Dr. Rocio Puentes, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at our Tampa, FL clinic, 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. Dr. Puentes serves older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (813) 272-2244 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Rocio Puentes, MD is a psychiatrist in Tampa, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from Ross University School of Medicine in 2013 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of older adults and their families to her practice. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Puentes is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments.
Dr. Puentes's approach prioritizes patient-centered care, and she strives to create a supportive environment where both patients and their families feel understood and respected. She is dedicated to providing exceptional care and is fluent in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Rocio Puentes is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rocio Puentes 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, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, with a focus on personalized treatment plans. Dr. Puentes collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and holistic approach, prioritizing medication safety and management while respecting each individual's unique needs and goals.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Rocio Puentes 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
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueOptions
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- LocalPlus
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Seamless HMO
- SimplyBlue
- Superior Health Plan
- SureFit South Florida
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Rocio Puentes 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:
- 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: Experiencing psychosis, which might involve unusual beliefs or sensory experiences, can be challenging. With the right support from a psychiatrist, including medication and therapy, it's possible to manage symptoms and maintain independence.
- 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.
- Hypochondriasis: Worries about your health taking over your life? A psychiatrist can help you understand and manage hypochondriasis, a condition marked by excessive health concerns, so you can focus on enjoying your later years rather than constant worry.
- Obesity: Obesity can impact your overall health and energy levels, sometimes leading to depression or anxiety, which a psychiatrist can help manage and improve your quality of life.
- 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.
- Bipolar I Disorder: Bipolar I disorder is a mental health condition causing significant mood swings between periods of intense highs (mania) and lows (depression), and a psychiatrist can help manage these with medication and therapy, improving your overall well-being.
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. Rocio Puentes offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Early detection of alcohol or substance misuse through screening and counseling helps prevent further health complications and promotes better quality of life.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Regular screening for dementia and depression allows for proactive management of these conditions, preventing worsening symptoms and potential crises.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: Through a comprehensive evaluation, your psychiatrist can assess your overall mental and emotional well-being, creating a roadmap for better health.
- 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: A psychological evaluation assesses your mental health and identifies any potential issues that could complicate your bariatric surgery and recovery.
- Couples Therapy: For seniors experiencing emotional distress linked to marital issues, couples therapy offers a supportive environment to improve their emotional and mental health.
- Psychotherapy Services: As part of a complete care plan, psychotherapy helps uncover the root causes of behavioral changes and provides personalized solutions to improve your overall well-being.
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. Rocio Puentes 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 tailored treatment plan, a woman found renewed joy in spending time with her grandchildren, a cherished activity that had become difficult due to her Major Depressive Disorder. Her family felt a sense of profound relief as her symptoms lessened and she regained her vitality.
- With the help of a skilled psychiatrist, a senior was able to reduce the frequency and intensity of unusual beliefs, leading to a more peaceful and secure home environment for both the patient and family.
- With a tailored treatment plan, a senior felt a noticeable reduction in distressing hallucinations, allowing them to reconnect with their family and enjoy a more secure environment at home.
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. Rocio Puentes:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Puentes, as a medical doctor, is licensed to prescribe medications to help manage mental health conditions. 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. Puentes 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 safe and effective.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- Bipolar disorder can develop later in life, even in older adults. Managing it in seniors requires special expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health issues. Dr. Puentes 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. You'll be awake and comfortable during the office-based procedure, and able to resume your normal activities immediately afterward.
- I have anxiety but I'm worried about taking tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.
- We understand your concern about taking tranquilizers. Benzodiazepines are used very cautiously in older adults due to potential fall and cognitive risks. Fortunately, there are many safer, long-term options for anxiety, such as antidepressants and therapy, which we can discuss. Our goal is to manage your anxiety effectively and safely.
- 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. Puentes can then develop a plan, possibly including non-medication strategies first, and if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life.
- 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, making it painless. While it may seem scary, it's often a life-saving treatment option for older adults when other treatments haven't worked.
- Are psychiatric medications addictive? I'm worried about taking them.
- It's understandable to be concerned about medication addiction. While some psychiatric medications can cause physical dependence, most modern antidepressants and mood stabilizers are not addictive. Some anxiety medications can be habit-forming, but Dr. Puentes will discuss all options, prioritizing your safety and well-being.
5707 N 22nd St
Tampa FL 33610
Phone: (813) 272-2244
Dr. Rocio Puentes, 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): 1477997138
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. Rocio Puentes 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.