Dr. Ronald Rickner, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist practicing at our Tallahassee, FL clinic, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Clinical Psychology 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). His expertise lies in understanding the unique mental and behavioral health needs of individuals 65 years and older, and he partners with primary care physicians to address complex conditions.
Clinical psychologists specializing in geriatric care provide expert mental and behavioral healthcare for older adults and their families, partnering with primary care physicians to address complex conditions like depression, anxiety, and the challenges of chronic illness and loss. This includes offering psychotherapy, developing coping strategies, and conducting cognitive assessments to help maintain optimal well-being. Dr. Rickner's approach emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Ronald Rickner, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Tallahassee, FL, committed to the comprehensive care of older adults. He is dedicated to partnering with seniors and their families to navigate the challenges of aging, supporting their emotional, psychological, and behavioral well-being. Prospective patients should call (850) 668-0482 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Rickner provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Ronald Rickner is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Rickner is a dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing compassionate and comprehensive clinical psychology care. He expertly addresses mental and behavioral health needs, working closely with primary care physicians to offer psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments. His personalized approach focuses on understanding individual goals and challenges, including the complexities of aging, chronic illness, and loss, ultimately aiming to maximize well-being and independence for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ronald Rickner can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- HealthyBlue Advantage
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ronald Rickner 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:
- Borderline Personality Disorder: Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD) is a challenging condition marked by unstable moods, relationships, and self-image, but with the right therapy, older adults can learn to manage their symptoms and live more fulfilling lives.
- Dissociative Disorder: Experiencing unsettling memory gaps or feeling emotionally numb might indicate a dissociative disorder, but with professional help through therapy, you can learn healthy coping mechanisms and improve your well-being.
- Mood Disorders: Experiencing persistent sadness, worry, or changes in mood can significantly impact daily life, but a clinical psychologist can teach valuable coping strategies and provide therapy to manage these mood disorders.
- Frontotemporal Dementia: FTD impacts thinking and daily living skills, and a psychologist can provide support and coping strategies for both the individual with FTD and their caregivers.
- Sleep Disorders: Experiencing trouble sleeping? A clinical psychologist can teach you relaxation techniques and address underlying anxieties or depression contributing to your sleep problems, enhancing your overall well-being.
- Chronic Diseases: Living with a chronic illness can be challenging, but a psychologist can teach you techniques to manage stress, improve your mood, and live more comfortably.
- Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia affects how a person thinks and perceives the world, sometimes resulting in unusual thoughts or behaviors; however, a treatment plan combining medication, therapy, and support can help manage these challenges and improve daily 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. Ronald Rickner offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Mindfulness Meditation: For caregivers, mindfulness meditation provides a tool to reduce stress and enhance self-care, supporting their well-being while caring for loved ones.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: As part of a comprehensive care plan, screening for alcohol or substance misuse can help your psychologist understand any contributing factors to your mental or physical health challenges.
- Disability Evaluation: By assessing physical and cognitive abilities, a disability evaluation helps create a tailored approach to managing challenges.
- Dementia Evaluation: This comprehensive evaluation assesses cognitive abilities to differentiate dementia from other conditions, creating a roadmap for managing the future.
- Psychosomatic Medicine Services: This approach ensures that your overall health is considered, combining mental health strategies with physical treatments for better outcomes.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This evaluation helps identify and address any underlying mental health conditions that could impact the success of your bariatric surgery.
- Eating Management: As part of a comprehensive care plan, a clinical psychologist may address eating issues that stem from depression, anxiety, or other mental health concerns.
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 Clinical Psychologists in Florida.
Dr. Ronald Rickner 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 compassionate therapist, a senior felt more secure in their home environment, and the family experienced a significant reduction in stress and conflict.
- A senior woman, previously struggling with unsettling memory gaps, found renewed confidence and emotional stability through therapy sessions. She now felt more present and secure in her daily life, able to fully engage with her loved ones.
- Feeling overwhelmed by persistent sadness, a senior found comfort and relief through therapy sessions. With newfound coping mechanisms, the senior was able to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy hobbies more fully.
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
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
Here are answers to some common questions about Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Ronald Rickner:
- What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Dr. Rickner, a clinical psychologist, has a doctorate and specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Unlike a psychiatrist, who is a medical doctor and can prescribe medication, Dr. Rickner does not prescribe medication. Both are important members of a comprehensive care team.
- I'm not 'mentally ill,' so why would I see a psychologist?
- Dr. Rickner's practice helps older adults navigate life's transitions and challenges, not just those with severe mental illness. Many seniors seek support for coping with new diagnoses, retirement adjustments, grief, or improving communication. Psychology provides tools and strategies to address these life changes effectively.
- What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
- If you are experiencing a mental health crisis, please call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline immediately. Outpatient therapy is not designed for immediate emergencies. Getting immediate help is the most important first step in a crisis. Going to the nearest emergency room is also an option.
- It's been over a year since my spouse passed, and I still feel stuck. Can psychology help with grief?
- Grief has no timeline, and feeling stuck is a common experience after loss. Grief counseling provides a supportive space to honor your loved one's memory and navigate your complex emotions. Dr. Rickner can help you carry their memory forward while rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, skills-based therapy focusing on identifying and changing unhelpful thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to feelings of depression or anxiety. It helps you notice negative thought cycles and learn how to challenge and reframe them in a more positive, realistic way. This is a proven, effective approach.
- How can talking about my problems help with my chronic illness or pain?
- Talking about your problems can significantly improve your overall well-being, including how you experience chronic illness or pain. While therapy can't cure a medical condition, it can dramatically change how you cope with it by teaching techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to manage pain, reduce stress, and overcome accompanying depression or anxiety. Dr. Rickner can help you with this.
- Can therapy really help with the stress of being a caregiver?
- Absolutely. Caregiving is incredibly demanding, and Dr. Rickner provides a confidential space to process the complex emotions, like guilt, frustration, and sadness, that often arise. Therapy can equip you with practical coping skills, manage stress, prevent burnout, and help you find better ways to care for both yourself and your loved one.
- What is a neuropsychological evaluation?
- A neuropsychological evaluation is like a check-up for your brain's thinking skills. It involves a series of puzzles, questions, and tasks to assess functions like memory, attention, and problem-solving. This helps us understand cognitive changes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and potentially diagnose conditions like dementia, providing clarity for families.
1535 Killearn Center Blvd Ste C2
Tallahassee FL 32309
Phone: (850) 668-0482
Dr. Ronald Rickner, PhD 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): 1386624229
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. Clinical Psychologists like Dr. Ronald Rickner 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.