Dr. Cassie PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist practicing at our Gainesville, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Clinical Psychology 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). Dr. Cassie PSY.D is a valued partner in senior health, recognizing the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals 65 years and older.
Clinical psychologists specializing in geriatric care provide expert mental and behavioral healthcare for older adults and their families, partnering with primary care physicians to address complex conditions like depression, anxiety, and the challenges of chronic illness and loss. Dr. Cassie PSY.D offers psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, focusing on evidence-based approaches to ensure optimal outcomes. She is committed to a collaborative, patient-centered approach, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (352) 317-8474 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Cassie Hessler-Smith, PSY.D is a clinical psychologist in Gainesville, FL, dedicated to providing high-quality care for seniors. She understands the emotional and psychological aspects of aging and is skilled in addressing the specific concerns of this population. Dr. Cassie PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Cassie PSY.D is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Cassie PSY.D. is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive clinical psychology care tailored to their unique needs. She expertly addresses mental and behavioral health concerns, such as depression and anxiety, alongside the challenges of aging, chronic illness, and loss. Working collaboratively with primary care physicians, Dr. Cassie provides personalized psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments to foster emotional well-being and maximize quality of life for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Cassie PSY.D can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Cassie PSY.D 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:
- Mood Disorders: Mood disorders can be successfully treated with therapy, helping older adults and their families navigate emotional difficulties, regain joy, and maintain independence.
- Impaired Cognition: Changes in memory, thinking, or concentration can be frustrating, but with the help of a clinical psychologist, tailored strategies and support can be developed to maintain independence and quality of life.
- Depression: Feeling persistently down or hopeless is a sign that depression might be affecting you. A clinical psychologist can help you find the right strategies to manage your depression and rediscover joy in life.
- Panic Attack: A panic attack is a sudden surge of intense fear or discomfort that can cause rapid heartbeat, shortness of breath, and trembling, but with proper treatment, you can learn to manage these episodes and live a fuller life.
- Cognitive Disorders: Facing a diagnosis of a cognitive disorder can be upsetting, yet a psychologist can offer emotional support, teach coping techniques, and empower you and your loved ones to navigate this journey together.
- ADHD and-or ADD: While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD and ADD can persist into later life, impacting daily tasks and relationships; treatment helps seniors maintain independence and improve quality of life.
- Binge Eating Disorder: For seniors, binge eating disorder may involve overeating in response to stress or loneliness. A psychologist can provide effective therapies to address these underlying emotional triggers, promoting healthier eating habits and overall emotional health.
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, Dr. Cassie PSY.D offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Marital Therapy: Marital therapy helps older couples improve communication and resolve conflicts, strengthening their relationship and improving overall well-being.
- Psychotherapy for Crisis: When facing a life crisis, this type of therapy helps seniors and their families understand the situation better, create personalized action plans, and find resources to move forward.
- Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a valuable tool in managing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in older adults, promoting healing and recovery.
- Biofeedback: By monitoring physiological responses, biofeedback assists in identifying underlying physical tensions contributing to emotional distress, improving overall mental health.
- Aftercare for Substance Abuse: For seniors, aftercare facilitates a smooth transition from active addiction treatment into a life of sustained sobriety through ongoing support and guidance.
- Behavior Modification: For caregivers, behavior modification offers effective techniques to support their loved ones and reduce stress related to managing challenging behaviors.
- Individual Adult Psychotherapy: Working with a therapist in this setting helps seniors build resilience and coping mechanisms to navigate the complex emotional landscape of aging.
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 Clinical Psychologists in Florida.
Dr. Cassie PSY.D 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:
- Feeling overwhelmed by sadness, a senior found comfort and renewed joy in life through therapy. With improved mood, the family felt a sense of peace and security, allowing them to reconnect and enjoy shared activities.
- With the support of a clinical psychologist, a family found strategies to manage their loved one's memory changes, leading to a greater sense of security and peace of mind at home.
- Feeling less hopeless and more connected to loved ones, a senior rediscovered joy in painting, a cherished hobby that had been lost during a period of depression. The clinical psychologist's support helped the senior feel more secure and empowered to enjoy life again.
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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- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Cassie PSY.D:
- What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Dr. Cassie PSY.D. is a clinical psychologist, specializing in talk therapy and psychological testing. Unlike psychiatrists, who are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, Dr. Cassie does not prescribe medication. Both are important members of your care team.
- I'm not 'mentally ill,' so why would I see a psychologist?
- Dr. PSY.D.'s practice welcomes adults of all ages and backgrounds. Psychology isn't just for those with diagnosed conditions; it's a helpful resource for navigating life's transitions and challenges. Many seniors seek support for coping with new diagnoses, retirement adjustments, loss, or improving communication.
- What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
- Dr. Cassie PSY.D.'s outpatient therapy is not for immediate emergencies. If you are having a mental health crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately, or go to the nearest emergency room. Getting immediate help is the most important first step.
- I have trouble sleeping. Can a psychologist help with insomnia?
- Yes, Dr. Cassie PSY.D. can help with insomnia. Psychologists effectively treat insomnia without medication using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I). This program helps reset sleep patterns by addressing thoughts and behaviors that disrupt sleep, including relaxation skills and establishing a healthy sleep routine.
- Can therapy really help with the stress of being a caregiver?
- Absolutely. Caregiving is incredibly demanding, and Dr. Cassie PSY.D. can provide a confidential space to process the complex emotions, like guilt, frustration, and sadness, that often arise. Therapy can help you learn practical coping skills, manage stress, prevent burnout, and find better ways to care for both your loved one and yourself.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based therapy focusing on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety. It helps you notice negative thought cycles and learn how to challenge and reframe them in a more positive, realistic way, and is a proven, effective approach.
- How can talking about my problems help with my chronic illness or pain?
- Talking about your problems can significantly improve your overall well-being, including how you experience chronic illness or pain. While therapy can't cure a medical condition, it can dramatically change how you cope with it by teaching techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage pain perception, reduce stress, and address accompanying emotional concerns. Dr. Cassie PSY.D. can help you with this.
- It's been over a year since my spouse passed, and I still feel stuck. Can psychology help with grief?
- Grief has no set timeline, and feeling stuck is a common experience after loss. Grief counseling offers a safe space to process your emotions and honor your spouse's memory. Dr. Cassie PSY.D. can help you navigate these complex feelings, carry their memory forward, and rediscover purpose and connection.
115 NE 7th Ave
Gainesville FL 32601
Phone: (352) 317-8474
Dr. Cassie PSY.D 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): 1659306082
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. Clinical Psychologists like Dr. Cassie PSY.D 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.