Alysia
Cirona-Singh, MD

I developed an early interest in psychology and medicine, and spent time in college and medical school conducting research in the field of eating disorders, with a particular focus on how principles of Intuitive Eating and Health at Every Size might aid recovery from disordered eating. In residency, I was in the child and adolescent psychiatry track, which gave me additional experience and training in working with families and young kids experiencing medical illness as well as childhood mental health problems. Through this, I came to understand and deeply appreciate the central role that the early parent-child relationship has in an individual's later difficulties and resilience.

​

In my last year of residency, I elected to spend time receiving specialized training in the Penn Center for Women's Behavioral Wellness, where I gained experience treating women from preconception, through pregnancy, and in the postpartum period, with both psychotherapy and medication. Following completion of residency, I worked in a community mental health setting, including providing consultation to medically and surgically hospitalized patients, working in a primary care clinic providing both medication and psychotherapy, and as the psychiatrist in an HIV clinic. I continued to hone my expertise in the areas of psychotherapy and women's mental health with additional training and ongoing clinical experience.

​

I recognize the potential opportunities for emotional growth and the profound challenges, both practical and mental, that can arise during the reproductive years of a woman's life, and the incredible psychological impact that becoming a mother often has. I work with people anticipating or adjusting to new parenthood, which often brings issues from one's own early life experiences to the fore in a powerful way, and with people who are experiencing pre- or postpartum depression, anxiety, or other mood disorders. I also provide treatment to people who have experienced birth trauma, pregnancy loss, or are encountering an unexpected medical or developmental problem with their child.

​

In addition to this area of focus, I am well-versed in the assessment and treatment of a broad range of mental health concerns, and treat adult patients of all genders and across the life span. An appreciation of the essential nature of formative, early relationships informs all of my work.