Outpatient Psychiatry Services in Central Pennsylvania
Psychiatric Evaluations and Medication Management for Children, Adolescents and Adults
When emotional, behavioral, or mental health symptoms begin affecting everyday life, psychiatric care can provide clarity and help individuals and families understand their treatment options.
Laurel Life provides outpatient psychiatry services at locations across Central Pennsylvania. Our psychiatric team offers comprehensive evaluations and ongoing medication management in a safe, supportive, and trauma-informed environment.
Services are available to children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Every person’s needs are different, so our providers take time to understand each client’s symptoms, experiences, medical history, and treatment goals.
What Is Outpatient Psychiatry?
Outpatient psychiatry focuses on evaluating, diagnosing, and treating mental health conditions without requiring someone to stay in a hospital or residential treatment facility.
Clients attend scheduled appointments with a psychiatric provider while continuing to live at home and manage their regular responsibilities.
Psychiatric care may help individuals and families better understand symptoms, explore treatment options, and determine whether medication could be one helpful part of a personalized treatment plan.
Psychiatric providers may evaluate concerns related to:
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Anxiety disorders
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Depression and other mood disorders
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Trauma-related conditions
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ADHD and attention concerns
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Behavioral or emotional changes
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Persistent sadness or irritability
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Difficulty concentrating
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Sleep disturbances
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Other symptoms affecting life at home, school, work, or in relationships
There is no single sign that means someone needs psychiatric care. An evaluation may be helpful when symptoms persist, become difficult to manage, or begin interfering with everyday functioning.
Who Provides Psychiatry Services at Laurel Life?
Laurel Life’s psychiatric team includes a board-certified psychiatrist and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Board-Certified Psychiatrist
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor with specialized training in diagnosing and treating mental health conditions.
Psychiatrists can complete psychiatric evaluations, diagnose mental health conditions, prescribe medications, and monitor how treatment is affecting a client’s symptoms and overall well-being.
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners, often called PMHNPs, are advanced practice providers with specialized education and clinical training in mental health care.
PMHNPs can evaluate mental health symptoms, diagnose conditions, discuss treatment options, prescribe medication, and provide ongoing medication management within their professional scope.
Laurel Life’s psychiatric providers work within the broader outpatient program to provide thoughtful, individualized care. The specific providers and care arrangements available may differ between offices.
Outpatient Psychiatry Services We Offer
Laurel Life provides psychiatric evaluations and ongoing medication management based on each client’s needs.
H3: Psychiatric Evaluations
A psychiatric evaluation is a comprehensive appointment that helps the provider understand a person’s symptoms, history, current concerns, and overall functioning.
During the evaluation, the provider may ask about:
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Current mental health symptoms
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When symptoms began and how they have changed
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Medical and mental health history
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Current and previous medications
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Family history
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Sleep, appetite, concentration, and energy
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School, work, family, or relationship concerns
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Previous counseling or psychiatric treatment
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Personal strengths, needs, and treatment goals
The purpose of the evaluation is to develop a clearer understanding of the person’s needs and discuss appropriate treatment options. Medication may be considered when clinically appropriate, but it is not automatically prescribed simply because someone completes an evaluation.
Medication Management
When medication is included in a client’s treatment plan, follow-up appointments help the psychiatric provider monitor progress and make adjustments when needed.
Medication management appointments may include discussions about:
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Changes in symptoms
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Whether the medication appears to be helping
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Possible side effects
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Changes in sleep, appetite, mood, attention, or behavior
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Medication dosage or timing
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Questions or concerns from the client or caregiver
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Other factors that may affect treatment
Clients and caregivers should share concerns openly with their provider and follow the provider’s instructions when taking or changing medication.
Medication may be one part of a broader treatment plan that also includes counseling, healthy routines, family support, school support, or other services.
Who Can Receive Outpatient Psychiatry Services?
Laurel Life provides outpatient psychiatry services across the lifespan, supporting:
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Children
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Adolescents
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Adults
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Older adults
Some psychiatric providers may work with younger or older clients than others. Provider availability, appointment location, and treatment options may depend on the client’s age, clinical needs, insurance coverage, and current provider availability.
Our outpatient team can help individuals and families identify which office and provider may be the most appropriate fit.
Can You Receive Psychiatry Without Counseling?
Yes. Clients can receive medication management services without participating in ongoing outpatient counseling.
However, all psychiatry clients must still complete a diagnostic assessment and intake appointment with a Mental Health Professional. Clients must also meet with a Mental Health Professional to review and update their treatment plan every 180 days.
These appointments ensure that the client’s history, current symptoms, treatment goals, and overall progress are documented and reviewed as part of their continued psychiatric care.
How to Request Outpatient Psychiatry Services
Anyone can make a referral for outpatient psychiatry services.
Referrals may come from:
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The individual seeking services
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A parent or caregiver
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A therapist or counselor
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A physician or other healthcare provider
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A school professional
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A community agency
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Another professional or support person
A formal referral from a physician or therapist is not required to contact Laurel Life. Individuals and parents can call their nearest outpatient office directly to request services or ask about availability.
What to Expect When Starting Psychiatry Services
Starting psychiatric care can feel overwhelming, especially when you are unsure what will happen during the first few appointments. Laurel Life works to make the process as clear and supportive as possible.
1. Diagnostic Assessment and Intake Appointment
Clients receiving medication management without ongoing counseling must still complete this diagnostic assessment.
During this appointment, the Mental Health Professional gathers information about the client’s background, clinical history, current symptoms, strengths, concerns, and reasons for seeking services. This information helps prepare the psychiatric provider for the evaluation.
