Dr. Miriam Ajo, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL. She 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). She expertly manages 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. Ajo serves older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is currently welcoming new patients.
As a psychiatrist in Fort Myers, FL, Dr. Miriam Ajo is affiliated with Lee Memorial Hospital and Cape Coral Hospital. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Ajo provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (239) 275-3222.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Miriam Ajo is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Miriam Ajo provides compassionate and comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care, focusing on the unique needs of older adults. She expertly diagnoses and manages mental and behavioral health conditions, including depression, anxiety, and dementia, while closely collaborating with primary care physicians and family members. Her personalized approach ensures safe medication management and a supportive environment, empowering seniors to maintain their independence and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Miriam Ajo can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Ambetter
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- National POS
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Superior Health Plan
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Miriam Ajo 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:
- Adjustment Disorder: Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope after a significant life change is understandable, and it may be adjustment disorder; a mental health professional can provide guidance and support to manage symptoms and regain well-being.
- Bipolar Disorder: Characterized by unpredictable mood swings from mania to depression, bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with a personalized plan from a psychiatrist, incorporating medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments to help you live a more balanced and comfortable life.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Major depressive disorder is a common but treatable condition in older adults characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, impacting daily life, but with effective treatment options available to improve mood and function.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: This condition, schizoaffective disorder, is characterized by a mix of both psychotic symptoms (like hearing voices) and intense mood swings (depression or elation). A compassionate psychiatrist can tailor a treatment plan using medication and therapy to help manage these symptoms and enhance their overall comfort and independence.
- Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: These personality disorders can make it difficult to form close relationships and can lead to social withdrawal, but therapy can help older adults develop better communication skills and manage their symptoms.
- Schizophrenia: While schizophrenia involves symptoms like hearing voices or holding unrealistic beliefs, it's treatable through ongoing care from a psychiatrist who will work with you to find the best medication and support plan.
- Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizophreniform disorder is a shorter-term version of schizophrenia, while schizoaffective disorder combines schizophrenia's symptoms with those of bipolar disorder or depression; both conditions respond well to treatment, enabling better emotional well-being and a higher quality 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. Miriam Ajo offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This screening helps your doctor understand if substance use is contributing to depression, anxiety, or other mental health challenges, allowing for more effective treatment.
- 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: By assessing your mental state, a psychological evaluation helps your doctor rule out or confirm underlying conditions, leading to faster relief and better outcomes.
- 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.
- ADHD Testing: ADHD testing plays a crucial role in managing symptoms of ADHD in older adults which may include improved focus, concentration and emotional regulation.
- Addiction Treatment: This service helps diagnose and manage substance abuse problems, leading to better mental clarity and improved quality of life.
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. Miriam Ajo 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 guidance from a mental health professional, a senior felt less overwhelmed and more in control after a recent move, regaining their cherished routine of daily walks in the park.
- With a customized treatment plan, incorporating medication and therapy, a senior found their mood swings significantly reduced, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy cherished hobbies more consistently.
- With the guidance of a supportive professional, a senior woman found renewed joy in socializing, reconnecting with loved ones, and participating in activities she once enjoyed, significantly improving her overall well-being.
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. Miriam Ajo:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Ajo, 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 collaboratively to provide the best possible care.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Ajo 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.
- 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 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. We will first rule out any medical causes, such as infection or pain. Dr. Ajo can then create a plan that may include non-medication strategies, and if needed, carefully prescribe medication 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 highly effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, including 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 starts in younger adulthood, it can develop later in life. Managing it in seniors requires specialized knowledge due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health issues. Dr. Ajo has experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in older adults.
- 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. The procedure is done in our office while you are awake and comfortable, and you can return to your normal activities immediately afterward.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Ajo's practice includes both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of the best treatment plans combine both approaches to address the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
2789 Ortiz Ave
Fort Myers FL 33905
Phone: (239) 275-3222
Dr. Miriam Ajo, 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): 1477883866
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. Miriam Ajo 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.