Dr. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults at his clinic in St. Cloud, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He understands the unique mental health needs of seniors, recognizing that aging can bring about a variety of challenges, including depression, anxiety, and cognitive changes. 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) with the utmost respect and care. Prospective patients should call (407) 734-1273 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado, MD is a psychiatrist in St. Cloud, FL, affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando and Holmes Regional Medical Center. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, recognizing that successful treatment often involves the entire healthcare team. This approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered to participate in their care decisions. He understands the importance of open communication and strives to make the care process as smooth and understandable as possible. Dr. Perez-Alvarado offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Perez-Alvarado is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly addresses the complex mental and behavioral health needs of older adults, including depression, anxiety, and dementia, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and family members. His focus is on creating a personalized treatment plan, ensuring the safe and effective management of medications, and maximizing the well-being and independence of each patient.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado 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. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado 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:
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Psychosis due to mental illness means experiencing hallucinations or delusions caused by a condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and a psychiatrist can help manage these symptoms with medication and therapy, improving your overall well-being.
- Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Experiencing persistent sadness or low energy for a long time? This could be chronic depression, a condition that affects your daily life, but with professional guidance, such as therapy and medication, you can learn coping mechanisms to improve your well-being and maintain your independence.
- Suicidal Ideation: Having thoughts of suicide is a sign that you need support; a psychiatrist can help you explore these feelings in a safe space and develop strategies to cope and regain a sense of hope and well-being.
- 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.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks, feels, and behaves, leading to challenges in daily life, yet treatment focusing on medication and therapy can significantly improve symptoms and quality of life for older adults.
- Bipolar Disorder: Experiencing unpredictable shifts in mood, energy, and activity levels might indicate bipolar disorder; a psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis and develop a treatment plan, such as medication and therapy, to stabilize your moods and enhance your quality of life.
- Panic Disorder: Don't let panic disorder control your life. Treatment options available from a psychiatrist, such as medication and therapy, can help you learn to manage your anxiety, reduce the severity of panic attacks, and maintain a fulfilling life.
- Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: If alcohol is affecting someone's mental state, a psychiatrist can provide support and guidance to reduce alcohol consumption and manage any related mental health challenges, leading to better emotional stability and independence.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: Managing schizoaffective disorder often involves a combination of medication to stabilize mood and reduce psychotic symptoms, along with therapy to develop coping strategies and improve overall well-being, leading to greater independence.
- Delusional Disorder: If someone you care for experiences persistent false beliefs despite evidence to the contrary, they may have delusional disorder; a psychiatrist can provide support and medication to ease the distress caused by these beliefs.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD, stemming from a past traumatic experience, can affect your ability to function daily, causing symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, and emotional numbness; but with proper care from a psychiatrist, including specialized therapy and potentially medication, you can find ways to heal and regain a sense of well-being.
- Cocaine Addiction: Cocaine addiction is a serious condition where an older adult feels compelled to use cocaine despite negative consequences, and a psychiatrist can help them develop strategies to manage cravings and build a healthier lifestyle.
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. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado 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: By assessing for both dementia and depression, healthcare providers can identify and manage overlapping symptoms, optimizing the senior's well-being.
- Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): As part of a comprehensive care plan, ECT can help manage treatment-resistant depression and significantly improve mood and functionality in older adults.
- 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 evaluation is a crucial step in tailoring the right medication and therapy to fit your specific needs and improve your quality of life.
- 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.
- Opiate Detoxification Using Buprenorphine: Opiate detoxification with buprenorphine is a medically supervised treatment that helps seniors safely reduce their dependence on opioids, reducing the risks associated with abrupt cessation.
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. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado 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:
- A senior woman, previously withdrawn due to hallucinations, now felt safe and secure in her home, spending more time with her family, thanks to the support of a compassionate mental health professional.
- A senior woman, previously withdrawn and experiencing persistent sadness, found renewed joy in social activities with the support of a personalized treatment plan, including therapy and medication. Her family noticed a significant improvement in her mood and energy levels, allowing her to reconnect with cherished hobbies and feel more secure in her daily life.
- With the support of a compassionate mental health professional, a senior felt a renewed sense of hope and safety, and was able to reconnect with loved ones, improving their overall well-being.
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. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Perez-Alvarado, as a medical doctor, is licensed to prescribe medications to manage mental health conditions. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing but are not able to prescribe medication. We often collaborate to provide comprehensive care for our patients.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Perez-Alvarado 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 underactive in depression, similar to an MRI. The procedure is done in our office while you're awake and comfortable, and you can return to your normal activities right away.
- 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 effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, including antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.
- 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, poor sleep, and low energy can be effectively managed with treatments like medication and therapy, restoring well-being and enjoyment.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- Bipolar disorder can, and does, sometimes start later in life. Managing it in older adults requires special expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health issues. Dr. Perez-Alvarado has experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in the geriatric population.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation in dementia is common and can be challenging. We'll first rule out any underlying medical issues, like infection or pain. Dr. Perez-Alvarado can then develop a personalized plan, often starting with non-medication strategies, and if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Perez-Alvarado 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. This integrated approach is often most effective.
2013 Live Oak Blvd Ste B
Saint Cloud FL 34771
Phone: (407) 734-1273
Dr. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado, 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): 1306831110
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. Reynaldo Perez-Alvarado 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.