How to Find a Child Psychologist or Pediatrician in Pennsylvania: A Parent’s Guide

Looking for a pediatrician, child psychologist or child psychiatrist in Pennsylvania? Parenting Pathway lists 747 child health and mental health providers across Pennsylvania. This guide explains where to start, how to pay for care and which free state programs can help your family.

Start with a pediatrician

For most concerns, including behavior, anxiety, attention, sleep or development, your child’s pediatrician is the best first step. They can rule out physical causes, screen for common conditions and refer you to the right specialist. Many Pennsylvania pediatricians also diagnose and manage ADHD themselves. Not sure who does what? Read pediatrician vs child psychologist vs child psychiatrist.

Browse providers in Pennsylvania by type:

• Pediatricians in Pennsylvania
• Child Psychologists in Pennsylvania
• Child Psychiatrists in Pennsylvania
• All providers in Pennsylvania by city

Paying for care in Pennsylvania

If you have private insurance, call the number on your card to check your mental health benefits, whether you need a referral and whether testing needs prior authorization. Federal parity law means most plans cannot make mental health care harder to access than medical care. Our guide to finding a child psychologist covered by insurance walks you through it.

Children in Pennsylvania may qualify for free or low-cost coverage through Medical Assistance (Pennsylvania’s Medicaid program) and Pennsylvania CHIP. You can check eligibility and find your state’s application at InsureKidsNow.gov. For typical prices, see how much a child psychologist costs.

Babies and toddlers: free early intervention

If your child is under 3 and you are worried about how they are developing, such as their speech, movement, play or social skills, you can contact Early Intervention, the early intervention program for Pennsylvania, directly. You do not need a referral from a doctor, and evaluations are free. Our milestone checker shows what most children do at each age.

School-age children: help through school

From age 3, your local public school district must evaluate children who may have a disability affecting their learning, at no cost to you. Ask in writing for an evaluation. If your child qualifies, they may receive support through an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 plan, which can include counseling, accommodations and classroom support.

Children’s hospitals and specialist care in Pennsylvania

Major pediatric centers include Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP), UPMC Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh, Penn State Health Children’s Hospital in Hershey and St. Christopher’s Hospital for Children. Specialist services such as developmental-behavioral pediatrics, child psychiatry and neuropsychological testing are often based at these centers, and waits can be long, so ask your pediatrician to refer early if they think it is needed.

In Pennsylvania, children with behavioral health needs on Medical Assistance may be able to access additional community-based services through their county behavioral health managed care organization, so ask your pediatrician or county office about local options.

If your child is in crisis

If your child is at risk of harming themselves or others, call or text 988 (the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), go to your nearest emergency department or call 911.

Find providers in Pennsylvania’s largest cities

• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Philadelphia (165 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Pittsburgh (58 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Allentown (15 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in York (14 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Media (12 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Bryn Mawr (11 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Paoli (11 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Reading (11 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Collegeville (10 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Lancaster (10 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in West Chester (9 listed)
• Pediatricians and child psychologists in Wexford (9 listed)

See every city in Pennsylvania.

This guide is general information, not medical advice. Program names and eligibility rules can change, so check official state sources for the latest details.