Dr. Thelma Lynch, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist practicing at her clinic in Winter Springs, FL. She is deeply committed to providing compassionate and comprehensive Clinical Psychology care for older adults, 65 years and older. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Lynch is dedicated to being a trusted partner in their health journeys. She understands the unique needs and challenges of this population and is equipped to address them effectively. Prospective patients should call (407) 695-3664 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.
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. Dr. Lynch offers psychotherapy, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, tailoring her approach to each individual's specific needs. She is dedicated to fostering a collaborative and supportive environment, empowering patients and their families to make informed decisions about their healthcare. Dr. Thelma Lynch, PHD is a clinical psychologist in Winter Springs, FL. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Thelma Lynch provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Thelma Lynch is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Thelma Lynch is a compassionate partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive clinical psychology care tailored to their unique needs. She expertly addresses mental and behavioral health concerns, including depression and anxiety, alongside the challenges of aging, chronic illness, and loss. Working collaboratively with primary care physicians, Dr. Lynch offers evidence-based therapies, coping strategies, and cognitive assessments, empowering seniors and their families to navigate these life transitions with resilience and well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Thelma Lynch can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- APCN Choice POS II
- AWH Orlando Health OAAS
- Aetna
- Aetna HMO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna HMO
- Cigna PPO
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- FL Medical Providers
- 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
- SureFit South Florida
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Thelma Lynch 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:
- Primary Insomnia: If you're struggling with persistent sleeplessness unrelated to another medical or psychological condition, you may experience primary insomnia, which can often be improved with professional help.
- Attention Problems: Forgetting things more often or having trouble following conversations can be addressed through therapy and tailored strategies, enhancing memory and mental clarity.
- Medical-Psychiatric Issues: When physical health challenges intersect with mental health, a clinical psychologist helps seniors and their families understand and address the emotional and behavioral effects, leading to better coping and quality of life.
- Drug Abuse: Many older adults struggling with substance abuse find relief through specialized therapy that addresses the underlying emotional and physical factors, helping them improve their quality of life and reduce reliance on harmful substances.
- Secondary Insomnia: Experiencing poor sleep due to a specific health issue, like arthritis pain or medication side effects? This is secondary insomnia, and a psychologist can collaborate with your doctor to develop strategies for better sleep.
- Hoarding: Hoarding is a difficulty letting go of possessions, even when they're no longer useful or needed, and it can impact your home safety and well-being; a clinical psychologist can help develop strategies to manage possessions and reduce stress.
- Disruptive Behavior Disorders: If a loved one is experiencing sudden outbursts, confusion, or unusual behavior, it may be a disruptive behavior disorder that can impact their independence and your ability to care for them; a psychologist can help create a care plan focused on behavior management and emotional 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. Thelma Lynch offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Treatment of Mood Disorders: For seniors struggling with persistent sadness or irritability, treatment of mood disorders offers a path toward improved mental health and increased engagement in life's activities.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CTB-I): CBT-I assists in diagnosing sleep problems and provides seniors with practical tools and techniques to improve their sleep hygiene and reduce reliance on sleep medications.
- Psychosomatic Medicine Services: This service helps manage physical symptoms linked to emotional distress, creating a more holistic approach to your well-being.
- Depression Treatment: Depression treatment helps older adults identify and manage feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and loss of interest, improving their overall quality of life.
- Psychotherapy for Crisis: In a time of crisis, psychotherapy offers immediate support and guidance to help older adults manage overwhelming emotions and develop effective coping mechanisms.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps your doctor understand your mental state and cognitive abilities, guiding them in creating a personalized care plan.
- Psychoeducation: Psychoeducation is a vital part of your care, teaching you practical strategies to cope with stress, anxiety, or depression related to aging or chronic illness.
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. Thelma Lynch 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:
- After struggling with primary insomnia, a senior felt a renewed sense of well-being, enjoying evening walks with their grandchildren and participating more fully in family gatherings.
- Following sessions with a clinical psychologist, a senior felt more confident in their ability to navigate daily tasks, leading to renewed participation in their favorite hobby of playing bridge with friends.
- With the clinical psychologist's support, a senior felt more secure at home, managing anxieties related to declining physical health, and was able to enjoy quiet evenings reading.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Thelma Lynch:
- What is the difference between a Clinical Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- Dr. Thelma Lynch, a clinical psychologist, has a doctorate and specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. She does not prescribe medication. A psychiatrist, on the other hand, is a medical doctor who *can* prescribe medication. Both are important members of your care team.
- I'm not 'mentally ill,' so why would I see a psychologist?
- Dr. Lynch's practice emphasizes that psychology is a valuable resource for addressing a wide range of life challenges, not just severe mental illness. Many seniors seek support for navigating new medical diagnoses, adjusting to retirement, coping with loss, or improving communication. It's completely normal to seek support for these life transitions.
- What if I'm having a mental health crisis?
- Dr. Lynch's outpatient therapy is not for immediate emergencies. If you are having a mental health crisis, call 911 or the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or go to the nearest emergency room. Getting immediate help in a crisis is the most important first step.
- 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 understand cognitive changes, identify strengths and weaknesses, and potentially diagnose conditions like dementia, providing clarity for families.
- I have trouble sleeping. Can a psychologist help with insomnia?
- Yes, Dr. Lynch can help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, medication-free approach to treating insomnia. This program helps reset sleep patterns by addressing thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep, including relaxation skills and establishing a healthy sleep routine.
- Can therapy really help with the stress of being a caregiver?
- Absolutely. Caregiving is incredibly demanding, and Dr. Lynch provides a confidential space to process the complex emotions, like guilt, frustration, and sadness, that often arise. Therapy can help you learn practical coping skills, manage stress, prevent burnout, and find better ways to care for both your loved one and yourself.
- 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 while processing complex emotions. Dr. Lynch can help you find ways to carry the memory of your spouse forward while rediscovering a sense of purpose and connection in your life.
- How can talking about my problems help with my chronic illness or pain?
- Talking about your problems can significantly improve your well-being, as mental and physical health are deeply connected. 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, stress, and related emotional challenges. Dr. Lynch can help you develop these skills.
1806 Town Plaza Ct
Winter Springs FL 32708
Phone: (407) 695-3664
Dr. Thelma Lynch, 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): 1073550422
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. Thelma Lynch 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.