Chris Pagnani, MD

Chris Pagnani, MD, is the Founder and Medical Director of Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates and Fine Tune Psychiatry, the Co-Founder of RiseNow Autism Innovations, an Instructor at The Johns Hopkins Hospital for the Department of Psychiatry and a Supervisor for medical residents at Jefferson University Hospital. He is board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. He maintains an outpatient psychiatric practice for adults, and has a longstanding commitment to education, research, and expanding mental health access and awareness.

Dr. Pagnani has received numerous “Top Doc” awards in Psychiatry, has appeared on Good Day Philadelphia and Positively Philly discussing various mental health topics, has provided expert commentary for media outlets such as Discover Magazine, KYW News Radio, Newsweek, Newsbreak and POPSUGAR. Commentary has additionally appeared in the Philadelphia Inquirer and other local publications.

Specialties & Focus Areas

• Mood disorders (major depressive disorder, bipolar affective disorder)
• Anxiety disorders (generalized anxiety, OCD, panic disorder)
• Adult ADHD
• Addiction and Substance Use Disorders
• De-prescribing and tapering benzodiazepines and other psychiatric medications
• Complex cases, multiple diagnoses, and second opinions

Who They Help

Dr. Pagnani works with adolescents (18+) and adults, with particular strength in evaluating individuals who have received multiple diagnoses or have complex medical comorbidities that warrant a thorough re-evaluation. He also coordinates care with physicians, therapists, and dietitians to support a team-based approach.

Treatment Approach

Dr. Pagnani provides comprehensive, individualized psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and second opinions. He is known for his thoroughness and his ability to synthesize complex clinical pictures into clear, actionable treatment plans.

Professional Background

Dr. Pagnani graduated from Vanderbilt University as the top student in his major and track, then earned his medical degree from Jefferson Medical College, where he received the Bodine Research Award. He completed his psychiatry residency at The Johns Hopkins Hospital and was invited by the department chair to serve as Chief Resident. He has published several medical manuscripts and presented research nationally and internationally in collaboration with Vanderbilt, Thomas Jefferson, Duke, and Assiut University Hospital. Since 2012, he has served as an Instructor at Johns Hopkins and a supervisor of psychiatric residents at Thomas Jefferson University Hospital. He is also Founder and Medical Director of Fine Tune Psychiatry and Co-Founder of RiseNow Autism Innovations, and runs a YouTube channel with over 3 million views dedicated to mental health education.

Certifications & Affiliations

• Board Certified, American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (2012–Present)
• Instructor, The Johns Hopkins Hospital School of Medicine (2012–Present)
• Supervisor, Thomas Jefferson University Hospital, Department of Psychiatry (2012–Present)
• Board of Directors, Uplift: The Center for Grieving Children (2024–Present)
• “Top Doctor,” Philadelphia Magazine: 2025
• “Top Doctor,” Castle Connolly: 2025, 2026
• “Top Doc,” Main Line Today Magazine: 2024, 2025
• “Top Doc,” Suburban Life Magazine: 2021, 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025
• WebMD “Patient’s Choice” for Philadelphia Psychiatrists. An award limited to 3 providers per specialty per city: 2024, 2025.
• WebMD Preferred Provider: 2024, 2025, 2026
• “Three Best Psychiatrists” in Philadelphia, ThreeBestRated: 2022, 2023, 2024, 2025, 2026

Locations & Availability

Dr. Pagnani offers in-office appointments at our Philadelphia and Main Line offices, and other locations. He is a licensed physician in California, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania and the U.S. Virgin Islands and additionally provides telehealth services throughout these areas.