Dr. Andrew Collins is a psychiatrist with extensive clinical experience working with adolescents and adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). He has practiced in inpatient psychiatric units, outpatient clinics, and community-based programs, providing comprehensive mental health care to individuals with complex needs. Dr. Collins is recognized for his thoughtful, patient-centered approach and his ability to collaborate closely with families, caregivers, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure continuity of care and long-term stability.
Dr. Collins earned his Doctor of Medicine degree from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine, where he developed a strong interest in neurodevelopmental psychiatry and behavioral health. He completed his undergraduate studies in Psychology at University of California, Berkeley, focusing on cognitive development and mental health research. His residency training emphasized evidence-based psychiatric treatment, ethical care delivery, and coordinated services for individuals with developmental disabilities.
Dr. Collins specializes in psychiatric evaluation and long-term treatment planning for individuals with IDD, including mood disorders, anxiety disorders, behavioral challenges, and co-occurring psychiatric conditions. His work includes diagnostic clarification, medication management, and behavioral support strategies tailored to each patient’s cognitive abilities and communication style. He places particular emphasis on reducing crisis episodes and improving emotional regulation through structured, individualized care plans.
Dr. Collins believes that people with intellectual disabilities often face barriers to accessing high-quality psychiatric care. His motivation comes from a commitment to equity, dignity, and inclusion within mental health systems. He is passionate about creating supportive environments where patients feel understood and respected. For him, working in the IDD field means advocating for comprehensive care models that address both psychiatric needs and overall quality of life for patients and their families.
Dr. Collins actively supports community-based mental health initiatives focused on individuals with IDD and their families, with particular attention to programs aligned with OPWDD services. He collaborates with multidisciplinary teams that integrate psychiatric care with educational, therapeutic, and social support models. A significant part of his work involves contributing to programs that create meaningful activities for adults with learning disabilities, helping patients build structure, routine, and social engagement in their daily lives. Through these initiatives, Dr. Collins promotes early intervention, family education, and long-term treatment strategies that extend beyond clinical settings. He firmly believes that strong community partnerships and well-designed support systems are essential for improving long-term outcomes and ensuring individuals with IDD receive consistent, compassionate, and life-enhancing mental health care.
