About Matias Massaro, DNP
I am Matias Massaro, DNP, the clinician behind Cognia. My training includes a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry from Vanderbilt University and a degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Buenos Aires.
In our work together, I want to understand your story, your daily life, and what matters to you.
My Training and Background
I hold a Doctor of Nursing Practice in Psychiatry from Vanderbilt University, where I received the Outstanding Student award in 2020, and a degree in Clinical Psychology from the University of Buenos Aires. My training includes over 10 years of clinical experience in mental health settings, specialized psychopharmacology training, and ongoing study of psychological approaches to medication management.
This educational path wasn't accidental. I deliberately sought training that would let me bridge the gap between "talk therapy" and "medication management," two domains that too often operate in isolation. My dual perspective helps me recognize when symptoms need medical intervention, when they need psychological exploration, and when they need both.
I maintain active licensure in Washington State and stay engaged with both psychiatric and psychological research. This continued learning ensures my patients receive care informed by current knowledge while grounded in timeless therapeutic principles.
What to Expect Working with Me
In our sessions, I may ask different or more questions than other psychiatric clinicians. Beyond symptoms and side effects, I'm curious about your past, your present, your relationships, your activities, what brings you joy, what brings you meaning. I want to know about your family dynamics, not just your family history of mental illness. These conversations reveal patterns that pure symptom checklists miss.
I see my role as your thinking partner in this process. You bring invaluable knowledge about your own life and experiences. I bring clinical training, pattern recognition, and familiarity with what helps. Together, we figure out what makes sense for your specific situation.
Our appointments are unhurried: 30, 60, or 90 minutes for follow-ups, 60 to 90 minutes for initial evaluations. This gives us space for real conversation alongside practical treatment planning. Many patients tell me they appreciate finally having time to be heard, not just medicated.
I stay current with psychiatric research while recognizing that data alone doesn't capture human complexity. Every person who walks through my virtual door brings a unique story that deserves individualized attention, not a one-size-fits-all protocol.
My Philosophy of Care
I take time to understand before prescribing. When medication makes sense, I explain my reasoning, what to expect, and how we will monitor its effects together.
Mentorship and Continued Growth
Teaching feeds my passion for this field. I regularly mentor students who are pursuing psychiatric specialization. Their questions keep me sharp and their fresh perspectives often illuminate new angles on familiar challenges.
I also provide consultation to other clinicians navigating complex cases, particularly those involving the intersection of medication and psychotherapy. These collaborations enrich my own understanding while supporting colleagues in delivering more integrated care. The psychiatric field benefits when we share knowledge rather than working in silos.
My commitment to learning never stops. I'm constantly reading psychiatric literature, attending conferences, and engaging with new research. This isn't just professional obligation; I genuinely find the evolving understanding of mental health fascinating.
The Person Behind the Practice
When I'm not immersed in psychiatric journals or seeing patients, you might find me attempting to tire out my two corgis (a mostly futile endeavor: their energy seems infinite). Pickles and Bagel remind me daily that joy often comes from simple pleasures and that sometimes the best therapy is a good walk.
I read voraciously about psychiatry and psychology, always searching for new perspectives on old problems. I also enjoy playing some of my favorite strategy video games like Baldur's Gate or Fire Emblem. I value authentic connections over surface interactions, whether with patients, colleagues, or friends.
My approach to this work comes from both professional conviction and personal belief that everyone deserves comprehensive care that honors their full experience. Mental health treatment should never feel like an assembly line. Each person I work with deserves the time, attention, and thoughtfulness I'd want for my own family members.
These interests and values inform how I practice. When I'm with a patient, I'm fully present, bringing both my clinical knowledge and my genuine curiosity about what makes each person unique.