Brooke Wacker, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatry

Brooke Wacker, PMHNP-BC

Psychiatry in Port St. Joe, FL

(65 reviews)

Brooke PMHNP-BC is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at Mindpath in Ocoee, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under... Read More Below

Accepting New Patients
Professional Details

Brooke PMHNP-BC is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at Mindpath in Ocoee, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her expertise lies in the specialized management of complex mental and behavioral conditions in older adults, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, safely prescribing and managing medications while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. She is committed to serving older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (352) 619-1056 to schedule an appointment.

Brooke's approach to care is holistic and person-centered, reflecting her belief that everyone is doing their best with the knowledge they have. She provides support and education to help individuals learn and implement new tools and strategies on their journey. Alongside medication management, Brooke is interested in alternative and complementary modalities, including breathwork, hypnosis, and Reiki. She is certified in hypnosis and Reiki and is currently working on her breathwork facilitator certification. Raised in Hawai'i, Brooke believes in incorporating all parts of the person into their healing journey. Her compassionate and empathetic nature, and her commitment to building a strong rapport with patients, creates a safe and judgment-free environment. She enjoys reading, being outside with nature and water, and spending time with her loved ones. Brooke is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Brooke PMHNP-BC provides consultations primarily in English.

A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Brooke PMHNP-BC is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.

Dr. Brooke, a PMHNP-BC, is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey. She provides comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care, expertly managing mental and behavioral conditions like depression and anxiety while safely prescribing and monitoring medications. Her person-centered approach prioritizes understanding individual needs and goals, fostering collaboration with primary care physicians and family members to create a cohesive and supportive care plan that maximizes well-being and independence.

By working together, you, your family, and Brooke PMHNP-BC can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.

Specific Plans Accepted

Aetna
    Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
      Commercial HMO
        Commercial PPO
          Commercial Plans
            Employers Health Network
              Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
                Florida Blue
                  Humana
                    Medicare Advantage HMO
                      Medicare Advantage PPO
                        Oxford Health Plans
                          Premera Blue Cross
                            UnitedHealthCare

