Richard D’Amato: CRNP, PMHMP, MBA
Richard D’Amato is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, educator, autism advocate, and Co-Founder of RiseNow Autism Innovations. Inspired by his personal journey as a father navigating delayed autism diagnosis and fragmented support systems, Richard has dedicated his career to improving access to compassionate, evidence-based autism care for children and families.
With advanced clinical training in psychiatric mental health and autism integrated care, Richard combines medical expertise with lived experience to provide comprehensive, family-centered treatment for children across the autism spectrum and individuals facing a range of psychiatric challenges.
Specialties & Focus Areas
- Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD)
- Early Autism Diagnosis & Intervention
- ADHD / Attention Deficit Disorder
- Anxiety Disorders
- Mood Disorders, including Bipolar Disorder & Depression
- PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders
- Pediatric & Lifespan Psychiatry
- Holistic & Integrative Mental Health Care
- Parent Training & Family Support
Who They Help
Richard works with children, adolescents, and families navigating autism spectrum disorders and psychiatric conditions across the lifespan. He has a particular passion for supporting young children during the critical early diagnosis and intervention years, helping families access answers, resources, and compassionate care more quickly.
He also treats patients experiencing ADHD, anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and other behavioral and mental health concerns.
Treatment Approach
Richard’s approach is rooted in holistic, personalized, and evidence-based care. Drawing from both professional expertise and personal experience as a parent, he understands the emotional and practical challenges families often face when seeking answers and support.
He emphasizes comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, collaborative treatment planning, and family-centered care while integrating interests in genetics, nutrition, and autism-informed mental health strategies. His goal is to empower families with practical guidance, compassionate support, and accessible care solutions.
Professional Background
Richard transitioned into healthcare after a successful engineering career, motivated by a desire to improve autism care for families like his own. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing from Thomas Jefferson University, graduating summa cum laude, before completing his Master of Science in Psychiatric Mental Health Nursing at the University of Pennsylvania.
During his graduate training, Richard specialized in Autism Integrated Care under the mentorship of Dr. Margaret C. Souders and completed hands-on autism spectrum disorder training at the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia.
His nursing and psychiatric experience spans crisis response, inpatient psychiatry, pediatrics, cardiology, and specialized autism services. Prior to co-founding RiseNow Autism Innovations, he worked with organizations including Melmark, Devereux, and Rittenhouse Psychiatric Associates alongside Dr. Chris Pagnani.
Richard also serves as an Instructor at both the University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing and Saint Joseph’s University, where he teaches and advocates for autism education and integrated psychiatric care.
Certifications & Affiliations
- Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
- Licensed to prescribe psychiatric medications in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, New York, and Florida (Telehealth)
- Instructor, University of Pennsylvania School of Nursing
- Instructor, Saint Joseph’s University
- Advanced Training in Autism Integrated Care at University of Pennsylvania
- Clinical Training at Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia (CHOP)
- Co-Founder & Managing Partner, RiseNow Autism Innovations
Locations & Availability
Richard provides psychiatric services and autism-focused care through RiseNow Autism Innovations and affiliated clinical practices. Telehealth services are available in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, Delaware, and Florida.
Email: damato@risenowai.com