Thoughtful care. Meaningful connection.

Founder & Psychiatrist

Patrick W. Shields, MD

Board-Certified Adult Psychiatrist with a Special Interest in Adolescent Psychiatry

Dr. Patrick W. Shields is the founder of Shields Psychiatry. He earned his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University and completed his psychiatry residency at St. Luke's University Health Network. Following residency, he remained at St. Luke's as a full-time outpatient psychiatrist, caring for patients with anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, ADHD, trauma-related conditions, and other complex mental health concerns.

Dr. Shields believes every patient is unique. He takes time to listen, understand each patient's goals, and develop a tailored treatment plan. His approach may include evidence-based medication management, psychotherapy, and lifestyle interventions, with an emphasis on lasting improvements and ongoing support.

While Dr. Shields primarily treats adults, he also welcomes adolescents and has a special interest in adolescent mental health.

Outside of psychiatry, Dr. Shields enjoys spending time with his wife and daughter and being active in the local community. He founded Shields Psychiatry to create a practice where patients feel comfortable, never rushed, and genuinely cared for.

Registered Nurse

Marissa Shields, BSN, RN

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (Incoming)

Marissa Shields is a Registered Nurse with more than eight years of experience and is completing her Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner training at Thomas Jefferson University. Previously, she served as Clinical Coordinator of a 34-bed oncology unit at St. Luke's, where she cared for medically complex patients and developed extensive experience in clinical leadership, teaching and mentoring, and unit operations.

Marissa has been recognized with the St. Luke's Nursing Excellence Award. Her experience supporting patients with cancer and their families inspired her transition into psychiatry and strengthened her commitment to compassionate, evidence-based care and meaningful therapeutic relationships.

Her graduate training includes experience in varied psychiatric settings, and she has also served as a clinical instructor and preceptor. Marissa works alongside Dr. Shields and will provide care for adolescents and adults.