Psychiatric evaluation
A full conversation about what's going on, your history and your goals. You leave with a clear diagnosis (when there is one) and a plan you've agreed to.
Book an evaluationPsychiatry for teens & adults · Harrisburg, PA
Psychiatric care that's careful, clear, and close to home.
Evaluations and medication management with a clinician who has time to listen. See us by video anywhere in Pennsylvania or New Jersey, or in person in Harrisburg, usually within a week.
- Video visits in PA & NJ
- Office in Midtown Harrisburg
- Ages 13 and up
Fees & insurance
Know the cost before you come in
We check your benefits before your first visit and tell you your expected copay, so there are no surprises on the day.
Self-pay prices
- New patient evaluation60 minutes, video or in person$325
- Follow-up / medication management25 minutes, video or in person$140
- Phone consult15 minutes, to see if we're a fitFree
Payment is due at the time of the visit. We accept HSA and FSA cards. Please give 24 hours' notice to cancel; late cancellations are $60.
Insurance we accept
- Aetna (commercial plans)
- Cigna
- Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield
- UnitedHealthcare
Different plan? We can give you a superbill to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We don't currently accept Medicare or Medicaid.
Good Faith EstimateIf you don't have insurance or don't use it, you can ask for a Good Faith Estimate of costs. This is your right under the No Surprises Act. Ask us by phone or when you book.
Who we help
What we treat
We work with teens (13 to 17) and adults who want a thoughtful psychiatric opinion and steady medication care. Many of our patients also see a therapist, and we're glad to coordinate with yours.
- Anxiety & panicGeneralized anxiety, panic attacks, social anxiety
- DepressionIncluding depression that hasn't responded to treatment
- ADHDEvaluation and treatment for teens and adults
- Bipolar disorderMood stabilization and long-term care
- PTSD & traumaSleep, nightmares, hypervigilance
- OCDIntrusive thoughts and compulsions
- Perinatal moodDuring pregnancy and after birth
- InsomniaWhen sleep and mood are tangled together
Services
Medication management
If medication makes sense, we start low, explain the trade-offs, and adjust together. You'll always know why you're taking something and what to watch for.
How the first visit worksFollow-up visits
Check-ins every 2 to 12 weeks depending on how things are going. Most follow-ups happen by video, so they fit around work or school.
Book a follow-upWhat we don't offer: emergency or crisis care, talk therapy, or court-ordered evaluations. If you need help right now, call or text 988. We're happy to suggest therapists we trust.
Your first visit
What the first appointment is like
No pressure and no rush. It's a conversation, not a test.
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Before: a short intake form
After you book, we email a link to a secure patient portal. The forms take about 15 minutes. That's where your health details go, not on this website.
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During: 60 minutes together
We talk about what brings you in, your history, sleep, medications you've tried, and what you'd like to be different. Teens start with a parent or guardian, then have time on their own.
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The plan: decided with you
We share what we think is going on and the options, including options that don't involve medication. You choose what feels right.
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After: a follow-up in 2 to 4 weeks
You'll get a written summary in the portal and a follow-up booked before you leave. Questions between visits go through portal messaging.
What to have ready
- Your insurance card and a photo ID
- A list of current medications and doses
- Past medications you've tried, if you remember
- Your pharmacy's name and location
- For video: a private spot in PA or NJ and a phone or laptop
Coming in person? Free parking is behind the building, and the office is on the ground floor.
Book a first visitClinicians
Who you'll see
Two clinicians, one shared approach: listen first, explain everything, and keep the plan simple.
Dana Whitfield, PMHNP-BC
Psychiatric nurse practitioner · Founder
Dana has spent eleven years in psychiatric care, first as a nurse on an adolescent unit and now in outpatient practice. Patients describe her as direct and warm. She sees teens and adults and has a particular interest in ADHD and anxiety.
Video & in person
Mon to Fri
Dr. Samuel Ortega, MD
Board-certified psychiatrist · Medical director
Dr. Ortega trained in psychiatry in Philadelphia and spent a decade in community mental health before joining Northlight. He sees adults, often people with bipolar disorder, PTSD, or a long list of medications that haven't quite worked.
Video & in person
Mon to Fri
Book an appointment
Book in about a minute
Four short steps. You'll only need your name, email and phone. Prefer to talk? Call (717) 555-0142.
Booking is for routine care. If you're in crisis, call or text 988 now, or call 911 in an emergency.
- Visit type
- Clinician
- Date & time
- Your details
Need help right now?
Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24/7. If you're in immediate danger, call 911.
Good to know
- New patients are usually seen within 5 to 8 business days.
- Evaluation: $325 self-pay, or your copay with Aetna, Cigna, Highmark BCBS or UnitedHealthcare.
- Video visits: you must be in Pennsylvania or New Jersey during the visit.
- Need to change it later? Reply to your confirmation email or call us.
Questions
Frequently asked questions
How soon can I be seen?
Most new patients are seen within 5 to 8 business days. Follow-ups are usually available within a week. The booking tool above shows real-time openings at a real practice.
Do you take my insurance?
We're in network with Aetna, Cigna, Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield and UnitedHealthcare. We verify your benefits before your first visit. For other plans we provide a superbill, and if you don't use insurance you can ask for a Good Faith Estimate.
Can I have video visits from anywhere?
Our clinicians are licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey, so you need to be physically in one of those states during each video visit. Some medications also need an occasional in-person visit; we'll tell you if yours does.
Do you see teenagers?
Yes. Dana Whitfield sees teens aged 13 to 17. A parent or guardian books the appointment and joins the start of the first visit, and the teen then has time to talk privately.
Do I need a referral?
No. You can book directly. Some insurance plans ask for one, and we'll let you know when we check your benefits.
Do you offer therapy?
We focus on evaluations and medication care. Many patients see a therapist alongside us, and we're happy to coordinate with yours or suggest one.
What if I need to cancel?
Please let us know at least 24 hours ahead by phone or by replying to your confirmation email. Late cancellations and missed visits are $60.
Location & hours
Visit or call us
Contact
- 1420 Linden Street, Suite 200
Harrisburg, PA 17102 - (717) 555-0142
Fax (717) 555-0143 - hello@northlightpsychiatry.example
For scheduling only. Please don't email health details. - Telehealth across Pennsylvania and New Jersey
Hours
| Monday | 8:30 am to 6:00 pm |
|---|---|
| Tuesday | 8:30 am to 7:00 pm |
| Wednesday | 8:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Thursday | 8:30 am to 6:00 pm |
| Friday | 8:30 am to 2:00 pm |
| Weekends | Closed |
Tuesday evenings are video visits only. Portal messages are answered within one business day.
Ready when you are
Pick a time that works for you. It takes about a minute.