Dr. Jacobo Cruz, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Pensacola, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric 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). 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. He serves older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is committed to providing a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (850) 484-7774 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Jacobo Cruz, MD is a psychiatrist in Pensacola, FL, with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from University Natl De Colombia, Bogota in 1971, followed by an internship at St Lukes - Roosevelt Hospital Center At Roosevelt Division (graduated 1978). He then completed residency training in Geriatric Psychiatrists at St Lukes - Roosevelt Hospital Center At Roosevelt Division (graduated 1981), and fellowship training in the same institution (graduated 1983), deepening his expertise in the comprehensive medical care of older adults. His extensive experience, coupled with his board certification in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, provides a solid foundation for his dedication to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He is affiliated with Baptist Hospital and accepts telehealth appointments. Dr. Cruz offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Jacobo Cruz is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Jacobo Cruz is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly manages complex mental and behavioral conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, while prioritizing medication safety and collaboration with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. Dr. Cruz focuses on understanding each individual's unique needs and goals, working closely with families to develop a personalized plan that promotes comfort, independence, and overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Jacobo Cruz can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- SimplyBlue
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Jacobo Cruz 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:
- Delusional Disorder: Living with delusional disorder can be challenging, but with the help of a psychiatrist, strategies like medication and therapy can be implemented to help manage the symptoms and increase independence.
- Opioid Dependence: If you or a loved one struggles with opioid use, know that it's treatable, and a psychiatrist can tailor a plan, perhaps including medication or therapy, to reduce cravings and help maintain independence and a better quality of life.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Experiencing unwanted, recurring thoughts or feeling compelled to perform certain rituals is a sign of OCD, a treatable condition that a psychiatrist can help manage to improve your quality of life.
- Phobia: A phobia is an intense, irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that can significantly impact daily life, but with professional help, older adults can learn coping mechanisms and reduce anxiety.
- Major Depressive Disorder: If you're experiencing prolonged sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, it might be major depressive disorder. Fortunately, this condition is effectively managed with treatment from a psychiatrist, potentially improving your mood and ability to engage in activities you love.
- Manic Disorder: Manic disorder, characterized by extreme highs in mood, can disrupt daily life, but effective treatment plans, including medication and therapy, can help stabilize moods and maintain independence.
- Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: If alcohol is affecting someone's mental state, a psychiatrist can provide support and guidance to reduce alcohol consumption and manage any related mental health challenges, leading to better emotional stability and independence.
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Experiencing persistent low mood or unpredictable mood shifts? Dysthymia and cyclothymia are chronic mood disorders that a psychiatrist can help treat with personalized strategies, potentially enhancing your daily life and independence.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder involves a blend of mental health challenges, including psychosis and mood disturbances, making daily functioning difficult; however, a psychiatrist can create a treatment plan to alleviate these symptoms and increase their quality of life.
- Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Characterized by difficulties with social interactions and unusual thinking, these disorders may impact an older adult's daily life, but treatment options focusing on managing symptoms and improving social skills are available to enhance their wellbeing.
- Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Developing a dependence on amphetamines or similar stimulants can cause significant problems for older adults, impacting their well-being, relationships and daily routines, but specialized treatment can help manage these issues and promote recovery.
- Suicidal Ideation: Suicidal ideation doesn't mean you're weak or alone; many older adults face these challenges, and with the right care, including medication, therapy, and support systems, it's possible to overcome them and live a happier 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. Jacobo Cruz offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Alcohol or substance misuse screening helps your psychiatrist identify potential problems impacting your mental and physical health, ensuring a more comprehensive treatment plan.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: By assessing for both dementia and depression, healthcare providers can identify and manage overlapping symptoms, optimizing the senior's well-being.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): In cases of severe depression or mania unresponsive to medication, ECT can be a life-changing intervention as part of a senior's holistic care strategy.
- Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy helps create a supportive environment for a senior dealing with mental health issues by involving those closest to them.
- Group Psychotherapy: As part of a holistic care plan, group therapy provides seniors with a safe space to discuss their feelings and experiences, improving communication and emotional regulation.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: This evaluation helps identify potential mental health challenges and ensures your doctor can safely manage any medications you take.
- Psychological Evaluation: This evaluation is a crucial step in tailoring the right medication and therapy to fit your specific needs and improve your quality of life.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This important step screens for mental health concerns that may affect your ability to follow post-surgery dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
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. Jacobo Cruz 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 support of a geriatric psychiatrist, a senior felt a significant reduction in distressing delusions, allowing them to reconnect with family and enjoy their favorite hobbies more freely. The family experienced greater peace of mind knowing their loved one was receiving the specialized care needed to improve their well-being.
- With the guidance of a supportive care team, a senior felt a significant reduction in opioid cravings, allowing them to resume their favorite hobby of knitting and spending more time with family.
- With the guidance of a compassionate mental health professional, a senior felt a significant reduction in intrusive thoughts and rituals, allowing them to reclaim their peace of mind and enjoy their hobbies more freely.
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
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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. Jacobo Cruz:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Cruz, a psychiatrist, is a medical doctor who can prescribe 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. Cruz has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of our practice. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- Bipolar disorder can indeed develop later in life. Managing it in older adults requires specialized knowledge due to potential interactions with other medications and co-existing health conditions. Dr. Cruz has experience diagnosing and safely managing bipolar disorder in seniors.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation in dementia is common and often challenging. We will first rule out any underlying medical issues like infection or pain. Dr. Cruz can then develop a plan, which may include non-medication strategies first, and if needed, prescribe medication carefully at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life for everyone.
- I have anxiety but I'm worried about taking tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.
- We understand your concern about taking benzodiazepines. These medications are used very cautiously in older adults due to potential risks of falls and cognitive side effects. Fortunately, there are many other effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, including antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- While medication management is a core part of our practice, Dr. Cruz also provides psychotherapy. The best treatment plans often integrate both medication and therapy to address the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
- 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 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 a powerful tool that can be life-saving for older adults with treatment-resistant depression.
4400 Bayou Blvd Ste 51
Pensacola FL 32503
Phone: (850) 484-7774
Dr. Jacobo Cruz, 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): 1043301518
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. Jacobo Cruz 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.