Dr. Molly Ryan, DO is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Stuart, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric 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). 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. She 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 (772) 208-0514 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Molly Ryan, DO is a psychiatrist in Stuart, FL, affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Martin North Hospital. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Her approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring that each patient receives personalized attention and care tailored to their specific needs. Recognizing the unique challenges and opportunities that aging presents, Dr. Ryan prioritizes open communication and partnership with patients and their families. She understands the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to care, working closely with other healthcare professionals to provide the most comprehensive support possible. Dr. Molly Ryan provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Molly Ryan is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ryan is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. She expertly addresses complex mental and behavioral conditions, including depression, anxiety, and dementia, with a focus on safety and collaboration. Dr. Ryan meticulously manages medications, coordinates care with primary care physicians and other specialists, and prioritizes understanding each patient's unique needs and goals, ensuring a supportive and personalized approach to their well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Molly Ryan 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. Molly Ryan 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:
- 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: 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.
- 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.
- Homicidal Ideation: Experiencing thoughts of harming someone can be frightening, but it's crucial to remember that these thoughts are treatable with professional support and medication, leading to a safer and more peaceful life.
- Mood Disorder Due to a General Medical Condition: A mood disorder, like depression or anxiety, can sometimes be caused by a physical health problem, and a doctor can help find the root cause and create a treatment plan to improve your mood and overall well-being.
- Psychotic Depression: When severe depression is accompanied by hallucinations or delusions, it's called psychotic depression; a psychiatrist can provide tailored treatment to address both the depression and the psychotic symptoms, leading to a better quality of life.
- Chemical Addiction: Chemical addiction, or substance use disorder, is a serious condition where someone feels compelled to use substances despite negative consequences, and a psychiatrist can help develop a personalized treatment plan to overcome this.
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. Molly Ryan offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Counseling for alcohol or substance misuse is a supportive step in managing mental health conditions and improving overall well-being in older adults.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Dementia or depression screening helps identify cognitive decline or mood disorders early, enabling timely treatment and improving quality of life.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: This thorough assessment helps diagnose conditions like depression, anxiety, or dementia-related behavioral issues, guiding your care.
- Psychological Evaluation: Through a psychological evaluation, your doctor can diagnose conditions like depression or anxiety and create a comprehensive care plan to improve your well-being.
- 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.
- Ketamine Induction: As part of a comprehensive care plan, ketamine induction may be considered for seniors experiencing debilitating depression, offering a chance to regain quality of life.
- Supportive Counseling: As part of a comprehensive approach, supportive counseling helps a psychiatrist assess a senior's emotional state and tailor treatment plans to their unique needs.
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. Molly Ryan 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 personalized treatment plan, a senior found a more stable mood, allowing them to reconnect with their favorite hobby: painting, and enjoy a greater sense of peace and security in their daily life.
- Feeling increasingly isolated and withdrawn, a senior found renewed joy in spending time with family after consistent treatment for Major Depressive Disorder. The patient's renewed engagement in hobbies and social activities significantly improved their overall well-being.
- With medication and therapy, a senior felt a significant reduction in distressing hallucinations, regaining a sense of peace and security in their home environment.
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. Molly Ryan:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Ryan, as a psychiatrist, is a medical doctor who can prescribe medications. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but 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. Ryan 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.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Ryan's practice includes both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of our best treatment plans combine both approaches 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, sleep problems, and low energy can be effectively managed with medication and therapy, restoring a sense of well-being and enjoyment.
- 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 causes, like infection or pain. Dr. Ryan can then help develop a plan, possibly including non-medication strategies first, and medication if needed, carefully and 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. 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?
- Bipolar disorder can sometimes begin later in life. Managing it in older adults requires specialized knowledge due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health conditions. Dr. Ryan has experience diagnosing and safely managing bipolar disorder in seniors.
- 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 treatment option for severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies, and can be life-saving for older adults.
508 SE Osceola St
Stuart FL 34994
Phone: (772) 208-0514
Dr. Molly Ryan, DO 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): 1407099906
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. Molly Ryan 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.