                              Also Accepts These Carriers

                              • AARP Medicare Advantage
                              • AARP Medicare Supplement Plan A
                              • Advantage65 - Premier Select B & D (Medicare Supplement)
                              • Advantage65 - Select B & D (Medicare Supplement)
                              • Advantage65 - Select E (Medicare Supplement)
                              • Aetna Choice (Aetna HealthFund) POS II
                              • Aetna Student Health
                              • Aexcel Choice POS II
                              • Affordable Health Choices limited benefits insurance plan (SRC only)
                              • All Savers
                              • Allegiance
                              • Arizona Open Choice PPO
                              • AvMed
                              • Avmed Commercial Plan
                              • Bankers Life and Casualty
                              • Behavioral Health Systems
                              • Blue Access PPO
                              • Blue Cross Blue Shield
                              • Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
                              • Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
                              • Blue High Performance Network HPN
                              • Blue Options Predictable Cost
                              • Blue Select Gold 1535
                              • BlueCare (HMO) with Pediatric Vision HMO
                              • BlueCare (HMO) with Pediatric Vision and Dental HMO
                              • BlueCare HMO
                              • BlueChoice
                              • BlueMedicare / BlueMedicare Group PPO
                              • BlueMedicare Choice PPO
                              • BlueMedicare Classic Miami-Dade HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Classic Plus HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Classic excluding Miami-Dade HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Complete HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Patriot PPO
                              • BlueMedicare Premier Miami-Dade HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Premier excluding Miami-Dade HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Saver HMO
                              • BlueMedicare Select PPO
                              • BlueOptions
                              • BlueOptions Health & Dental - Health
                              • BlueOptions Hospital Surgical Plus
                              • BlueOptions Temporary Insurance
                              • BlueOptions with Pediatric Vision
                              • BlueOptions with Pediatric Vision and Dental
                              • BlueSelect
                              • BlueSelect Hospital Surgical Plus
                              • BlueSelect Temporary Insurance
                              • BlueSelect with Pediatric Vision
                              • BlueSelect with Pediatric Vision and Dental
                              • Bronze Value
                              • CIGNA HealthCare of Florida
                              • CVS Health HMO
                              • Carelon
                              • Carelon Employer Health Plans
                              • Central Florida Network HMO
                              • Choice (Aetna HealthFund) POS
                              • Choice Care (Humana)
                              • Choice Care HMO
                              • Choice Care Network PPO
                              • Choice Fund OA Plus
                              • Choice Fund OA Plus WITH CareLink
                              • Choice Fund Open Access Plus
                              • Choice Fund PPO
                              • Choice POS
                              • Choice POS (POS)
                              • Choice Plus HAS
                              • Choice Plus PPO
                              • ChoiceCare Network PPO
                              • Choicecare Plus Network PPO
                              • Cigna
                              • Cigna Connect Network EPO
                              • Commercial POS
                              • Connecticut General Life Insurance
                              • Devoted Health Medicare Advantage
                              • Dual Complete
                              • Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
                              • Employee Plans
                              • Federal Employee Program
                              • Florida Blue HMO
                              • Freedom
                              • Gatorcare
                              • Gold Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded
                              • Gold Medicare HMO
                              • Gold Plus (Medicare) HMO
                              • HMO Premier HMO
                              • Health First FL Silver Savings
                              • Health Network Only (HNOnly)
                              • Health Network Only (Open Access)
                              • Health Network Option Open Access
                              • HealthCare Seamless Network - Florida HMO
                              • HealthFund Health Network Option (Open Access)
                              • HealthFund HealthNetworkOnly (Open Access)
                              • Humana Behavioral Health
                              • Humana PPO
                              • HumanaOpen Access EPO
                              • HumanaOpen Access Plus EPO
                              • HumanaPreferred OpenAccess POS
                              • IND On Exchange HMO
                              • Inc. - Central Florida Select
                              • Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
                              • Individual ON/OFF Exchange HMO
                              • Individual Under 65
                              • Innovation Health POS
                              • Innovation Health PPO
                              • LocalPlus
                              • Lucent Health Network
                              • MVP Insurance
                              • Magellan Healthcare
                              • Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
                              • Managed Choice POS
                              • Medicare
                              • Medicare Advantage
                              • Medicare Advantage PFFS
                              • Medicare Advantage POS
                              • Medicare Assure D-SNP HMO
                              • Medicare Choice Plan HMO-POS
                              • Medicare Eagle Plan (Medicare Advantage) PPO
                              • Medicare Premier Plan PPO
                              • Medicare Premier Plus Plan PPO
                              • Medicare Select Plan HMO
                              • Medicare Supplement A
                              • Miami Dade Blue
                              • National EPO
                              • National POS - OpenAccess Plus POS
                              • National POS – Open Access POS
                              • Neighborhood Health Partnership (NHP) HMO
                              • NetworkBlue
                              • NexusACO OA
                              • OA Plus
                              • OCPS Plan
                              • Open Access
                              • Open Access Aetna Select
                              • Open Access Aetna Select (Aetna HealthFund)
                              • Open Access Elect Choice (Aetna HealthFund) EPO
                              • Open Access HMO
                              • Open Access Managed Choice (Aetna HealthFund) POS
                              • Open Access Plus
                              • Open Choice (Aetna HealthFund) PPO
                              • Preferred Care Partners Medicare Advantage
                              • Preferred Medicare Medicare Advantage
                              • Preferred PPO
                              • Preferred Patient Care
                              • Preferred Savings Medicare Medicare Advantage
                              • QPOS
                              • S&S Healthcare
                              • Select
                              • Select HMO
                              • Select Overseas
                              • Silver 2-Individual On Exchange HMO
                              • Silver E Value
                              • SimplyBlue
                              • Student Health Insurance
                              • SureFit South Florida
                              • Surest
                              • TRICARE Prime Remote
                              • TRICARE Reserve Select
                              • TRICARE Retired Reserve
                              • TRICARE Select
                              • Tricare
                              • True Choice Core Medicare
                              • True Choice Medicare Advantage PPO
                              • Virtual First Health Care Plan
                              • Voluntary Plans
                              • WPS Employee Group
                              • Young Adult Select
                              • myBlue Connected Care
                              • myBlue HMO
                              • myBlue with Pediatric Vision
                              • myBlue with Pediatric Vision and Adult Dental
                              • myBlue with Pediatric Vision and Dental

                              Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Brooke PMHNP-BC provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:

                              • Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizophreniform disorder is a shorter-term version of schizophrenia, while schizoaffective disorder combines schizophrenia's symptoms with those of bipolar disorder or depression; both conditions respond well to treatment, enabling better emotional well-being and a higher quality of life.
                              • Dissociative Identity Disorder: While uncommon in later life, DID can be treated with therapies designed to help individuals integrate their sense of self and address related emotional distress, providing a path to improved quality of life under a psychiatrist's care.
                              • Bereavement: While grieving the loss of a loved one is a normal part of life, prolonged or intense bereavement can significantly impact your mental health. A psychiatrist can help determine if professional support is needed to lessen the impact and restore a sense of normalcy.
                              • Manic Disorder: Manic disorder, a phase of bipolar disorder, is marked by periods of intense mood elevation, increased energy, and risky behaviors, and is effectively managed with medication and therapy to improve stability and well-being.
                              • Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): If you're preoccupied with a perceived physical flaw that affects your daily life, you might have BDD; thankfully, treatments like therapy and medication are available to help manage this condition and improve your quality of life.
                              • Psychosis: Psychosis involves distorted thinking and perceptions, making it difficult to distinguish what's real. A psychiatrist can carefully assess the situation, provide appropriate medication, and develop a treatment plan to restore clarity and reduce distress.
                              • Generalized Anxiety Disorder: Generalized anxiety disorder is characterized by persistent, unrealistic worry that interferes with daily activities and social interactions. Treatment options like therapy and medication can effectively reduce these symptoms and improve your ability to participate in the activities you enjoy.

