Dr. Evelia Iglesias, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at our Naples, FL clinic, 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). Geriatric psychiatrists are specialized mental health doctors who expertly manage 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. Dr. Iglesias serves older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (239) 234-6835 to schedule an appointment. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Geriatric Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Born and raised in Cuba, Dr. Iglesias's journey to becoming a psychiatrist reflects a lifelong fascination with human behavior. She earned her medical degree from the Institute of Superior Medical Science of Havana in 1990 and completed her residency in Geriatric Psychiatry at the Institute of Superior Medical Science of Havana/Texas Tech University Health Sciences Center in 1995. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and offers consultations in Spanish. My ultimate goal is to reduce my patients' suffering and allow them to bring enjoyment, contentment, and happiness into their lives. My patients are active participants in their treatments, their beliefs, their personal approach to their condition are always heard and incorporated into their treatment plan. To be able to glimpse into a patient's life and and touch it in a way that helps them, feels like and honor, a gift. Thank you!
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Evelia Iglesias is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Evelia Iglesias is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. She expertly addresses complex mental and behavioral health conditions, such as depression and anxiety, while carefully managing medications and collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other specialists. Dr. Iglesias prioritizes a holistic approach, understanding each patient's unique needs and goals to create a personalized plan that promotes well-being and independence.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Evelia Iglesias 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
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- SureFit South Florida
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Evelia Iglesias 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:
- Tobacco Use Disorder: For older adults, quitting smoking can significantly improve lung function and overall health, reducing risks and improving quality of life; a doctor can create a personalized quit plan.
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Over-reliance on alcohol or drugs can impact a senior's physical and mental health, causing social isolation and potentially impacting safety; thankfully, comprehensive treatment plans combining medical and psychosocial approaches can greatly improve the situation and promote healthy aging.
- Psychogenic Disorders (incl. Psychogenic Pain): Psychogenic disorders are conditions where mental or emotional distress causes physical symptoms like pain, without a clear physical cause, and a psychiatrist can help manage these symptoms with therapy and sometimes medication to improve your overall well-being.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where a person spends a lot of time worrying about flaws in their appearance, even if others don't see them, and this distress can be eased with therapy and sometimes medication.
- Bipolar Disorder: If you're dealing with intense periods of both extreme happiness and deep sadness, you may have bipolar disorder, a condition that a psychiatrist can help you manage through medication, therapy, or a combination of approaches, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
- Dementia: Dementia involves a gradual decline in cognitive function, affecting memory, judgment, and behavior, but a psychiatrist can help manage challenging behaviors and optimize comfort.
- Cyclothymia (Chronic Mood Disorder): If you experience frequent shifts in mood, from periods of elevated energy to periods of sadness, without reaching the extremes of bipolar disorder, you might have cyclothymia; a psychiatrist can help you find the best treatment to stabilize your moods and improve your quality of life.
- Social Phobia: It's understandable to feel anxious in social situations, but if this anxiety severely limits your life, you may have social phobia. With a psychiatrist's guidance through therapies and potentially medication, you can gradually lessen your fear and increase your comfort in social settings.
- Phobia: A phobia is a strong and persistent fear of something that may not be dangerous, causing significant anxiety; treatment can help you overcome this and regain your confidence and independence.
- Suicidal Ideation: Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of harming oneself, and it's a serious but treatable concern, especially among older adults; with proper care, including medication and therapy, these thoughts can be managed, improving quality of life.
- Delusional Disorder: If someone you care for experiences persistent false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary, they may have delusional disorder; a psychiatrist can provide support and medication to ease the distress caused by these beliefs.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Experiencing a traumatic event can lead to PTSD, characterized by flashbacks, avoidance of reminders of the event, and intense emotional distress; a psychiatrist can offer therapy, medication, or a combination to help you manage these symptoms and rebuild your 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. Evelia Iglesias offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a valuable tool for seniors experiencing behavioral changes related to dementia, helping them develop strategies to adapt.
- Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy helps understand how family dynamics impact a senior's mental health and develop strategies for better support.
- Group Psychotherapy: Participating in group therapy can help seniors manage symptoms of depression, anxiety, or other mental health conditions by learning coping strategies from both the therapist and their peers.
- Medication Management: A psychiatrist's medication management helps fine-tune your treatment plan, addressing any challenges and making adjustments to improve your mental health.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: This thorough assessment helps diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety, or dementia-related behavioral issues, guiding your care.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps ensure you're mentally and emotionally prepared for the significant lifestyle changes ahead.
- Psychopharmacologic Treatment: This carefully planned approach uses medication to address behavioral symptoms associated with dementia, enhancing comfort and safety for seniors.
- Psychotherapy Services: To create a comprehensive treatment plan, your psychiatrist may recommend psychotherapy to address underlying emotional or psychological issues contributing to your mental health concerns.
- Stress Management: Managing stress is a key element in preventing mental health decline in seniors, and a psychiatrist can help you develop and implement a personalized 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.
Dr. Evelia Iglesias 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 the guidance of a specialist, a senior was able to quit smoking, improving lung function and enjoying outdoor activities more freely. The family felt a sense of relief and shared renewed hope for their loved one's well-being.
- With a comprehensive treatment plan, a senior was able to reconnect with loved ones, fostering a stronger sense of community and reducing feelings of isolation. The family felt a sense of relief knowing their aging parent was receiving the specialized care they needed to improve their well-being.
- A senior woman, previously experiencing debilitating pain, found significant relief through therapy and support, enabling her to resume her beloved knitting hobby and enjoy more time with her family.
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)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Dr. Evelia Iglesias:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Iglesias, as a medical doctor, is uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work together to provide comprehensive care.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Iglesias has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of her practice. She coordinates closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Iglesias provides both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of our best treatment plans combine both approaches to address the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
- Are psychiatric medications addictive? I'm worried about taking them.
- It's understandable to be concerned about medication addiction. While some psychiatric medications can cause physical dependence, most modern antidepressants and mood stabilizers are not considered addictive. Anxiety medications may be habit-forming, but Dr. Iglesias will carefully discuss all options to ensure the safest and most effective treatment plan for you.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- While Bipolar Disorder often starts in younger adulthood, it can sometimes emerge for the first time later in life. Managing it in seniors requires special expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health issues. Dr. Iglesias has experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in older adults.
- 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 medication and therapy, restoring a sense of well-being.
- What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
- TMS is a modern, non-invasive treatment for depression. It uses focused magnetic pulses to gently stimulate areas of the brain underactive in depression, similar to an MRI. Patients are awake and comfortable during the procedure, which is done in our office, and can return to normal activities immediately afterward.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe and effective treatment for severe depression. It's a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, performed under general anesthesia, and is painless. It's often a life-saving treatment for older adults with severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies.
5038 Coronado Pkwy
Naples FL 34116
Phone: (239) 234-6835
Dr. Evelia Iglesias, MD 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): 1083849384
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 Dr. Evelia Iglesias 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.