Dr. Mercedes PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist practicing at our Miami, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive Clinical Psychology 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), ensuring adherence to the highest standards of care. Dr. Mercedes PSY.D understands the unique needs and challenges faced by individuals 65 years and older, recognizing that mental and behavioral well-being is crucial for overall health and quality of life.
Clinical psychologists specializing in geriatric care provide expert mental and behavioral healthcare for older adults and their families. Dr. Mercedes PSY.D partners with primary care physicians to address complex conditions like depression, anxiety, and the challenges of chronic illness and loss. She offers a range of services, including psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, all tailored to meet the specific needs of each patient. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (305) 355-8016 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Mercedes Briones, PSY.D is a clinical psychologist in Miami, FL, and provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Mercedes PSY.D is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Mercedes PSY.D. 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 and anxiety, alongside the challenges of aging, chronic illness, and loss. Working collaboratively with primary care physicians, Dr. Mercedes offers personalized psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, ultimately fostering a supportive environment where seniors and their families can thrive.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Mercedes PSY.D can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Mercedes PSY.D 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:
- Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): While often diagnosed in childhood, ADHD can continue into older adulthood, making daily activities more difficult. With proper diagnosis and treatment from a specialist, older adults can experience increased control over their symptoms and greater peace of mind.
- Female Sexual Arousal Disorder: Many women experience reduced sexual desire or arousal as they age, but this can sometimes be a sign of a treatable condition that a doctor can help manage.
- Depressive Episode: If you or a loved one are struggling with persistent sadness, fatigue, and loss of interest, it might be a depressive episode, and seeking professional help from a therapist can lead to significant improvements in mood and functionality.
- Alcoholism (Alcohol Dependence): If an older loved one struggles with alcohol, know that it's a treatable condition. A psychologist can help them develop coping mechanisms and address underlying issues contributing to their alcohol use.
- Bipolar II Disorder: A clinical psychologist can teach you coping mechanisms and work with you to create a treatment plan that addresses the mood swings associated with bipolar II disorder, enabling a more balanced and comfortable life.
- Concussion: Following a head injury, a concussion can lead to a range of symptoms impacting daily life, and a clinical psychologist can provide therapy to cope with these changes and maintain independence.
- Situational Depression: Facing a significant life change, such as retirement or loss, may lead to situational depression, a temporary state of sadness that responds well to therapy and support.
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. Mercedes PSY.D offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): This short-term therapy helps seniors and their families develop effective coping mechanisms for managing stress related to chronic illness or aging.
- Psychological Counseling: Through counseling, seniors can learn coping mechanisms to better manage chronic conditions and improve their quality of life, fostering greater independence.
- Telemedicine: Through video conferencing, telemedicine enables clinical psychologists to develop personalized coping strategies for seniors facing chronic illnesses, enhancing their quality of life.
- Personality Testing: Personality testing helps your psychologist understand your unique traits and how they might be affecting your well-being, leading to a more personalized 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: Relaxation therapy is a valuable tool in reducing stress and promoting better sleep, contributing to improved cognitive function and overall health.
- Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT) helps seniors understand and manage difficult emotions, improving their relationships and 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. Mercedes PSY.D 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 a clinical psychologist's support, a retired teacher regained focus and felt more organized, enabling her to return to a beloved hobby of crafting intricate jewelry designs.
- Feeling more confident and connected in her relationship, a woman found renewed intimacy and joy in her life after working with a clinical psychologist to address her decreased sexual desire.
- Feeling increasingly isolated and withdrawn, a senior found renewed joy in social connections, reconnecting with friends and family through a supportive therapy program. The persistent sadness and fatigue lessened, and a renewed sense of hope and purpose emerged.
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. Mercedes PSY.D:
- What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Dr. Mercedes PSY.D. is a clinical psychologist who specializes in talk therapy and psychological testing. Unlike psychiatrists, who are medical doctors and can prescribe medication, Dr. PSY.D. does not prescribe medication. Both are important members of a comprehensive care team.
- I'm not 'mentally ill,' so why would I see a psychologist?
- Dr. PSY.D.'s practice helps older adults navigate life's challenges, from adjusting to new medical diagnoses to managing the emotional impact of retirement. We support coping with grief and loss, and we help improve communication with family. Psychology is a valuable resource for anyone seeking support in these areas, regardless of a formal diagnosis.
- What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
- Dr. PSY.D.'s outpatient therapy is not for immediate emergencies. If you are in crisis or feel you may be a danger to yourself or others, please call 911, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room. Getting immediate help is the most important first step.
- I have trouble sleeping. Can a psychologist help with insomnia?
- Yes, Dr. PSY.D. 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.
- 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 notice negative thought cycles and reframe them in a more positive, realistic way, and is a proven effective approach.
- Can therapy really help with the stress of being a caregiver?
- Absolutely. Caregiving is incredibly demanding, and Dr. Mercedes PSY.D. provides a confidential space to process the complex emotions involved, such as guilt, frustration, and sadness. 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.
- How can talking about my problems help with my chronic illness or pain?
- Talking about your problems can significantly improve your overall well-being, especially when dealing with chronic illness or pain. While therapy can't cure a medical condition, it can dramatically change how you cope with it. Dr. Mercedes PSY.D. can teach you techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage pain perception, reduce stress, and address accompanying emotional challenges.
- 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 understand cognitive changes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and potentially diagnose conditions like dementia, providing clarity for families.
1695 NW 9th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 355-8016
Dr. Mercedes PSY.D 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): 1043436082
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. Mercedes PSY.D 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.