherapy and behavioral interventions but do not prescribe medication. At The Via Center in Pittsburgh, we offer both psychiatric services and therapy and collaborate to provide comprehensive care for children, adolescents, and adults.
Do you provide therapy, medication management, or both?
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We provide both therapy and psychiatric medication management in Pittsburgh and surrounding areas. Some individuals benefit from therapy alone, some from medication support, and many from a combination of both. Our approach is individualized, collaborative, and developmentally informed. We do not take a one-size-fits-all approach to treatment.
What conditions do you treat?
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Our Pittsburgh and Pennsylvania psychiatrists and therapists treat a wide range of concerns, including:
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder
- Adjustment Disorders
- Anger problems
- Anxiety, Panic Disorder and Phobias
- Behavioral Disturbances in Autism
- Bipolar Disorder
- College Mental Health
- Depressive Disorders
- Developmental Disorders
- Irritability
- LBGTQAI+ Issues
- Mood Disorders
- Neurobehavioral Disorders
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Perinatal Mental Health
- Posttraumatic stress disorder
- Psychotic Disorders
- Self-Injurious Behaviors
- Sleep Problems
- Transition-Age Mental Health
Do you prescribe medication, including medication for ADHD?
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Yes. Our psychiatrists prescribe medication when clinically appropriate, including medications for ADHD, anxiety, depression, and mood concerns. We take a careful and thoughtful approach to medication management, considering medical history, developmental factors, and patient and family preferences. Medication is only one possible part of treatment, and decisions are made collaboratively.
What ages do you work with?
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Our clinicians specialize in working with children, adolescents, young adults, adults up to age 60 years. Some clinicians work with parents to support family systems and developmental transitions. Other clinicians also work with perinatal mental health concerns. Families seeking a psychiatrist in Pittsburgh often contact us for support across developmental stages.
What is the first appointment like?
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The first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric or therapy evaluation. We focus on understanding strengths, concerns, history, and goals in a supportive, non-judgmental environment. At the end of the visit, we discuss impressions and recommendations together, including therapy, medication, or other supports if appropriate.
Do parents attend appointments for children or teens?
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Parents must attend all initial evaluations for children and teens. For ongoing care, parents or caregivers are typically involved in appointments for all younger children. For adolescents, we balance family involvement with developmentally appropriate privacy and independence. Expectations are discussed collaboratively at the start of care.
Can a parent attend alone for a child or teen's appointment? Does the child or teen have to also be present for appointments?
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The child or teen must be present at all appointments unless explicitly discussed otherwise with your clinician. We value collaborative care and work to include parents and children/teens in conversations to create a plan together. We encourage children and teens to take ownership of their mental health in order to foster independence and agency as they continue to grow and develop, eventually taking on the responsibility of their own care.
Do you coordinate care with therapists, schools, or pediatricians?
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Yes. When helpful and with appropriate consent, we collaborate with therapists, schools, pediatricians, and other professionals to support continuity of care and the best outcomes for children and families.
Do you offer virtual psychiatric or therapy appointments in Pennsylvania?
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Yes. We offer secure telehealth appointments for many services when clinically appropriate, in addition to in-person care at our Pittsburgh area offices. Patients must be located in Pennsylvania at the time of telehealth visits due to licensing regulations for psychiatric visits. Some of our therapists are licensed in other states and able to provide care outside of Pennsylvania.
How long does it take to get an appointment with a psychiatrist or therapist in Pittsburgh?
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Appointment availability varies depending on the provider and service requested. Our administrative team works to schedule new patients as promptly as possible and can discuss current timelines when you contact us.
Do you accept insurance?
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We accept BCBS/Highmark, UPMC, United/Optum and Aetna. We are regretfully unable to accept medical assitsnce (primary or secondary) or Medicare. If we are out-of-network with your insurance, we may provide documentation (such as a superbill) that you can submit for possible reimbursement depending on your plan.
What are the costs for psychiatric or therapy services?
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Fees vary depending on the provider and type of service. Our administrative team can review current rates and insurance information before scheduling so you have clear expectations although you will need to verify all costs (coverage, copays, deductibles, coinsurance) with your insurance plan.
What is your cancellation policy?
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We understand that unexpected situations arise. If you need to cancel or reschedule an appointment, we ask that you provide advance notice (typically at least 24–48 hours, depending on provider policy). Late cancellations or missed appointments may be subject to a fee. See our policies for details.
Why do you charge a Concierge Fee?
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Our practice is designed to provide a higher level of personalization, responsiveness, and support than is typically available in insurance-based mental health settings. Insurance covers the cost of your clinical visits. To support additional non-clinical services, we charge a concierge care fee of $36 per quarter ($12 per month).
This fee allows us to provide you with an attentive, boutique experience without giving up insurance coverage.
This concierge fee helps us provide:
- Responsive communication with our clinical team
- Timely prescription refills and administrative support
- Coordination with therapists, schools, and other providers when appropriate
- Assistance with forms and documentation beyond standard insurance requirements
- Access expert support during as well as between visits
- Personalized, boutique-style care while still using insurance
Where are you located?
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We have offices in the South Hills of Pittsburgh in McMurray as well as Cranberry Township. We also offer telehealth/virtual visits to patients in Pennyslvania. Some of our clinicians are also licensed in other states.
How do I get started with a psychiatrist or therapist at The Via Center?
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Please complete our screening questionnaire to get started.