Welcome to PBS Mental Health

–Your Trusted Mental Health Provider–

Welcome to PBS Mental Health Associates – Conveniently located adjacent to Butler Memorial Hospital, PBS Mental Health Associates is your premier destination for comprehensive psychiatric treatment. We specialize in addressing a wide spectrum of mental health disorders, offering a range of services tailored to meet your unique needs.

Our dedicated team of professionals therapist and physicians delivers expert assessment, medication management, and counseling services for adults, children, families, and couples. We are well-equipped to address various conditions, including but not limited to:

• Mood disorders: From depression to bipolar disease, we provide effective treatment options.
• Anxiety disorders: Our experts are skilled in managing panic, social anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
• Alcohol and drug abuse (Please note that we do not currently offer a suboxone program).
• Family and marital relationship difficulties: We’re here to help you navigate through challenging times.
• Children’s behavior problems: Our specialists offer support and guidance.
• Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder: Trust us to provide comprehensive care.
• Schizophrenia and related conditions: We have the expertise to assist with these complex issues.
• Behavioral consequences of brain diseases: Our team is experienced in addressing conditions such as Alzheimer’s disease and vascular dementia.

At PBS Mental Health Associates, we’re committed to your well-being. We work with most insurance plans, ensuring accessibility to our services. However, please note that we do not accept patients with Medical Assistance plans, including those administered through state-funded commercial insurance.

Experience top-notch mental health care at PBS Mental Health Associates. Your journey to better mental health starts here.

About COVID-19

PBS Mental Health Associates is pleased to announce we are open for in person appointments!

Please adhere to all of the safety precautions. If you are physically sick, please cancel and reschedule and use social distancing measures.

Our hours are Monday – Thursday 8 am – 7 pm and Friday 8 am – 3 pm. We are excited we are open but you now have options. Telemedicine is still an option we fully support. Please discuss which option you want with your clinician. If you have any questions please call our front staff for any scheduling and/or billing issues.

In order to arrange a meeting with one of our staff, please call the office during business hours, between 9 am and 5 pm, Monday through Thursday, and between 9 am and 3 pm Friday at (724) 282‑1627. When you call, here are some of the questions our staff will ask you:

• Your name, age, address, and other identifying information
• A description of the problem for which you are seeking help
• A brief review of your medical history, including your current medications
• Insurance information
• The name of an emergency contact person

Except in the case of children and the very elderly, we ask that you make the initial call for an appointment for yourself, rather than to have a family member do it for you. However, if you are seeking treatment for several family members, any family member can make the initial call.

Please plan to arrive 10 to 15 minutes prior to the time of your first appointment in order to complete the necessary paperwork. You should bring along the following information:

• Your insurance cards
• A list of your current medications (if any)
• The name of your primary care physician
• A list of previous mental health treatment (if any)

Prior to meeting the clinician, you will be asked to sign a consent to treatment and some other paperwork, to complete a medical questionnaire, and to review for accuracy the information that we obtained from you on the telephone when you arranged for the appointment. You might wish to complete the Medical Questionnaire ahead of time. You can have a look at it now by clicking on the highlighted link. If you wish, you can print up a copy of the questionnaire and fill it out before you arrive at the office, so that there will be less to do on the day of your first appointment. You may also wish to fill out one other brief form ahead of time by clicking here: Financial Policy.

In the first session, your clinician will ask you quite a few questions about your current problems and the history of those problems. The clinician will also ask about your medical history and will inquire about your past personal history in order to obtain a more complete understanding of the context in which your problems have arisen. Your clinician will then discuss with you how we can help you and will suggest what might be the next steps. Your clinician may suggest a particular kind of counseling, a certain medication, a more general medical evaluation, or perhaps referral for other special services. It is important that you feel free to express any ideas or preferences you have about treatment, because treatment is likely to be more effective if it is consistent with your point of view.

Download Forms:
Medical Questionnaire
Financial Policy

John H. Soffietti, MD

Dr. Soffietti has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 1984. He is a graduate of Syracuse University and attended SUNY Upstate Medical center, where he received his medical degree. Dr. Soffietti completed his internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh and is board certified in General Psychiatry. Following the retirement of founder F. Gordon Foster, MD in 2002. Soffietti and Dr. Handler have served as managing partners of PBS Mental Health Associates. Dr. Soffietti has a range of clinical interests.

