Dr. Ellen Gentner, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist practicing at our clinic in Altamonte Springs, FL. She is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Clinical Psychology care for older adults, 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Gentner understands the unique needs and challenges of this population. She is a trusted partner in their health journey, committed to collaborative care and empowering patients and families to make informed decisions.
Clinical psychologists specializing in geriatric care provide expert mental and behavioral healthcare for older adults and their families. Dr. Gentner works closely with primary care physicians, addressing complex conditions such as depression, anxiety, and the challenges of chronic illness and loss. Her approach includes psychotherapy, practical coping strategies, and cognitive assessments to support overall well-being. She is deeply committed to evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel heard and empowered.
Dr. Ellen Gentner, PHD is a clinical psychologist in Altamonte Springs, FL, dedicated to the mental and behavioral health of seniors. Prospective patients should call (407) 682-6330 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Gentner provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Ellen Gentner is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ellen Gentner is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive clinical psychology care tailored to their unique needs. 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. Gentner offers personalized psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments to foster emotional well-being and maximize quality of life for older adults and their families.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ellen Gentner can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AvMed
- Choice Large Group POS
- Small Group Elect HMO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ellen Gentner 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:
- Burnout: Burnout isn't a sign of weakness; it's a response to overwhelming stress, and with the help of a psychologist, you can learn to manage your energy, set boundaries, and prioritize your needs to prevent further exhaustion.
- Cognitive Disorders: Maintaining cognitive health is crucial as we age, and psychologists offer assessments to detect early signs of cognitive decline, enabling timely interventions that can help preserve cognitive abilities and enhance independence.
- Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is any unwanted sexual contact, regardless of the victim's age or relationship with the perpetrator, and a clinical psychologist can help survivors process trauma and develop coping mechanisms.
- Paranoid Personality Disorder: Paranoid personality disorder is a condition where someone may have persistent distrust and suspicion of others, even when there's no reason to be suspicious, making relationships and daily life challenging, but therapy can help manage these feelings and improve relationships.
- Chronic Diseases: Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but a psychologist can teach you techniques to manage stress, improve your mood, and live more comfortably.
- Drug Abuse: Drug abuse in older adults can involve misuse of prescription medications, alcohol, or illicit substances, often stemming from underlying pain, loneliness, or depression, and treatment focuses on addressing these root causes and finding healthier coping mechanisms.
- Psychosis: Experiencing psychosis means having thoughts and perceptions that aren't in line with reality, like seeing or hearing things that aren't there, but treatment, including medication and therapy, can help manage these symptoms and improve 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. Ellen Gentner offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Counseling for Gay and-or Lesbian Individuals: This supportive counseling helps integrate the unique life experiences of gay and lesbian seniors into a holistic care plan, addressing mental and emotional needs.
- Depression Treatment: Through depression treatment, seniors can receive a proper diagnosis, learn effective coping mechanisms, and develop a personalized plan to address their unique challenges.
- Psychosomatic Medicine Services: This service helps manage physical symptoms linked to emotional distress, creating a more holistic approach to your well-being.
- Cognitive Rehabilitation: Cognitive rehabilitation helps seniors regain lost thinking skills after a stroke or brain injury, improving their daily independence.
- Grief Therapy: As part of a comprehensive care plan, grief therapy helps seniors manage the emotional distress associated with bereavement and improve their overall well-being.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps your doctor understand your mental state and cognitive abilities, guiding them in creating a personalized care plan.
- Geriatric Assessment: This in-depth evaluation helps assess your cognitive function, emotional well-being, and physical health to help you manage any age-related changes and improve your overall independence.
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. Ellen Gentner 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 regained a sense of control and energy after sessions with a clinical psychologist, allowing her to pursue her favorite hobbies again. Her family felt a significant reduction in stress and increased peace of mind at home.
- With the support of a clinical psychologist, a senior couple regained the joy of engaging in stimulating conversations and games, boosting their overall sense of well-being and confidence.
- With the support of a clinical psychologist, a senior felt a significant reduction in anxiety and a renewed sense of safety in their home environment. This newfound security allowed them to reconnect with hobbies they had previously felt unable to enjoy.
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. Ellen Gentner:
- What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Dr. Gentner, a clinical psychologist, has a doctoral degree 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. Gentner's practice helps older adults navigate life's challenges, including adjusting to new medical diagnoses, retirement, loss, and family dynamics. Psychology isn't just for severe mental illness; it's a valuable tool for improving well-being and coping with life's transitions. Many seniors find support and strategies to enhance their quality of life through therapy.
- What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
- Dr. Gentner's outpatient therapy is not for immediate emergencies. If you are having a mental health crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room. Getting immediate help is the most important first step.
- Can therapy really help with the stress of being a caregiver?
- Absolutely. Caregiving is incredibly demanding, and Dr. Gentner provides a confidential space to process the complex emotions, like guilt, frustration, and sadness, that often accompany it. 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 that helps identify and change unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors contributing to depression or anxiety. It teaches you to recognize negative thought cycles and reframe them in a more positive, realistic way, which is a proven effective approach.
- 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, offering clarity for families.
- How can talking about my problems help with my chronic illness or pain?
- Talking about your problems can significantly improve your well-being, especially with chronic illness. While therapy can't cure a medical condition, it can help you cope better with it by teaching techniques like CBT to manage pain and stress, and address any related emotional challenges. Dr. Gentner can help you with this.
- I have trouble sleeping. Can a psychologist help with insomnia?
- Yes, Dr. Gentner 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.
108 W Citrus St
Altamonte Springs FL 32714
Phone: (407) 682-6330
Dr. Ellen Gentner, 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): 1376620864
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. Ellen Gentner 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.