Psychiatry and Medication Management at As You Are Counseling

"Thoughtful, collaborative psychiatric care that puts people before prescriptions."

At As You Are Counseling, psychiatry is not a quick check of symptoms and a rushed refill. Our psychiatric team offers slower, more intentional appointments that leave room to actually talk, ask questions, and make decisions together.

We focus on safe, ethical prescribing that fits your real life and aligns with the work you are already doing in therapy.

Our psychiatry services are fully integrated with our counseling team so you are not trying to piece together advice from multiple providers who do not speak to each other. Our goal is simple: medication support that feels grounded, collaborative, and human.

What Makes Psychiatry At AYA Different

Psychiatry at AYA is built around a few non-negotiables:

Longer, more meaningful sessions

Our appointments are intentionally longer than standard med checks. Follow up sessions are typically 45 minutes so there is enough time to assess how you are really doing, review side effects, look at patterns, and adjust the plan without rushing.

Team based, collaborative care

We believe medication works best when it is part of a bigger picture. Our psychiatric providers collaborate with your AYA therapist so your treatment plan is consistent, trauma informed, and aligned with your goals.

Safe and ethical prescribing

We do not believe in a one size fits all approach to medication. Our team is committed to careful assessment, clear communication about risks and benefits, and ongoing monitoring so that medications are used thoughtfully and responsibly.

Whole person focus

We pay attention to more than just symptoms. Your story, identity, relationships, trauma history, and physical health all matter. We want your psychiatric care to support your emotional, psychological, and day to day functioning, not flatten it.

How The Process Works

What to expect from start to finish

Step 1: Conversation with your therapist

If you and your AYA therapist feel that medication might be helpful, your therapist will discuss a referral to our psychiatry team and answer initial questions about what this could look like for you.

Step 2: Intake and scheduling

Our intake staff will review basic information, confirm that psychiatry at AYA is an appropriate fit, and help you schedule your initial psychiatric evaluation. We will also review insurance, fees, and office policies.

Step 3: Initial evaluation
You will meet with one of our psychiatric providers for a comprehensive evaluation. Together you will explore options, which may or may not include medication. There is space to ask questions, express concerns, and move at a pace that feels safe.

Step 4: Ongoing follow up
If you decide to move forward with medication, your provider will schedule follow up appointments to monitor your response, make adjustments, and support you in integrating medication into your overall mental health plan. Throughout this process, your therapist and psychiatric provider remain in communication when clinically indicated.

Safe Prescribing and Boundaries

Our commitment to safe prescribing

We take seriously the responsibility that comes with prescribing medication. Our psychiatric team follows evidence informed guidelines, prioritizes safety, and regularly reviews the appropriateness of all medications.

We do not view medication as a quick fix or the only answer. Sometimes it is the right tool, sometimes it is one part of a larger strategy, and sometimes it is not needed at all. Our role is to help you make informed decisions that respect your values, your body, and your long term wellbeing.

If at any point your clinical needs fall outside of what we can safely provide, we will talk openly with you and support a transition to a higher or more specialized level of care.

Meet The Team

Dr. Robert Sack, MD

Dr. Robert Sack is a board-certified psychiatrist with decades of clinical, executive, and consulting experience across outpatient, managed care, and national behavioral health systems. A graduate of Harvard University and the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, Dr. Sack brings a uniquely comprehensive perspective to psychiatric care—integrating deep clinical expertise with a sophisticated understanding of healthcare systems, quality standards, and ethical prescribing.

Before returning to direct clinical work, Dr. Sack served in multiple senior leadership roles, including Chief Medical Officer positions within Magellan Health and VP of National Network Strategy, where he led initiatives focused on expanding access to behavioral health services, improving clinical outcomes, and ensuring high-quality virtual and in-person care. His consulting work has supported organizations nationwide in behavioral health integration, value-based contracting, and system-level performance improvement, with a particular focus on complex populations.

At As You Are Counseling, Dr. Sack provides thoughtful psychiatric evaluation and medication management for adults, grounded in collaboration, safety, and clinical integrity. He believes psychiatric care should be deliberate, relational, and aligned with the therapeutic process—not rushed or transactional. His approach reflects the highest ethical standards and a commitment to ensuring that medication decisions are informed, individualized, and supportive of true long-term wellbeing.

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Samantha Slusser MSN, PMHNP-BC

Samantha Slusser is a board-certified Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who provides comprehensive psychiatric care across the lifespan. My clinical background includes acute inpatient psychiatry with children, adolescents, and adults, which laid the foundation for my commitment to trauma-informed, holistic, and collaborative care.

I take a whole-person, evidence-based approach grounded in both psychopharmacologic and non-pharmacological interventions. My clinical interests include anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, and personality-related conditions. I am especially passionate about supporting individuals as they navigate the emotional and biological layers of trauma, chronic stress, and significant life transitions.

At the heart of my practice is a belief that healing begins when people feel seen, heard, and understood. I strive to meet every person where they are and provide inclusive, culturally sensitive care that honors each individual's lived experience.

I provide psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and integrative care for adolescents and adults, in both telehealth and in-person settings.

Dr. Joel Pierre, DNP, MSN, PMHNP-BC

Joel Pierre is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 15 years of experience in nursing and psychiatric care. He holds a bachelor’s degree in nursing from Chamberlain University and a master’s degree in psychiatric nursing from Walden University. Joel is committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based mental health care that honors each client’s individuality and lived experience.

He brings extensive clinical expertise from both inpatient and outpatient settings, working with individuals facing serious mental illness, dual diagnoses, and complex psychiatric needs. His background includes supporting healthcare professionals, first responders, military personnel, and members of the LGBTQ community. Joel is known for his warm, collaborative approach and his ability to create a safe, trusting environment where clients feel seen and understood.

Joel’s practice focuses on comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and personalized treatment planning for adults. He integrates evidence-based practice with a strong belief in the mind-body connection, emphasizing that healing requires attention to the whole person. Whether someone is new to mental health treatment or navigating long-standing challenges, Joel meets clients where they are and helps them move toward stability, clarity, and improved wellbeing.

He is passionate about supporting individuals experiencing anxiety, depression, trauma-related symptoms, mood disorders, and other mental health concerns. Joel approaches care with a steady combination of clinical expertise, empathy, and respect, ensuring that clients feel empowered in their treatment and supported throughout their journey.

Insurance, Fees, and Availability

Understanding coverage, costs, and how to access psychiatric care at AYA

We accept select insurance plans for psychiatric services and also offer private-pay options. Because psychiatric coverage often differs from therapy coverage, our administrative team will verify your benefits and provide a clear explanation of any deductibles, copays, or out-of-pocket costs before your first appointment.

Some insurance plans may require authorizations or additional clinical documentation. When needed, we help coordinate those steps to support continuity of care. Private-pay rates are available for clients whose plans do not include psychiatric benefits or who prefer not to use insurance.

Psychiatry appointments are offered in person at our Lititz office, with telehealth options available for eligible clients depending on licensing, clinical appropriateness, and insurance requirements. Availability is limited because our sessions are intentionally longer and more comprehensive. All scheduling is completed through your AYA therapist and our intake team to ensure coordinated, consistent care.

If you have questions about coverage, fees, or scheduling, our team is here to help you navigate the process and determine the best fit for your needs.

Schedule an Appointment