                              This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.

                              To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Brooke PMHNP-BC offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:

                              • Disability Evaluation: By assessing functional limitations, a disability evaluation helps tailor treatment plans and support services for seniors with mental illness.
                              • Biofeedback: As part of a holistic care plan, biofeedback can help seniors manage stress and improve their response to depression or anxiety symptoms.
                              • Crisis Intervention: For seniors facing overwhelming emotional distress, crisis intervention offers a lifeline, connecting them with professionals who can provide immediate help and prevent further harm.
                              • Psychoeducation: Through psychoeducation, your psychiatrist helps you learn about your diagnosis, treatment options, and coping strategies, creating a personalized care plan.
                              • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): For seniors struggling with PTSD or other trauma-related conditions, EMDR offers a specialized approach to alleviate symptoms and improve mental health.
                              • Dementia or Depression Screening: A dementia or depression screening is a crucial step in developing a personalized care plan that addresses the specific mental health needs of seniors.
                              • Suboxone Treatment: Suboxone treatment can help seniors manage opioid addiction, improving their overall health and well-being as part of a comprehensive care plan.

                              Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.

                              All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Geriatric Psychiatrists in Florida.

                              Brooke PMHNP-BC is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:

                              • With medication and therapy, a senior experiencing schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorder found their anxiety levels significantly reduced, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and rediscover hobbies they'd previously put aside.
                              • With the support of a skilled psychiatrist, a senior felt a significant reduction in dissociative symptoms, gaining a renewed sense of inner peace and stability. The family reported a noticeable improvement in their loved one's overall well-being and ability to engage with their daily routines.
                              • After the loss of a spouse, a senior felt overwhelmed by grief, but with support from a mental health professional, they were able to gradually re-engage in hobbies and rediscover joy in life. Family members felt a sense of relief and reassurance knowing their loved one was receiving the right care.

                              These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

                              • Primary Location:
                                Practice
                                3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
                                Phone: (850) 229-5752
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                              Education History
                              • HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)

                              Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Brooke PMHNP-BC:

                              What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
                              A psychiatrist, like Brooke PMHNP-BC, is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. Psychologists, on the other hand, have a doctorate in psychology and specialize in talk therapy and testing, but are not able to prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work together to provide comprehensive care for mental health needs.
                              How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
                              Dr. Brooke PMHNP-BC has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of our practice. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
                              I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
                              Bipolar disorder can sometimes begin later in life. Managing it in older adults requires specialized expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health conditions. Brooke PMHNP-BC has experience diagnosing and safely managing bipolar disorder in seniors.
                              I've felt 'down' for a while, but isn't depression just a normal part of getting older?
                              Persistent sadness is not a normal part of aging. Late-life depression is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing. Symptoms like loss of interest, poor sleep, and low energy can be effectively managed with treatments, restoring a sense of well-being.
                              What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
                              ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe, effective, and painless medical procedure. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain under general anesthesia. It is a powerful treatment option for severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies, and can be life-saving for older adults.
                              I have anxiety but I'm worried about taking tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.
                              We understand your concern about taking benzodiazepines. These medications are used cautiously in older adults due to potential risks. There are many other effective and safer options for managing anxiety, such as antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to find the best approach for managing your anxiety safely and effectively.
                              Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
                              While medication management is a core part of our practice, Dr. Brooke PMHNP-BC also provides psychotherapy. Many of our best treatment plans combine medication and therapy to address both the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
                              My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
                              Agitation in dementia is common and often challenging. We will first rule out any underlying medical causes like infection or pain. Dr. Brooke PMHNP-BC can then develop a plan, possibly including non-medication strategies first, and if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life.

                              Mindpath
                              1572 Citrus Medical Ct
                              Ocoee FL 34761
                              Phone: (352) 619-1056

                              Brooke PMHNP-BC is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

                              National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1033771563

                              Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

                              The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Geriatric Psychiatrists like Brooke PMHNP-BC are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.

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