Approximate appointment length: 60 minutes
2. Psychiatric Evaluation With a Prescriber
The client then meets with a psychiatric provider for a comprehensive evaluation.
The provider reviews symptoms, medical and mental health history, current concerns, previous treatment, and other relevant information. The provider may discuss a diagnosis and explain possible treatment options, including medication when appropriate.
Clients and caregivers are encouraged to ask questions and share any concerns they have about treatment.
Approximate appointment length: Up to 60 minutes
3. Medication Management Appointments
If medication is prescribed, follow-up appointments allow the provider to monitor the client’s response, discuss possible side effects, and make adjustments when clinically appropriate.
These appointments are generally shorter than the initial psychiatric evaluation.
If the client or caregiver has additional concerns that require more time, a separate appointment may be scheduled.
Approximate appointment length: 15 minutes
4. Treatment Plan Updates
Every 180 days, clients meet with a Mental Health Professional to review their progress and update their treatment goals.
These treatment plan updates are required even when the client receives medication management without participating in ongoing outpatient counseling.
The review helps ensure that psychiatric services remain active, relevant, and aligned with the client’s current needs.
These reviews help ensure that services remain active, relevant, and aligned with the client’s current needs.
A Trauma-Informed Approach to Psychiatric Care
Laurel Life’s outpatient psychiatry services are grounded in trauma-informed principles.
Trauma-informed care recognizes that past and present experiences can affect a person’s emotions, behavior, relationships, physical health, and response to treatment.
Our psychiatric providers focus on:
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Listening carefully to each person’s experiences and concerns
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Creating an environment where clients feel safe and respected
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Explaining treatment options clearly
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Encouraging questions and open communication
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Including clients in decisions about their care
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Partnering with parents and caregivers when appropriate
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Supporting long-term stability and well-being
Medication is not viewed as a complete solution by itself. When clinically appropriate, it can be one helpful part of a larger treatment plan built around the individual’s needs.
Outpatient Counseling and Psychiatry
Counseling and psychiatry both support mental health, but they serve different purposes.
Outpatient Psychiatry
Outpatient psychiatry focuses on evaluating mental health symptoms, diagnosing conditions, and determining whether medication may be helpful.
Clients can receive medication management without attending ongoing counseling. They must still complete a diagnostic assessment and treatment plan updates with a Mental Health Professional.
Psychiatric providers also monitor medications, discuss side effects, and adjust treatment when clinically appropriate.
Outpatient Counseling
Outpatient counseling focuses on emotional support, therapeutic conversations, coping strategies, relationships, behavior, and personal growth.
During counseling, clients work with a therapist to better understand their experiences, develop practical skills, and work toward individualized treatment goals.
Some people benefit from counseling alone. Others may benefit from psychiatry or a combination of counseling and medication management.
In-Person and Telehealth Psychiatry Appointments
Laurel Life offers outpatient psychiatry appointments in person and through secure telehealth.
Both psychiatric evaluations and medication management appointments may be completed virtually.
Telehealth can make psychiatric care more accessible for individuals and families balancing transportation, work, school, or other responsibilities. Virtual appointments must take place in a private setting where the client can speak openly with the provider.
Our team can help individuals and families understand what is needed for a telehealth appointment when services are scheduled.
Insurance Accepted for Outpatient Psychiatry
Laurel Life’s outpatient counseling and psychiatry programs accept the same insurance plans.
Accepted plans include (last updated 8/26/26):
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PerformCare Medical Assistance
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Highmark Wholecare Medical Assistance
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Community Care Behavioral Health, or CCBH, Medical Assistance
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Highmark
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Capital Blue Cross, or CBC
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Cigna
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Optum or United Behavioral Health
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Geisinger
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Aetna
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TRICARE
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Medicare
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Quest
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UPMC
Insurance coverage and requirements can vary by plan, provider, and service. Contact your nearest outpatient office to confirm coverage and review any requirements before scheduling your first appointment.
Find Outpatient Psychiatry Services Near You
Laurel Life provides outpatient psychiatry services through six locations across Central Pennsylvania.
Adams County
Outpatient Psychiatry in Gettysburg, PA
235 Table Rock Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-398-2025
Learn more about outpatient psychiatry in Gettysburg
Cumberland County
Outpatient Psychiatry in Mechanicsburg, PA
5006 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Phone: 717-243-1326
Learn more about outpatient psychiatry in Mechanicsburg
Perry County
Outpatient Psychiatry in New Bloomfield, PA
550 Shermans Valley Road
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
Phone: 717-582-9922
Learn more about outpatient psychiatry in New Bloomfield
York County
Outpatient Psychiatry in York, PA
2020 South Queen Street
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-845-7652
Learn more about outpatient psychiatry in York
Frequently asked questions
Take the Next Step
Call your nearest outpatient office to request psychiatry services or ask about provider availability.
Outpatient Psychiatry Services are available at these locations
Adams County
235 Table Rock Road
Gettysburg, PA 17325
Phone: 717-398-2025
Fax: 877-357-5106
Cumberland County
5006 East Trindle Road
Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
717-243-1326
Fax: 877-371-4161
Franklin County
7564 Brown's Mill Road
Chambersburg, PA 17202
Phone: 717-375-1509
Fax: 800-521-8323
Franklin County
426 Phoenix Drive
Chambersburg, PA 17202
Phone: 717-261-9833
Fax: 877-349-7073
York County
2020 South Queen Street
York, PA 17403
Phone: 717-845-7652
Fax: 877-459-4871
Perry County
550 Shermans Valley Road
New Bloomfield, PA 17068
717-582-9922
Fax: 877-373-3818