Erica Marden, MD

Erica Marden, MD, grew up in State College and earned her undergraduate degree in engineering from Penn State University’s Schreyer Honors College before completing her medical training at The University of Vermont for medical school, residency and fellowship. She is board certified in adult psychiatry as well as child and adolescent psychiatry, bringing a wealth of expertise to her role at Mount Nittany Medical Center.

Dr. Marden specializes in providing comprehensive care for adults and children with a wide range of mental health concerns. She has a particular interest in helping young adults navigate the challenges of early adulthood and provides compassionate care for mood disorders, psychotic disorders, suicidality, anxiety, trauma and substance use. In addition to her inpatient work with adults, she also treats children on a consultative basis for medical conditions requiring psychiatric care.

Dr. Marden’s approach is rooted in evidence-based care, integrating medication management with therapeutic techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT). She focuses on treatment plans tailored to each patient’s unique needs. Known for her empathetic and collaborative approach to treatment, she aims to hold onto hope for her patients during their most difficult moments. She strives to foster an environment on the inpatient behavioral health unit where patients feel safe to explore their emotions and work toward meaningful, lasting changes in their lives.

She takes great pride in her work with the behavioral health team at Mount Nittany Medical Center, a three-time recipient of the National Press Ganey Guardian of Excellence Award for Patient Experience in Inpatient Behavioral Health in 2023, 2024 and 2025.

Outside of work, Dr. Marden enjoys traveling, swimming, reading and spending quality time with her family.