Ira S. Handler, MD

Dr. Handler has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 1991. He is a graduate of the School of Medicine at the State University of New York, Buffalo. Dr. Handler completed an internship and residency at the University of Pittsburgh, as well as a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry. He is board certified in Psychiatry by the American Board, with Added Qualifications in Geriatric Psychiatry. His practice includes outpatient care, and long-term care consultation. Dr. Handler’s practice also includes collaborative clinical work with our group’s psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants.

Dr. Handler’s special interests are in geriatric psychiatric and medical-psychiatric disorders.

Jennifer L. Wildpret, DO.

Dr. Wildpret started with PBS Mental Health Associates in September 2011. She is a graduate of Bethany College and attended the West Virginia School of Osteopathic Medicine, where she received her Doctor of Osteopathy degree. Dr. Wildpret completed a one-year rotating internship at Ohio Valley Medical Center in West Virginia and then went on to complete her residency education at Wake Forest University Baptist Medical Center, where she also completed a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Wildpret is board certified in general psychiatry, as well as in child and adolescent psychiatry. Dr. Wildpret enjoys working directly with kids, teens, and adults, as well as doing collaborative clinical work with our group’s psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Dr. Wildpret believes her training in osteopathic medicine is a natural fit in psychiatry, and she incorporates a mind-body-spirit approach to health and well-being.

Kelli Ruby, DO.

Dr. Ruby has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2018. She attended Gannon University, then obtained a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine degree from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. She completed residency at University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMMS) – Baystate and is board certified in General Psychiatry. Although she has a special interest in perinatal mood and anxiety disorders, she treats a variety of conditions in adults. Patients can expect a collaborative, patient centered approach from Dr. Ruby. She works closely with our PBS therapists to coordinate care for shared patients, and collaborates with our nurse practitioners and physician assistants, as well.

Dr. Ruby offers in person and virtual appointments. Dr. Ruby practices at both the Butler and Fox Chapel offices.

Randon C. Simmons, MD.

Dr. Simmons is a graduate of the University of Michigan and received a medical degree from the University of Pittsburgh. He completed a four-year combined internship and residency in General and Child Psychiatry at Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic. He is board certified in General Psychiatry, as well as in Child/Adolescent Psychiatry. Dr. Simmons serves as Medical Director of the Assertive Community Treatment Team, and he will be be seeing outpatients at both the PBS and Family Services sites. His primary areas of interest include child, adolescent, and young adult psychiatry, as well as individuals with intellectual disabilities.

LICENSED CLINICAL SOCIAL WORKERS

Mary Kay Kelly, LCSW

Ms. Kelly has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2002. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of PA. She received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. She works full time with adults with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety and bereavement.

Jennifer McConnell, LCSW

Ms. McConnell has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2014. She obtained a master’s degree from Edinboro University and has worked in psychiatry since 2009. Ms. McConnell works with children, adolescents, and adults who have a variety of mental health concerns, including depression and anxiety, in particular.

Michael Moyeroff, LCSW, DBT

Mr. Moyeroff has been associated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2001. He received a master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh and is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania. He is also Linehan Board of Certification, Certified Clinician. He works part-time with adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, and anger management. He is also employed at Staunton Clinic, in Sewickley.

Bethany Snoke, LCSW

Ms. Snoke has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since the spring of 2018. She is a licensed clinical social worker in the state of Pennsylvania and received her master’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh. Ms. Snoke focuses her practice on supporting individuals in living fuller and healthier lives by working on overcoming and processing past trauma. She is well experienced in working with adults with severe mental illness as well as supporting children and families through conflict resolution by developing healthier relationships. She works with adults and children who have a variety of emotional and psychological concerns.

Meghan Keasey, LCSW

Ms. Keasey has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2020 and is licensed by the state of Pennsylvania. She obtained her master’s degree from Edinboro University and has been working in the mental health and developmental services field since 2004. Ms. Keasey has a background in maternal mental health, child and adolescent mental health, substance abuse, and relationship counseling.

Tracy Lachendro, LSW

Tracy has been with PBS since 2021. She obtained her Master’s degree in social work from the University of Pittsburgh in 2007 and is licensed in the state of PA. Tracy works part-time with adolescents and adults with a variety of mental health concerns, such as grief, depression, and anxiety.

LICENSED PROFESSIONAL COUNSELORS

Ruthane M. Durso, MA

Ms. Durso has been associated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2004. She has also been employed by Butler Memorial Hospital as a clinical social worker and supervisor since 1995. She received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in psychology from Geneva College and is licensed as a Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania. She also holds a national certification as a counselor and is a Certified Addictions Counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. Ms. Durso treats individuals with a variety of mental health problems, including depression, anxiety, and adjustment disorder.

