These conditions can profoundly affect a person's thinking, emotions, and behavior, often making it difficult to discern what's real. We understand the challenges these disorders present, not only to the individuals but also to their families.
We primarily use atypical antipsychotics, a newer class of medications that effectively manage symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. These medications are often preferred due to their lower risk of certain side effects compared to older antipsychotics.
Recognizing that many individuals with psychotic disorders may also experience co-occurring conditions like anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders, we carefully integrate additional medications as needed to address these challenges comprehensively. This holistic approach ensures that we're not just treating one aspect of the disorder but supporting the whole person.
We are also attentive to the side effects that can sometimes accompany antipsychotic medications. Our team monitors each patient closely and can prescribe additional treatments to manage or mitigate these side effects, ensuring the best possible balance between efficacy and comfort.
At Mind Align Psychiatry, under the guidance of Dr. David Danish, our goal is to provide innovative, research-backed psychiatric care that includes therapy, life coaching, and dietetics. We focus on using minimal and effective doses of medications, tailored to each patient's unique needs, to optimize their mental health and overall well-being. We believe in supporting our patients every step of the way, ensuring they have the care and tools needed to manage their conditions effectively.
Joseph Gagnon Jr., CRNP, PMHNP-BC
Joe is a proficient Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with specialized training in treatment-resistant psychosis. His expertise encompasses a broad spectrum of psychotic disorders, including schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, and bipolar disorder with psychotic features. With a deep understanding of these complex conditions, Joe employs a range of advanced therapeutic techniques and medications, tailored to effectively manage and support patients dealing with these challenging mental health issues. His commitment to staying abreast of the latest developments in the field ensures his patients receive comprehensive and cutting-edge care.
Joe specializes in the treatment of ADHD (including in children, teens, adults, older adults, and adult-onset ADHD), Autism Spectrum Disorder, Anxiety Disorders (including OCD), Depression, Movement Disorders (specifically Tardive Dyskinesia and Akathisia), Psychotic Disorders (including early onset Schizophrenia and Schizoaffective Disorder), Bipolar Disorder, and Addictive Disorders (Substance Abuse, Binge Eating Disorder, and Gambling Use Disorder). He has extensive experience in treating both children and adolescents. Additionally, he holds a waiver for completion of specialized training in the use of Medications for Addiction Treatment (MAT) for assisting individuals struggling with Substance Use Disorders. Joe is our Senior Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and he provides weekly supervision sessions with each of our other nurse practitioners.
Joe has nearly two decades of psychiatric experience including inpatient, outpatient, and emergency crisis response center settings. His psychiatric work experience includes positions at Lehigh Valley Health Network, The Horsham Clinic, The University of Pennsylvania Health System (Pennsylvania Hospital and Penn Presbyterian Medical Center), Thomas Jefferson University Health System, Haven Behavioral Hospital of Eastern Pennsylvania, Berkshire Psychiatric, and Penn Psychiatric Center.
In addition to his role as an outpatient psychiatric provider, Joe also has experience presenting nationwide to other prescribers regarding the treatment and diagnosis of Tardive Dyskinesia, Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Schizophrenia, and Bipolar Depression. Joe maintains active adjunct faculty status in the Department of Nursing at Montgomery County Community College where he teaches undergraduate nursing students in both the clinical and classroom setting. Additionally, he has served as a clinical faculty instructor for graduate and doctorate level students at Anderson University, Chamberlain University, Drexel University, Eastern Kentucky University, Herzig University, La Salle University, Liberty University, Maryville University, Montgomery County Community College, Post University, Rocky Mountain University, Spring Arbor University, University of Cincinnati, Walden University, and Wilkes University for students studying to become Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioners.
Joe graduated Summa Cum Laude from Walden University with a Master of Science in Nursing and he is board-certified as a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner to treat across the lifespan by the American Nurses Credentialing Center (ANCC). He is also board-certified by the ANCC as a Psychiatric Registered Nurse. Joe is licensed as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in both PA and NJ. He also has supplemental education in Plant-Based Medicine through Cornell University.
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