Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults. He 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. He serves older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, ensuring patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Prospective patients should call (305) 644-0622 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD is a psychiatrist in Miami, FL, with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Psychotic Disorders. Dr. Hernandez graduated from Universidad Central del Este Escuela de Medicina in 1981 and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Geriatric Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His commitment to collaborative care and a supportive environment, combined with his extensive medical education from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1981, makes him a valuable partner in navigating the unique healthcare needs of seniors. Dr. Hernandez provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Nelson Hernandez is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hernandez acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in the health journey of seniors, providing comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly manages complex mental and behavioral conditions, such as depression and anxiety, while prioritizing the safe and effective use of medications. His approach emphasizes collaboration with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and personalized treatment plan, focusing on the unique needs and goals of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Nelson Hernandez can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Ambetter
- AvMed
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Large Group POS
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- Florida Blue
- HMO Premier HMO
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- Humana
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Oscar Circle
- Oscar Health
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- Select HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Small Group Elect HMO
- South Florida HUMx HMOx
- Superior Health Plan
- SureFit South Florida
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Nelson Hernandez 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:
- Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders are serious mental illnesses that can cause confusion, unusual thoughts, and difficulty connecting with others, but with proper treatment, including medication and therapy, many individuals can manage their symptoms and live fulfilling lives.
- Bipolar Disorder: If you're dealing with intense periods of both extreme happiness and deep sadness, you may have bipolar disorder, a condition that a psychiatrist can help you manage through medication, therapy, or a combination of approaches, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Major depressive disorder can affect older adults, causing sadness, sleep disturbances, and changes in energy levels. A psychiatrist can create a personalized treatment plan that could involve medication, therapy, or both to alleviate symptoms and enhance overall well-being.
- Adjustment Disorder: Adjustment disorder is a temporary emotional reaction to a stressful life event, like a move or loss, that causes significant distress and affects daily life, but with the right support and treatment, you can get through this.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): If you or a loved one struggles with uncontrollable thoughts and urges, know that OCD is treatable. A psychiatrist can work with you to find the right approach, improving your mental well-being and reducing the impact of this condition.
- Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: While schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders can cause significant challenges, treatment, such as psychotherapy, may help older adults feel more connected and reduce feelings of isolation.
- Delusional Disorder: A psychiatrist plays a vital role in diagnosing and treating delusional disorder, often using medication and therapy to reduce the intensity of delusions and improve the ability to function in daily life.
- Dementia: While dementia progressively affects brain function, causing memory loss and confusion, a specialized treatment plan can help manage symptoms and improve the overall well-being of those affected.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder involves a blend of mental health challenges, including psychosis and mood disturbances, making daily functioning difficult; however, a psychiatrist can create a treatment plan to alleviate these symptoms and increase their quality of life.
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Experiencing psychosis, such as seeing or hearing things that aren't there, can be frightening. With appropriate treatment by a psychiatrist, including medication and potentially other therapies, these symptoms can be managed to improve quality of life and social interaction.
- Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is a condition causing sudden, intense fear and discomfort, often with physical symptoms like a racing heart, but with appropriate treatment, seniors can manage these episodes and enjoy a more peaceful life.
- Anxiety: For seniors, anxiety can be eased with a combination of medication and talking therapies, allowing for better sleep, reduced stress, and more comfortable engagement in daily activities.
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. Nelson Hernandez 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: A dementia or depression screening is a crucial step in developing a personalized care plan that addresses the specific mental health needs of seniors.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a crucial step in managing your mental health, ensuring you receive the right medication and support.
- 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: A psychological evaluation assesses your mental health and identifies any potential issues that could complicate your bariatric surgery and recovery.
- Dementia Evaluation: Through a thorough dementia evaluation, your doctor can create a comprehensive care plan addressing behavioral changes and cognitive decline.
- Psychosomatic Medicine Services: Psychosomatic medicine services help determine if physical symptoms are linked to emotional or mental health issues, creating a more complete picture of your health.
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. Nelson Hernandez 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 skilled professional, a senior with schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorder experienced a marked reduction in confusing thoughts, allowing them to engage more meaningfully in family activities.
- With a personalized treatment plan combining medication and therapy, a senior felt their mood swings lessen, enabling them to reconnect with their loved ones and enjoy hobbies they'd previously found challenging.
- With personalized treatment, a senior felt a significant reduction in depressive symptoms, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and resume their favorite hobbies. The family experienced a renewed sense of joy and togetherness.
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. Nelson Hernandez:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Hernandez, as a medical doctor, is uniquely qualified to prescribe medications and manage your mental health needs. A psychologist, on the other hand, specializes in psychotherapy and testing but cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work collaboratively to provide comprehensive care.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Hernandez has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of our practice. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- 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 that may be underactive. 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. Hernandez provides 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 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.
- Are psychiatric medications addictive? I'm worried about taking them.
- It's understandable to worry about medication addiction. While some psychiatric medications can cause physical dependence, most modern antidepressants and mood stabilizers are not considered addictive. For anxiety, some medications can be habit-forming, but Dr. Hernandez will discuss the best, non-addictive options for long-term management, prioritizing your safety.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe and effective medical procedure. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, performed under general anesthesia, and is often life-saving for severe depression that hasn't responded to other treatments. It is a powerful tool in our toolbox for helping older adults facing this serious challenge.
- 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 disturbances, and low energy can be effectively managed with medication and therapy, restoring a sense of well-being.
1300 Coral Way Ste 208
Miami FL 33145
Phone: (305) 644-0622
Dr. Nelson Hernandez, 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): 1285625079
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. Nelson Hernandez 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.