Ann Loper, MA

Ms. Loper has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2006. She graduated from Slippery Rock University with a Master’s degree in counseling. She is a licensed professional counselor in Pennsylvania. Ms. Loper treats a variety of mental health issues, including substance abuse. She also conducts bariatric and spinal cord stimulator evaluations.

Robert Miller, MA

Mr. Miller has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2013. He obtained a master’s degree from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Mr. Miller works with adults who have a variety of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety and anger management.

Jihan Allay, MA LMFT

Ms. Allay has been associated with PBS since 2019. She graduated from Seton Hill University with a master’s in marriage and family therapy and is a licensed marriage and family therapist in the state of PA. She is certified in trauma focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT). Jihan is a systemic therapist who works with children, adolescents and adults who have a variety of mental health concerns. She also enjoys working with families and couples to help improve communication and strengthen relationships

Deborah L. Solari, MEd

Ms. Solari has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 1986. She is mastered prepared in Education and Counseling and is a licensed professional counselor in the state of Pennsylvania. She provides psychotherapy to individuals with a variety of emotional and psychological issues. She also see patients with relationship communication problems and has recently expended her practice skills to include the treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder.

Sarah Cho, MA

Sarah has been affiliated with PBS since 2022. Sarah earned her Master’s Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Boston College. She has a focused experience with children and adults who have experienced trauma and attachment disruptions. Her areas of interest include: anxiety, depression, trauma, grief, perinatal as well as postpartum mental health, and relational difficulties, especially in martial and family relationships. Sarah believes in coming along clients through genuine connection and collaborative effort to support them on their path to healing, helping them gain insight and learn healthy ways to cope and resolve conflicts.

Jessica Slupe, MA, LPC

Ms. Slupe has been with PBS since February 2023. She earned her Bachelor’s degree from Thiel College and Master’s degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling from Slippery Rock University. Jess is a licensed professional counselor in the state of PA and is certified as an Elementary & Secondary School Counselor in PA. Jess has experience with Intensive Outpatient Programs working with young children and adolescents with ADHD and ODD. She believes in providing clients a safe place to express emotions, experience connection, and receive compassionate collaboration towards their goals. Jess works with children and adults of all ages to help them navigate a range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, adjustment disorders and other concerns.

Amy Wieder, LPC

Ms. Wieder is a Licensed Professional Counselor in PA. She earned her Masters of Science Degree in Mental Health Counseling from Walden University. Her background is in Crisis Intervention and Inpatient Behavioral Health. She specializes in depression, anxiety, trauma co- occurring disorder, grief and improving interpersonal relationships. She enjoys working with later Adolescence through adult patient. She wants to empower people to move past their dark places and come through on the other side with a healthy understanding of their worth so that they can recognize the happiness that is around them.

CLINICAL SPECIALISTS

Joyce Cicco, RN, MSN, CS

Joyce Cicco has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 1994. She completed a master’s degree at the University of Pittsburgh and is certified as a Clinical Nurse Specialist in Adult Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing by the American Nurses Association. She utilizes cognitive-behavior therapy in the treatment of adults with a variety of mental health problems, including depression and anxiety disorders. In addition to her work with PBS Mental Health Associates, she was Professor of Nursing at Butler County Community College teaching Psychiatric Nursing, as well as to hold the position of Interim Dean of Nursing and Allied Health, until 2004.

NURSE PRACTITIONERS

Jennifer Angert, RN, CRNP

Jennifer Angert has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2007. She obtained a master’s degree in nursing from the University of Pittsburgh. She is board certified as an adult psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. She has worked in psychiatry for over a decade. She practices in collaboration with our group’s psychiatrist and see adults in a variety of settings, including outpatient office and assisted living facilities.

Stacy Burka, DNP, CRNP

Ms. Burka has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2016. She obtained a doctoral degree in nursing practice from Robert Morris University. Ms. Burka is board certified as a psychiatric nurse practitioner and sees people across the lie span. She works with children, adolescents, and adults who have mental health disorders, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, and other behavioral health issues. Ms. Burka is additionally board certified as a family nurse practitioner; she believes that her additional training in the medical aspects of care allow her to better treat each person as a whole.

PHYSICIAN ASSISTANTS

Mandy Claypoole, PA-C

Mandy Claypoole has been affiliated with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2005. She completed her PA degree at Gannon University in 2002 and a master’s degree from the University of Nebraska in 2003. Mandy worked at Renal Endocrine Associates of Pittsburgh before joining PBS Mental Health Associates. She treats adults with a variety of mental health problems on an outpatient basis. In addition to her work at PBS Mental Health Associates, Mandy see patients at the Community Health Center.

