Dr. Tara Thompson, DNP
If my career has taught me one thing, it is that mental health is complex and effective care comes from depth, perspective, and not oversimplifying something that was never simple. My journey started in psychotherapy after earning degrees from the University of Pittsburgh and Eastern University. I worked as a therapist supporting people through anxiety, depression, trauma, and life transitions. Those early years taught me the value of real connection, good listening, and showing up like a human being, not a robot with a clipboard.
My approach blends psychiatry, psychotherapy, and integrative wellness, because mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither am I.
Then I realized something, for many people, therapy alone isn’t enough. Some needed care that blended emotional insight and medical expertise, the kind that treats the brain, the body, and the nervous system as one big, interconnected team. So, in true overachiever fashion, I went back to school… again… to become a nurse. I went to nursing school at Drexel University and worked for many years in cardiology and neurology, an experience that ultimately led me back to psychiatry with better tools. That training and experience made something obvious. Mood is rarely just about neurotransmitters. Heart health, hormones, and stress physiology tend to have a lot to say. Spoiler alert..... the brain does not work alone. I went on to complete my Master of Science in Nursing and later my Doctor of Nursing Practice at Drexel University, where I perfected both advanced psychiatric care and the art of caffeine-based survival.
First session
Our first session is focused on understanding you as a whole person, your history, symptoms, stressors, and goals so we can build a plan that actually makes sense for you. I’ll take time to listen, ask questions, and explore both the emotional and medical sides of what’s going on. You can expect me to be warm and collaborative, but also direct. I believe in clear communication, honest feedback, and cutting through the noise to find what truly helps. By the end of our first session, you’ll have a deeper understanding of what’s driving your symptoms, and a realistic, personalized plan for moving forward, one that blends insight, neuroscience, and evidence-based care. We keep things professional, but never sterile. Bring your anxiety, your late-night ChatGPT searches, and your sense of humor. I bring medication expertise, a holistic lens, and a steady, grounded approach. We aim for balance, not perfection, and maybe a little laughter along the way.
Strengths
My approach blends psychiatry, psychotherapy, and integrative wellness, because mental health isn’t one-size-fits-all, and neither am I. I treat the brain and the person attached to it. I’m both warm and direct, I’ll listen, I’ll care, and I’ll also be honest about what works. When it comes to medication, I’m not the “take this and call me never” type. I use meds as one tool in a much bigger plan, adjusting, explaining, and making sure it fits your life, not the other way around. I use medication strategically to make your brain chemistry work for you, not against you. My focus is on safe, evidence-based care that actually helps you function and feel better day to day. Expect evidence-based care with a human touch. We’ll look at everything from your sleep, hormones, and nutrition to your stress levels, coping patterns, and thought habits. If it impacts your brain or mood, it’s on the table, sometimes literally, like your morning coffee or that energy drink that’s definitely not helping your anxiety.
Ideal clients
My practice focuses on helping adults navigate challenges with mood, anxiety, focus, and stress through compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care. Many of my patients describe themselves as capable and high-functioning, yet often feel anxious, overwhelmed, or mentally drained. Others come to me simply knowing something feels off but aren’t sure why. I have a particular clinical interest (and a genuine soft spot) for bipolar spectrum disorders and trauma-related conditions. I’m passionate about helping clients find stability and healing without losing their creativity, drive, or sense of identity. My approach emphasizes careful medication management, education, trauma-informed care, and collaborative planning to achieve balance that’s both sustainable and realistic. I also specialize in mood and anxiety disorders, sleep concerns, and stress-related conditions, especially when symptoms overlap or have resisted past treatment.
Treatment methods
Integrative
My approach to integrative psychiatry centers on treating the whole person, not just symptoms in isolation. Over the years, I’ve found that mental health is rarely just “in your head.” It’s influenced by your biology, sleep, hormones, nutrition, stress response, and the stories you tell yourself about all of it. Clinically, I combine evidence-based psychiatric care with holistic strategies that support overall well-being. That might mean reviewing lab work, optimizing medication, and exploring how lifestyle factors like sleep, gut health, or daily stress patterns affect your mood and focus. I’ve completed advanced training in psychopharmacology and bring a strong foundation in both psychiatry and medical nursing , allowing me to look at the brain and body as one interconnected system. My goal is simple: to create an individualized plan that blends science, self-awareness, and sustainable habits. Integration, to me, means care that’s medically sound, emotionally intelligent, and genuinely human.
Location
Virtual sessions
Identifies as
Top specialties
Serves
Licensed in
- DelawareLicense L8-0000163
- New JerseyLicense 26NJ00893300
- PennsylvaniaLicense SP016645