Dr. Karen Estill, PhD is a Neuropsychologist practicing at our Tavares, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Neuropsychological 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). As a partner in senior health, Dr. Estill is committed to collaborating with primary care physicians and the patient's entire care team to provide the best possible outcomes. Her expertise allows her to assess and manage complex cognitive and behavioral conditions, including dementia, Alzheimer's disease, and cognitive changes after stroke or TBI, specifically in older adults.
Dr. Estill's practice focuses on the unique needs of older adults (typically age 65 and older). She understands the importance of personalized care and works collaboratively with patients and their families to develop effective strategies for managing cognitive and behavioral challenges. She approaches each case with a commitment to evidence-based medicine and creates a supportive environment where patients and families feel empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Karen Estill, PhD is a clinical neuropsychologist in Tavares, FL. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She provides consultations primarily in English. Please call (352) 253-9348 to schedule an appointment.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-doctor partnership. Dr. Karen Estill is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Estill is a compassionate partner in navigating the complexities of senior health, offering comprehensive neuropsychological care. She expertly assesses and manages cognitive and behavioral conditions, working collaboratively with primary care physicians and family members to develop a personalized plan that prioritizes the well-being and comfort of each patient. Her dedication to understanding each individual's unique needs ensures a supportive and effective approach to managing conditions like dementia and Alzheimer's, while fostering independence and quality of life.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Karen Estill can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AWH Orlando Health OAAS
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueOptions HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- Humana
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SimplyBlue HMO
- myBlue EPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Karen Estill 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:
- Bilateral Stroke: A bilateral stroke affects both sides of the brain, potentially causing a wide range of challenges, but with proper therapy and support, many individuals regain significant abilities and improve their quality of life.
- Neurodegenerative Diseases: Neurodegenerative diseases are conditions where brain cells gradually break down over time, leading to changes in thinking, memory, and behavior; while there's no cure for many, managing symptoms can significantly improve quality of life and maintain independence for as long as possible.
- Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: While often diagnosed in childhood, the inattentive symptoms of ADHD can continue into later life, leading to challenges in daily life; however, tailored treatment plans can help improve concentration and organization.
- Mild Cognitive Impairment: Managing MCI often involves strategies like brain exercises, regular physical activity, and healthy lifestyle choices to help maintain cognitive function and prevent further decline.
- Confusion: If you're concerned about confusion or changes in mental clarity, seeking professional help is crucial. Early detection and intervention can often improve quality of life and help you maintain independence for longer.
- Genetic Predisposition to Migraine With or Without Aura: Having a family history of migraine with or without aura increases your chances of developing these painful headaches, but thankfully, there are effective treatments to help reduce their frequency and severity, enabling you to enjoy a more fulfilling life.
- Chronic Headache: Persistent headaches in older adults can sometimes indicate an underlying medical condition, but many treatment options, including medication and relaxation techniques, are available to ease discomfort and enhance well-being.
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. Karen Estill offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Neurological Testing: Neurological testing helps track the progress of cognitive conditions over time, allowing for adjustments to care plans as needed to enhance a senior's well-being.
- Psychotherapy for Crisis: Crisis psychotherapy provides immediate support to seniors experiencing acute emotional distress, helping manage overwhelming feelings and stabilize their mental state.
- Couples Therapy: Couples therapy provides a supportive space to process the emotional impact of a senior's diagnosis and develop strategies for navigating challenges together.
- Neurofeedback: Neurofeedback helps train your brain to improve its function, potentially aiding in managing symptoms of memory loss or cognitive difficulties after a stroke.
- Medical Marijuana: Medical marijuana may be explored as a supportive treatment option for managing certain symptoms of dementia, such as pain or agitation, as part of a comprehensive care plan.
- Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, including biofeedback, can help seniors manage the emotional and psychological challenges that often accompany cognitive decline or brain injury.
- Crisis Intervention Training of Professionals: Crisis Intervention Training for professionals helps healthcare providers better understand and respond to the immediate needs of seniors experiencing sudden cognitive changes or behavioral disturbances.
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 Neuropsychologies in Florida.
Dr. Karen Estill 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:
- Following therapy sessions, a senior regained the ability to engage in her beloved watercolor painting, a cherished hobby previously lost due to a bilateral stroke. This newfound ability brought joy and a sense of accomplishment back into her life.
- With personalized strategies, a family felt a significant reduction in the challenging behaviors associated with their loved one's neurodegenerative disease, allowing for more peaceful interactions and a greater sense of security at home.
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
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Neuropsychological care with Dr. Karen Estill:
- What is a Neuropsychologist, and how are they different from a Neurologist or a Psychologist?
- A neuropsychologist is a psychologist specializing in how brain health affects thinking, behavior, and emotions. Neurologists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat brain diseases, often with medication. Neuropsychologists, on the other hand, perform in-depth testing to understand how a condition, like a stroke or dementia, affects a person's cognitive abilities, providing a detailed map of their strengths and weaknesses.
- My parent is having memory problems. Is a neuropsychological evaluation the first step?
- A visit to your primary care doctor or a neurologist is often the best first step to rule out medical causes for memory problems. A neuropsychological evaluation is a crucial next step, providing a detailed assessment of memory, attention, and problem-solving skills to help clarify a diagnosis.
- What happens during a neuropsychological evaluation? Is it stressful?
- A neuropsychological evaluation isn't a pass/fail test. It's a series of brain games and tasks that assess thinking skills, and the environment is supportive. Breaks are available, and the goal is to get the clearest picture of your abilities.
- Is the cost of a neuropsychological evaluation covered by Medicare?
- Medicare and most insurance plans typically cover a significant portion of a neuropsychological evaluation when it's medically necessary for diagnosis. Please contact Dr. Estill's office and your insurance provider to confirm specific coverage details before scheduling an appointment.
- How can the results of the evaluation help us as caregivers?
- Dr. Estill's report provides a clear picture of your loved one's abilities and areas needing support. This helps you understand their current needs and develop effective communication strategies, create a safer home environment, and plan for future care. The recommendations will offer practical guidance for all these areas.
- Can this testing tell the difference between normal aging and early dementia?
- Yes, this is a primary function of the evaluation. By comparing your performance to others of your age and background, Dr. Estill can help determine if memory changes are within the normal range or suggest an underlying neurological condition.
- How can an evaluation help after a stroke or traumatic brain injury (TBI)?
- A neuropsychological evaluation after a stroke or TBI creates a baseline of cognitive function. This helps guide rehabilitation therapies and track recovery over time, enabling personalized treatment plans to optimize your progress.
- What kind of information will we get from the evaluation report?
- The evaluation report is a valuable roadmap, detailing your cognitive strengths and weaknesses, offering a likely diagnosis, and providing practical recommendations for you, your family, and your medical team to help manage daily life.
101 E Maud St
Tavares FL 32778
Phone: (352) 253-9348
Dr. Karen Estill, 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): 1043249998
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 physician named. Neuropsychologies like Dr. Karen Estill 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.