How do you see patients?

We see all our patients virtually, using secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth technology. This ensures that you can access care from the comfort and privacy of your own home or wherever you feel most comfortable.

What is integrative psychiatry?

Integrative psychiatry is a holistic approach to mental health care that considers the connection between mind, body, and lifestyle. In addition to traditional treatments like psychotherapy and medication management, integrative psychiatry incorporates complementary practices such as nutritional counseling, exercise education, mindfulness, supplements, and advanced genetic and blood testing. This approach aims to create a personalized, whole-person treatment plan that promotes lasting well-being.

How do I book an appointment?

Booking an appointment is simple: 1. Click the 'Check Your Insurance' button to verify your coverage. 2. Select an available time that works for you from our scheduling system. 3. Confirm your appointment, and we’ll provide you with instructions for your first virtual visit.

Suboxone is a prescription medication that combines buprenorphine and naloxone. It is used to treat opioid dependence by reducing cravings and withdrawal symptoms while minimizing the risk of misuse. Our practice utilizes Suboxone as part of a comprehensive treatment program that includes nutritional counseling, exercise education, mindfulness techniques, and therapy to address the root causes of addiction and promote recovery.

How do nutrition and exercise affect mental health?

Nutrition and exercise are vital components of mental health. A balanced diet provides essential nutrients that support brain function and regulate mood, while regular physical activity boosts endorphins, reduces stress, and improves overall well-being. At our practice, we integrate these elements into your treatment plan to help you achieve optimal mental health.

Where do you treat patients?

We provide virtual care to patients located anywhere within the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

What if you don’t accept my insurance?

We offer affordable cash rates for services if we don’t accept your insurance. Additionally, our membership plans provide discounts and benefits to make care accessible and cost-effective for all our patients.

What is a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP)?

A Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) is an advanced practice nurse with specialized training in mental health care. PMHNPs can assess, diagnose, and treat psychiatric conditions, including prescribing medications and providing therapy. Unlike other healthcare providers, PMHNPs bring a holistic nursing perspective, emphasizing patient-centered care that integrates physical health, mental well-being, and lifestyle into treatment. This approach ensures that care is comprehensive, compassionate, and tailored to the individual.

Autism: Prevalence – Psychiatry in Pennsylvania

Introduction

Autism—formally known as Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)—is a neurodevelopmental condition that impacts social interaction, communication, and behavior (American Psychiatric Association [APA], 2013). Over the past 10 years, autism prevalence in the United States has steadily increased, emphasizing the importance of early evaluation, intervention, and holistic care. At Integrative Psychiatry of America, we specialize in providing comprehensive, virtual psychiatric services to residents in Pennsylvania, offering an integrative approach that respects each individual’s unique needs.

Learn more about our integrative psychiatry services

Autism Prevalence in the U.S. (Past 10 Years)

Recent data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) shows a notable rise in autism prevalence among 8-year-old children:

2012 Estimate: 1 in 68
2016 Estimate: 1 in 59
2020 Estimate: 1 in 54
2022 Estimate: 1 in 44
2023 Estimate: 1 in 36

For more information, visit the latest CDC findings on ASD (Maenner et al., 2023). These shifts reflect enhanced awareness, better screening, and refined diagnostic criteria (APA, 2013).

Factors Influencing the Increase

Enhanced Diagnostic Criteria
The DSM-5 merged various subtypes of autism under one umbrella term (APA, 2013). This broader definition has led to more individuals being diagnosed.
Greater Public Awareness
Widespread education campaigns and better screening tools have made it easier for parents and professionals to identify early signs of autism (CDC, 2022).
Early Intervention Services
Improved access to early intervention programs helps children receive assessments and support at younger ages (Zwaigenbaum et al., 2015).

Integrative Approaches to Autism Care

1. Nutritional Guidance

Some research suggests dietary modifications—like reducing gluten or casein—may help alleviate certain symptoms (Buie et al., 2010). At Integrative Psychiatry of America, we coordinate with nutrition specialists to craft individualized meal plans.

2. Mind-Body Techniques

Mindfulness exercises and yoga can improve emotional regulation and reduce stress (Khalsa et al., 2012). Integrating these practices encourages well-being beyond symptom management.

3. Medication Management

When clinically appropriate, medication can address challenges such as irritability or anxiety (Ghuman & Aman, 2010). Our psychiatric team carefully tailors medication to each person’s needs.

4. Behavioral Therapies

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) are evidence-based therapies that help individuals with autism develop important life skills (Weitlauf et al., 2014).

Virtual Psychiatric Services in Pennsylvania

Convenient Access: Schedule online appointments from the comfort of your home.
Personalized Treatment: Every care plan is customized, integrating nutritional, behavioral, and medical interventions.
Expert Team: Our professionals are trained to address the diverse presentations of autism across all ages.

Conclusion

Autism: Prevalence Psychiatry Pennsylvania

The steady rise in autism prevalence underscores the need for accessible, holistic, and evidence-based support. At Integrative Psychiatry of America, we provide virtual services throughout Pennsylvania, ensuring that comprehensive care is within reach for individuals and families seeking an integrative path to well-being.

Ready to Begin?
Contact us today to schedule a virtual appointment and discover how our integrative approach can support you or your loved one.

References

American Psychiatric Association (APA). (2013). Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (5th ed.). Washington, DC: APA.
Buie, T., Campbell, D. B., Fuchs, G. J., et al. (2010). Evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of gastrointestinal disorders in individuals with ASDs: A consensus report. Pediatrics, 125(Supplement 1), S1–S18.
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). (2022). Data & Statistics on ASD.
Ghuman, J. K., & Aman, M. G. (2010). Pharmacological interventions for children with autism spectrum disorders. Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 19(4), 953–973.
Khalsa, S. B. S., Shorter, S. M., Cope, S., Wyshak, G., & Sklar, E. (2012). Yoga reduces performance anxiety in adolescent musicians. Alternative Therapies in Health and Medicine, 18(5), 34-45.
Maenner, M. J., Shaw, K. A., Bakian, A. V., et al. (2023). Prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder Among Children Aged 8 Years — Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network. MMWR Surveillance Summaries, 72(2), 1–14.
Weitlauf, A. S., McPheeters, M. L., Peters, B., et al. (2014). Interventions targeting sensory challenges in children with autism spectrum disorder—an update. Comparative Effectiveness Review, 151, 1–230.
Zwaigenbaum, L., Bauman, M. L., Choueiri, R., et al. (2015). Early identification and interventions for autism spectrum disorder: Executive summary. Pediatrics, 136(Supplement 1), S1–S9.