Dr. Earl Rectanus, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist practicing at our Naples, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Clinical Psychology care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), ensuring adherence to the highest professional standards. His expertise lies in understanding the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals 65 years and older, and he serves as a valuable partner in their health journey.
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. Rectanus offers psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, fostering a supportive environment for patients to navigate these complexities with confidence and resilience. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, empowering patients and their families to make informed healthcare decisions. Dr. Rectanus is currently welcoming new patients and telehealth appointments; please call (239) 262-6700 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Earl Rectanus, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Naples, FL. He graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1985 and earned his medical degree from the same institution. He completed a crucial internship at the Cleveland VA Medical Center in 1984, building a strong foundation in clinical practice. He strives to create a supportive environment for his patients, ensuring they feel heard and empowered. Dr. Rectanus provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Earl Rectanus is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rectanus is a compassionate partner in the health journeys of seniors, offering comprehensive clinical psychology care. He expertly addresses the mental and behavioral needs of aging individuals and their families, working collaboratively with primary care providers to tackle challenges like depression, anxiety, and the emotional impact of chronic illness or loss. Dr. Rectanus provides personalized psychotherapy, practical coping strategies, and thorough cognitive assessments, ensuring each patient receives the support they need to thrive.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Earl Rectanus can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Anthem
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield
- Buckeye Community Health Plan
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care)
- Medicare
- National (BlueCard) PPO
- United Healthcare
- UnitedHealthCare
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Earl Rectanus 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:
- Anxiety: Experiencing persistent worry or fear? A clinical psychologist offers various treatments, including therapy, to help you better understand and manage your anxiety, enhancing your quality of life.
- Anxiety Attack: Feeling overwhelming anxiety that comes on suddenly is an anxiety attack; therapy and other techniques can help you regain control and improve your overall well-being.
- Depressive Disorders: Depression is a common mood disorder that can cause persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, but with professional help and support, you can learn effective strategies to manage symptoms and feel better.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): For seniors, OCD may manifest differently than in younger adults, and a psychologist's expertise ensures tailored treatment that considers age-related factors, improving well-being and maintaining independence.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition that can develop after a terrifying event, causing distressing memories, nightmares, and avoidance behaviors, but therapy can help manage these symptoms and improve your overall well-being.
- Stress: Many changes that come with age, such as illness or loss, can cause stress; a clinical psychologist can provide support and tools to help you navigate these transitions and maintain your quality of life.
- Neurocognitive Disorders: Neurocognitive disorders can cause challenges with memory, thinking, and judgment, but a clinical psychologist can help families develop coping strategies and support systems to enhance quality of life.
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. Earl Rectanus offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Behavior Modification: By modifying unhelpful behaviors, seniors can improve their quality of life and better manage chronic conditions such as depression or substance use.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): As part of a comprehensive care plan, CBT equips seniors with practical tools and strategies to manage stress and cope more effectively with chronic health conditions.
- Counseling Services: Counseling offers support and guidance for seniors coping with grief, loss, or the challenges of chronic illness, improving their quality of life.
- Couples Therapy: This therapy helps manage relationship stress and improve intimacy, positively impacting the mental health of both partners in later life.
- Individual Therapy: Through one-on-one sessions, a clinical psychologist can help seniors identify the root causes of their emotional distress and create a tailored treatment plan.
- Pain Management: For seniors with chronic conditions, pain management helps integrate psychological approaches into their overall treatment plan to reduce suffering and promote greater well-being.
- Relaxation Therapy: For seniors experiencing grief and loss, relaxation techniques can help manage emotional distress and facilitate the healing process.
- Stress Management: A clinical psychologist can assess your stress levels and teach you practical strategies to reduce anxiety and improve your overall well-being.
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. Earl Rectanus 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:
- After several sessions with a clinical psychologist, a senior woman felt less overwhelmed by daily anxieties and regained her confidence in managing her home environment. Her family reported a noticeable improvement in her overall well-being and ability to participate in social activities.
- Feeling less overwhelmed by sudden anxiety attacks, a senior couple rediscovered their love of attending weekly book club meetings, a cherished social activity.
- With the support of a compassionate therapist, a senior woman rediscovered joy in spending time with her grandchildren, finding renewed purpose and a lessening of depressive symptoms.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He 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
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Earl Rectanus:
- What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Dr. Rectanus, a clinical psychologist, has a doctorate and specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Unlike psychiatrists, who are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, Dr. Rectanus 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. Rectanus's practice helps older adults navigate life's challenges, large and small. Psychology is a valuable resource for coping with new diagnoses, adjusting to life changes, and improving communication. Many seniors find support in therapy for a wide range of personal concerns.
- What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
- Dr. Rectanus'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 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately, or go to your nearest emergency room. Getting immediate help is the most important first step.
- 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 provides a supportive space to honor your loved one's memory while processing complex emotions. Dr. Rectanus can help you find ways to carry your spouse's memory forward and rediscover purpose and connection in your life.
- Can therapy really help with the stress of being a caregiver?
- Absolutely. Caregiving is incredibly demanding, and Dr. Rectanus provides a confidential space to process the complex emotions, like guilt, frustration, and sadness, that often accompany this role. Therapy can help you learn practical coping skills, manage stress, prevent burnout, and find better ways to care for both yourself and your loved one.
- I have trouble sleeping. Can a psychologist help with insomnia?
- Yes, Dr. Rectanus can help. 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.
- How can talking about my problems help with my chronic illness or pain?
- Talking about your problems can be very helpful for managing chronic illness or pain. While therapy can't cure a medical condition, it can dramatically change how you cope with it. Dr. Rectanus can teach you techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage pain perception, reduce stress, and overcome feelings of depression or anxiety.
- 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 functions like 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.
2335 Tamiami Trl N Ste 508
Naples FL 34103
Phone: (239) 262-6700
Dr. Earl Rectanus, PhD 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): 1003821935
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. Earl Rectanus 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.