About Me

I am Dr. Karen Abrams,

a board certified family medicine physician uniquely qualified in medication management of mental and behavioral health issues. Prior to opening my office in Ardmore, PA, I practiced family medicine for 17 years with Main Line Health in Edgemont and Newtown Square, PA, earning the prestigious Main Line “Top Doc” Award.

My areas of clinical expertise include depression and anxiety disorders, ADD, ADHD, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), sleep problems such as insomnia, menstrual mood issues, phobias, and general life stressors.

Currently, I serve clients from Philadelphia and the surrounding suburbs who need access to timely, affordable, quality medication management of behavioral health issues. If you struggle with issues such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disorders and are seeking an initial evaluation or would like another opinion , please call me today at (610) 645-6300 or send an email to info@drkarenabrams.com, or fill out the form above to make an appointment now.

My Journey of Becoming a Family Doctor and Finding My True Passion

In 1987, as a high school senior, I took a leap of faith to enter a combined six year undergraduate/medical school degree program at The Pennsylvania State University and Jefferson Medical College in Philadelphia, to pursue my dream of becoming a doctor. I was fortunate to attend a medical school where the specialty of Family Medicine was respected, and I could focus on my goal of helping children and adults in an outpatient setting.

The biopsychosocial approach to patient care taught during my residency training at Abington Memorial Hospital in Abington, PA, not only laid the groundwork for me to diagnose an illness, but also to focus on how it affects the patient and their family on a personal level.

After 17 successful years of practicing a broad scope of family medicine, I realized that my true passion is helping people with their behavioral health issues, so that the physical issues can be prevented or lessened. The immune system does not function as well under stress; therefore, by minimizing stress, you improve your overall health and well being. Although I had the desire and knowledge to treat many patients in my prior office setting with behavioral health conditions, I never felt like I was able to spend the time that the patient deserved, because I had to accomplish so many other tasks in that same time frame.

Why a Primary Care Doctor or Psychiatrist May Struggle To Meet Your Needs

Sadly, many primary care doctors do not have the time, inclination or medical expertise to treat the most common behavioral health issues such as anxiety, depression, ADD/ADHD, and OCD in a routine office visit.

Often, the patient is referred to a psychiatrist in this situation. Unfortunately, the wait times for psychiatrists can be weeks to months and many do not accept any insurance with expensive self pay rates.

While I do not claim to have the board certification or training of a psychiatrist, I have successfully treated numerous patients for what I call primary care psychiatric needs. In addition, my work at the Devereux Foundation, which serves an adolescent and adult behavioral health population, has furthered my knowledge of complicated medication management.

How We Can Work Together to Bring You Back to Health

My focus is on medication management, and I am happy to work with any therapist or treatment provider you choose. If you are not sure if medication is right for you, I can do a one time evaluation and recommend a therapist suited to your needs. As of now, I take all calls myself, including scheduling of appointments and questions between visits.

I can usually offer an appointment within a few weeks. My intake forms are extensive, but include screening questionnaires that will help me decide on a treatment plan at the first visit.

I have also partnered with Practice Fusion as my secure online electronic medical record, which offers online scheduling access and secure email exchanges through the patient portal should you prefer that route.

I am happy to communicate by email and text messaging for convenience as well when necessary to have a quicker response time. I am proud to participate with some of the regions most common insurance plans including Personal Choice, Keystone Health Plan East, Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Cigna, and Independence Administrators.

You can view my current patient testimonials here. If you are struggling with depression or anxiety and have not received the help you need and deserve, please call me now at (610) 645-6300 or send me an email: info@drkarenabrams.com. I am here to help.

Mental Health Classifications

Phobias

OCD

Insomnia

Depression

ADHD

Anxiety

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