Chris Pagnani, MD

Chris Pagnani, MD is the founder of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates and serves as the Medical Director of the practice. He treats adolescents (18+) and adults in his outpatient private practice of psychiatry. In addition to private practice, he serves as an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry (since 2012) and he supervises Psychiatric Residents and young physicians at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital (also since 2012). He provides comprehensive and individualized care for his patients. He is trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder and discreet office-based treatment of addiction. He offers psychiatric evaluations and medication management. He is also able to see patients once for an evaluation, who if appropriate, can be transferred to another provider within Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates for follow-up. He is licensed in CA, DE, FL, MD, NJ, NY, PA & USVI.

He has a strong medical background and often sees individuals who have had multiple diagnosis and/or medical comorbidities that would benefit from a thorough re-evaluation and second opinion. He will work with other providers to coordinate care (including physicians, therapists, dietitians etc.).

College, Medical School, and Residency

Dr. Pagnani graduated from Vanderbilt University where he was awarded the top student in his major and track. He then attended Jefferson Medical College and upon completion was awarded the Bodine Research Award, given to one student each year for their dedication to research. He has published four medical manuscripts and been involved in roughly a dozen abstracts and poster presentations. He has collaborated with researchers at Vanderbilt University, Thomas Jefferson University, The Duke University School of Medicine and the Assiut University Hospital in Egypt. He has presented his research both nationally and internationally.

Following medical school, Dr. Pagnani focused his energy on clinical psychiatry. He completed residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and was asked by the chairman of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences to serve as Chief Resident, which he did during his final year of training. While at Johns Hopkins his training included specialized inpatient units and outpatient clinics for Mood Disorders (MDD & Depression), Anxiety Disorders (GAD, OCD, Panic), Bipolar Affective Disorder (BPAD), Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Alcohol and Opiate Dependence and others.

Post-residency Appointments & Academic Achievements

• Appointed Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medicine where he has lectured medical students on psychopharmacology and mentored young psychiatrists regarding private practice – 2012 to present.
• Supervisor at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for residents training in psychiatry. 2012 to present.
• Served on the Young Professionals Board of Uplift: The Center for Grieving Children. 2019-2022.
• Elected to the Board of Directors for Uplift: The Center for Grieving Children. 2024- Present
• Named “Top Doc” by Suburban Life Magazine of Philadelphia: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024
• Awarded “Top Doc” by Main Line Today Magazine: 2025
• Awarded Patient’s Pick” for Philadelphia Psychiatrists by WebMD. This award is limited to 3 Providers per specialty per city.
• Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. 2012 to present.
• Licensed Physician and Surgeon in PA, NJ, NY, MD, DE, FL, CA and USVI.
• Licensed to provide discreet outpatient treatment for opiate dependence and addiction.
• Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates
• Named a “WebMD Preferred Provider” which recognizes providers committed to transparency, responsiveness and great service to their patients.