Dr. Danna Costa-Sahs, PSY.D, Clinical Psychology

Dr. Danna Costa-Sahs, PSY.D

Clinical Psychology in Port St. Joe, FL

(4 reviews)

Dr. Danna 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... Read More Below

Professional Details

Dr. Danna 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), ensuring the highest standards of care for her patients. Dr. Danna PSY.D is committed to being a trusted partner in the health journeys of 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. Danna PSY.D offers psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments to support each patient's unique needs. She believes in a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (689) 333-0634 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Danna Costa-Sahs, PSY.D is a clinical psychologist in Gainesville, FL. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Danna PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.

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

Dr. Danna PSY.D. is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive clinical psychology care. She expertly addresses mental and behavioral health concerns, including depression, anxiety, and the emotional impact of chronic illness or loss. Working collaboratively with primary care physicians, Dr. Danna offers personalized psychotherapy, practical coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, ultimately empowering seniors and their families to navigate life's challenges with resilience and well-being.

By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Danna PSY.D can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.

Also Accepts These Carriers

  • APCN Choice POS II
  • Aetna
  • Aetna HMO
  • Choice Plus POS II
  • Cigna
  • Cigna HMO
  • Cigna PPO
  • Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
  • FL Medical Providers
  • LocalPlus
  • Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
  • Open Access Plus
  • Open Choice PPO
  • Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
  • Seamless HMO

Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Danna 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:

  • Stress: Feeling stressed is common as we age, but it doesn't have to control your life; a psychologist can teach you techniques to reduce stress and maintain your independence.
  • Sleep-Walking: Addressing sleepwalking often involves improving sleep hygiene and managing any underlying psychological factors like stress or anxiety, and a clinical psychologist can develop an individualized plan to help.
  • Excessive Daytime Sleepiness: Excessive daytime sleepiness is more than just feeling a little tired; it significantly impacts your functioning, and treatment options like therapy and lifestyle changes can make a real difference.
  • Severe Anxiety: If anxiety is severely impacting your ability to enjoy life or participate in activities you love, know that effective treatments are available to help you regain control and reduce these feelings.
  • Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Managing schizophreniform or schizoaffective disorder in later life requires a collaborative approach involving medication, therapy, and family support; with appropriate care, seniors can maintain their well-being and continue enjoying meaningful relationships.
  • Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition: Experiencing changes in mood due to a medical condition is understandable; a clinical psychologist can help you understand the connection and provide support to navigate this challenging time.
  • Anorexia: For older adults experiencing anorexia, a psychologist can offer therapies to address the psychological distress contributing to reduced food intake, supporting a return to healthier eating habits and better overall 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. Danna PSY.D offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:

  • Hypnosis (Medical Hypnotherapy): Medical hypnotherapy can help seniors manage chronic pain and improve their quality of life by teaching them self-regulation techniques.
  • Personality Testing: Personality testing helps your psychologist understand your unique traits and how they might be affecting your well-being, leading to a more personalized treatment plan.
  • Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT is a therapeutic approach that helps seniors develop skills to manage chronic pain and other health issues by improving their ability to cope with difficult emotions.
  • Eating Disorder Treatment: A clinical psychologist can help seniors manage an eating disorder by providing a safe space to discuss challenges and create personalized coping strategies.
  • Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This evaluation is a supportive step that helps manage potential psychological obstacles, promoting better outcomes from your bariatric surgery.
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CTB-I): As part of a comprehensive care plan, CBT-I helps seniors identify and change negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to sleep problems.
  • Integrative Behavioral Health Care: By integrating physical and mental health care, this helps seniors deal with the interconnectedness of chronic illnesses and emotional well-being, improving their overall quality of life.

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. Danna 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 daily tasks, a senior found relief through stress-reduction techniques. With newfound calm, the senior rediscovered their love of reading and socializing with friends.
  • A family found significant relief from sleepwalking episodes after working with a clinical psychologist to address underlying anxieties. Improved sleep hygiene and a personalized plan led to a more peaceful and secure home environment for everyone.
  • Feeling refreshed and revitalized, a senior couple reported renewed energy and a significant improvement in their overall well-being, allowing them to spend more time enjoying their grandchildren.

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
    View on Map
Education History
  • HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)

Here are answers to some common questions about Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Danna PSY.D:

What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
Dr. Danna, a clinical psychologist, has a doctorate and specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. She does not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. Both are important members of your care team.
I'm not 'mentally ill,' so why would I see a psychologist?
Dr. Danna's practice helps older adults navigate life's transitions and challenges, not just those with severe mental illness. Many seniors seek her support to cope with new diagnoses, retirement adjustments, grief, or improving communication with loved ones. Psychology provides valuable tools for healthy aging and well-being.
What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
Dr. Danna PSY.D.'s outpatient therapy is not for immediate emergencies. If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, or feel you may be a danger to yourself or others, please call 911, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room. Getting immediate help is the most important first step.
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 manage chronic illness or pain. While therapy can't cure a medical condition, it can dramatically change how you cope with it. Dr. Danna PSY.D. can teach you techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to better manage pain, stress, and related emotional challenges.
It's been over a year since my spouse passed, and I still feel stuck. Can psychology help with grief?
Grief has no timeline, and feeling stuck is a common experience after loss. Grief counseling provides a supportive space to honor your loved one's memory and navigate complex emotions. Dr. Danna PSY.D. can help you carry the memory of your spouse forward while rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection.
I have trouble sleeping. Can a psychologist help with insomnia?
Yes, a psychologist can help with insomnia. We can 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.
What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
A neuropsychological evaluation is like a check-up for your brain's thinking skills. It involves a series of puzzles, questions, and tasks to assess memory, attention, and problem-solving. This helps us understand cognitive changes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and potentially diagnose conditions like dementia, providing clarity for families.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based therapy that helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors contributing to feelings of depression or anxiety. It's a proven, effective approach that teaches you to notice and reframe negative thought cycles in a more positive and realistic way.

1601 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (689) 333-0634

Dr. Danna 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): 1245588250

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. Danna 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.

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