Are you looking to improve your mental health?

Getting better starts now.

Thoughtful, individualized psychiatric care for adults in
Bryn Mawr & Blue Bell, PA

Welcome

Comprehensive & Compassionate Psychiatry

Serving patients across the Main Line, Montgomery County, and Greater Philadelphia

Shields Psychiatry is a general psychiatry practice that provides comprehensive care through a thoughtful combination of psychotherapy and medication management.

Dr. Patrick Shields offers evidence-based treatment for a wide range of psychiatric conditions, with attentive support for mood disorders, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, and the everyday challenges of life transitions, work, relationships, and grief.

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Our Approach

How we care for you

i.

Initial Evaluation

An unhurried, personalized evaluation - in person or via telehealth - to understand your history, symptoms, and goals.

ii.

Personalized Plans

Treatment plans tailored to your individual story, built from a thorough psychiatric history and careful case formulation.

iii.

Flexible Appointments

Follow-up appointments offered in person at our Blue Bell or Bryn Mawr offices, or conveniently via telehealth.

Patrick Shields, MD

Meet Your Doctor

Patrick Shields, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist Adult Psychiatry

Dr. Patrick Shields provides compassionate, patient-centered psychiatric care, blending evidence-based therapies with thoughtful medication management. He works collaboratively with each patient to craft individualized treatment plans that help navigate life transitions, relationships, and everyday stress.

Dr. Shields takes a holistic approach to mental health - incorporating cognitive behavioral therapy, mindfulness, and a culturally responsive perspective to support mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, burnout, and overall well-being. His focus is on building trust, fostering resilience, and promoting meaningful growth in every patient.

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My goal is simple - to listen carefully, treat thoughtfully, and walk alongside you as you work toward feeling like yourself again.
- Patrick Shields, MD

Conditions We Treat

Mental health is different for everyone

Dr. Shields provides care for a wide range of psychiatric conditions and the everyday stressors that affect well-being.

Treatments

Expert support, every step of the way

Warm psychiatry office seating area

Medication Management

Finding the right medication match makes all the difference. Dr. Shields makes timely, careful adjustments to your treatment until it's just right for you.

Notebook and plant in a calm office setting

Psychotherapy

As a psychiatrist with extensive training in therapy, Dr. Shields provides expert-level empathy, guidance, and insight in every session.

Calm office detail with chair and plant

Medication + Therapy

Together, medication and therapy can help you feel like yourself, faster. Dr. Shields will listen, understand your needs, and develop a personalized plan with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's on your mind?

What is psychiatry?
Psychiatry is a field of medicine focused on mental disorders. Psychiatrists specialize in preventing, diagnosing, and treating these conditions. Psychiatric treatment may include medications, therapy, or a combination of both to help patients manage or overcome conditions affecting mood, behavior, and overall mental health.
What is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, while a psychologist is not. Because of this, psychiatrists can diagnose conditions, prescribe medications, and offer therapy, while psychologists primarily focus on therapy and assessment without prescribing medications.
What is the difference between a therapist and a psychiatrist?
Therapists are licensed mental health professionals who provide therapy services, but they are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medications and offer therapy services as part of a comprehensive treatment approach.
How much does psychiatry cost?
Shields Psychiatry is currently a self-pay practice and is not on insurance panels. Dr. Shields can provide patients with a receipt (superbill) for each session that may be submitted to your insurance company for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We recommend contacting your insurance provider in advance to ask about (1) your out-of-network coverage, (2) any visit limits, and (3) reimbursement rates per session.
When should I see a psychiatrist?
If you are struggling with recurring mental health concerns - such as depression, anxiety, mood swings, trouble sleeping, or difficulty concentrating - it may be appropriate to see a psychiatrist. Seeking an evaluation earlier may help prevent symptoms from worsening over time.
How long is a psychiatry appointment?
All care starts with an initial evaluation, which is a longer appointment that allows for a thorough medical and psychiatric assessment. Based on this evaluation, an individualized treatment plan is developed. The length of follow-up appointments depends on the treatment plan collaboratively agreed upon during the initial visit.

Ready to take the next step?

Schedule your initial evaluation with Dr. Shields and start the path toward feeling like yourself again.

988
Suicide & Crisis LifelineCall or text 988 for 24/7 emotional support.
911
Medical EmergencyFor a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your nearest ER.