ADMINISTRATIVE STAFF

Tammy Toy

Tammy has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2000. Recently she has become office manager of PBS Mental Health Associates.

Cindy Smith

Cindy has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2021. She works full time in the front office on the evening shift.

Kathy McKissick

Kathy has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2003. She is part of the back office staff and assists our billing company with nursing home billing. She will also be glad to help you with any problems that cannot be resolved by calling our billing company.

Heather Noullet

Heather has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2002. She is part of the front desk staff and oversees your mental health coverage with your insurance company. She will be happy to assist you in finding out about your benefits.

Tammy Roudybush

Tammy has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2018. She works full time in the front office.

Emily Porter

Emily has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2022. She is working in the front office at the Fox Chapel location.

Pamela Phelan

Pamela has been with PBS Mental Health Associates since 2023. She is working in the front office at the Fox Chapel location.

Listed below are links to some useful information, as well as to some particularly important policies that we follow.

If you have questions about any of these issues, please contact our office, at (724) 282‑1627.

OUR CANCELLATION POLICY

We ask that you contact us at least 24 hours in advance if you need to cancel an appointment. If you are unable to do so or fail to keep a scheduled appointment, a fee of $75 will be added to your account.

REQUESTS FOR NEW PRESCRIPTIONS

We are happy to telephone a re-authorization of your prescription to the pharmacy of your choice. Please call or stop by the office during normal working hours on Mondays, Tuesdays, or Wednesdays for this purpose. As soon as the doctor reviews your chart, we will contact your pharmacy. This process generally takes about 48 hours. If you have not been seen in the office within the past six months, you will be asked to schedule an appointment before your prescription can be renewed.

OUR PRIVACY POLICY

The content of your treatment with our group is entirely confidential, except in very rare circumstances, as defined by state and federal law. This link takes you to a document that describes our privacy policy in detail. Click here to download or print our privacy policy.

RELEASE OF INFORMATION

If you would like us to send information about your treatment to another practitioner or agency, please print out and complete a Release of Information form, a copy of which is available here. After you fill out and sign the form, have your signature witnessed, and return the form to our office, we will send the requested information to the recipient indicated on the form.

AMERICAN PSYCHIATRIC ASSOCIATION. Useful information about mental health issues.

AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION. Useful information about mental health issues.

NATIONAL INSTITUTE OF MENTAL HEALTH. Useful information about mental health issues.

Health Care Insurance Information

Sometimes, health insurance policies feel like they’re written in a foreign language. You read them and wonder, “What in the world does that mean?” Understanding basic medical insurance terms is important-especially if you’re shopping for a new policy. That knowledge can help you pick the plan that best fits your needs and may save you money. Heathcare.gov provides plain-language definitions of many health insurance terms. You’ll find a list of terms at healthcare.gov/glossary.

You can also read definitions of some basic for terms below.

• Premium. The monthly amount you pay for insurance
• Coverage. The health services your plan will pay for.
• Deductible. The amount you’re required to pay for medical care each year before your insurance begins to pay. If you have a deductible of $1,000, you’ll pay $1,000 out of pocket for covered health services before your insurance pays anything. The deductible may not apply to all services.
• Co-pay. This is short for co-payment. It’s a set dollar amount ($15, for example) you pay each time you see a provider, get a prescription or use another covered health service. Your co-pay can vary, depending on your plan and the type of service you get. Your insurance company pays the rest of the bill up to the amount allowed by your plan.
• Allowed amount. The most your plan will pay for certain health care services. If your health care provider charge is more than your insurance will pay, you may have to pay the difference.
• Co-insurance. The percentage of the cost of a service that you must pay after you’ve met your deductible. A common co-insurance ration is 80-to-20. In other words, insurance pays 80 percent of the allowed amount for the service and you pay 20 percent.
• Formulary. A list of prescription drugs that your health plan or prescription plan will cover. It’s also called a drug list.
• In-network/out-of-network. Providers-hospitals, doctors, specialist and therapist, for example-who accept your health insurance are called in ­network providers. Ones that don’t are called out-of-network providers. It typically costs you more to see out-of-network providers, so check carefully to see if the health care providers you use or are considering using are in­network or out-of-network.

You can reach us during normal business hours by calling (724) 282‑1627. Active patients in our practice will be able to reach the doctor on call in an emergency using the number (724) 282‑1627.

If you wish to send us a fax, our fax number is (724) 282-4810. Our fax machine is monitored during regular working hours only.