Dr. Miguel Rivera, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Lakewood Ranch, FL. He is dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Rivera expertly manages complex mental and behavioral conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, in older adults. He safely prescribes and manages medications while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure the best possible outcomes for his patients. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered.
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. Miguel Rivera, MD, serves older adults (typically age 65 and older). He is affiliated with Sarasota Memorial Hospital and his practice is located in Lakewood Ranch, FL. Prospective patients should call (941) 737-9846 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Rivera earned his medical degree from the University of Missouri School of Medicine and completed his residency training in Geriatric Psychiatry at the University of South Florida College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Older adults (typically age 65 and older). Dr. Miguel Rivera provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Miguel Rivera is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rivera 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, with a focus on safety and collaboration. Dr. Rivera meticulously coordinates care with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to create a personalized plan that addresses both the medical and emotional needs of the individual, fostering a sense of comfort and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Miguel Rivera 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. Miguel Rivera 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:
- Dementia: Dementia is a group of conditions affecting memory, thinking, and social abilities, significantly impacting daily life, but with proper management and support, individuals can maintain their quality of life for as long as possible.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Major depressive disorder in later life can be successfully treated with a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs, which may involve medication, talking therapies, or other support, helping you reclaim joy and vitality.
- Psychosis: Psychosis is a condition where someone experiences a disconnect from reality, leading to hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren't there) or delusions (fixed false beliefs), and a psychiatrist can help manage these symptoms with medication and therapy to improve daily life.
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Hallucinations or firmly held beliefs that aren't true (psychosis) can be distressing. A psychiatrist can create a safe treatment plan, including medication and therapy, that enables someone to live more comfortably and independently.
- Traumatic Brain Injury: If a fall or accident causes a brain injury, a psychiatrist's expertise can be essential for addressing any resulting behavioral changes or cognitive difficulties, assisting with a return to a fulfilling life.
- Neurasthenia: Neurasthenia is an outdated term for a condition with symptoms like fatigue, headaches, and difficulty concentrating, which can significantly impact daily life, but modern approaches focus on treating the underlying causes like depression or anxiety to improve overall well-being.
- Chronic Depression: Managing chronic depression may involve medication to help balance brain chemicals, combined with therapies to address underlying issues, helping to maintain independence and improve enjoyment 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. Miguel Rivera 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: This screening helps differentiate between dementia and depression, leading to more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment strategies.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: This evaluation helps identify potential mental health challenges and ensures your doctor can safely manage any medications you take.
- Psychological Evaluation: This in-depth assessment helps identify the root causes of emotional distress, paving the way for effective management of symptoms.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This evaluation helps doctors create a comprehensive care plan by identifying any underlying mental health conditions that might affect your surgery outcome.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): As part of a holistic care plan, DBT helps seniors build resilience and improve their ability to handle stress, leading to better overall well-being.
- Memory Evaluation: This assessment helps determine the best treatment plan for memory problems, potentially improving your quality of life and 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 Geriatric Psychiatrists in Florida.
Dr. Miguel Rivera 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 compassionate professional, a family found renewed peace of mind as their loved one's memory-related challenges were better managed, allowing them to participate in familiar activities and remain more engaged in their life.
- After struggling with Major Depressive Disorder, a senior felt renewed joy in their daily life, connecting with loved ones and engaging in hobbies they had once found difficult. The family experienced a significant reduction in stress and noticed a marked improvement in their loved one's overall well-being.
- With the help of a supportive psychiatrist, a senior felt significantly less distress from hallucinations, allowing them to reconnect with their beloved grandchildren and enjoy family gatherings again.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Dr. Miguel Rivera:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Rivera, as a medical doctor, can prescribe medications to treat mental health conditions. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing but are not able to 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. Rivera has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of his practice. He coordinates closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- 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, sleep problems, and low energy can be effectively managed, restoring well-being and enjoyment of life.
- 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 office-based procedure, and can return to their normal activities immediately afterward.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe, effective, and painless procedure. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, performed under general anesthesia. It's a powerful treatment option for severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies, and can be life-saving for older adults.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation in dementia is common and often challenging. Dr. Rivera will first rule out any underlying medical issues. He can then help develop a plan, possibly including non-medication strategies, and, if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life.
- 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. Fortunately, there are many other highly effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, like antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- While Bipolar Disorder often begins in younger adulthood, it can develop later in life. Managing it in seniors requires special expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health issues. Dr. Rivera has experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in older adults.
6151 Lake Osprey Dr Ste 300
Lakewood Ranch FL 34240
Phone: (941) 737-9846
Dr. Miguel Rivera, 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): 1376603829
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. Miguel Rivera 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.