Dr. William Hervey, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at our Tampa, FL clinic, 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). Dr. Hervey is a valuable partner in the health journey of older adults (typically age 65 and older), expertly managing complex mental and behavioral conditions, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia. He safely prescribes and manages medications while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. He is currently welcoming new patients; please call (813) 972-2000 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Hervey, Medical Director, brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in Geriatric Psychiatric care, a wealth of clinical knowledge, and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from University Of South Florida Morsani College Of Medicine in 2009 and completed an internship at the same institution in 2010. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and his practice emphasizes a patient-centered approach, ensuring ample time for thorough evaluations and compassionate care. Dr. Hervey, a graduate of Loyola University (BA), Georgetown University (MBA), and the University of South Florida (MD), is committed to providing confidential, high-quality care. He provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. William Hervey is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Hervey acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in navigating the complex health needs of seniors. His comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care encompasses a holistic approach, addressing mental and behavioral conditions like depression, anxiety, and dementia with expertise and sensitivity. He collaborates closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a coordinated and personalized treatment plan that prioritizes the well-being and dignity of each individual.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. William Hervey can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Cigna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Aetna
- Anthem
- CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Choice Plus POS II
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HealthyBlue 2.0
- National (BlueCard) PPO
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. William Hervey 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:
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Don't let persistent sadness or unpredictable emotional changes control your life. Dysthymia and cyclothymia are manageable with the help of a psychiatrist who can develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs, helping you maintain your independence and enjoy your later years.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Feeling persistently low, hopeless, or losing interest in things you once enjoyed may be signs of major depressive disorder, a condition that responds well to treatments like therapy or medication, helping seniors maintain their independence and enjoy life again.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD, triggered by a past trauma, can lead to feelings of intense fear, anxiety, and flashbacks, making daily life challenging; however, a psychiatrist can help you process these experiences and develop coping mechanisms to regain a sense of peace and control.
- Anxiety: Anxiety in older adults is a treatable condition marked by excessive worry and nervousness, often managed with therapy, medication, or both, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
- Depressive Disorders: Depressive disorders in later life involve persistent sadness, loss of interest, and changes in sleep or appetite, but effective treatments like therapy and medication can significantly improve mood and daily functioning.
- Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition causing significant mood swings between emotional highs (mania) and lows (depression), and a psychiatrist can help manage these mood changes with medication and therapy to improve your overall well-being.
- Psychosis: Psychosis involves distorted thinking and perceptions, making it difficult to distinguish what's real. A psychiatrist can carefully assess the situation, provide appropriate medication, and develop a treatment plan to restore clarity and reduce distress.
- Schizophrenia: While schizophrenia involves symptoms like hearing voices or holding unrealistic beliefs, it's treatable through ongoing care from a psychiatrist who will work with you to find the best medication and support plan.
- Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder is a challenging condition combining symptoms of schizophrenia, such as hallucinations or disorganized thinking, with symptoms of a mood disorder like depression or mania, and treatment focuses on managing these symptoms to improve daily life.
- Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Many older adults find themselves struggling with substance dependence, often due to underlying mental health concerns or life stressors; however, professional treatment can effectively address these issues, leading to increased happiness and a stronger sense of well-being.
- Addiction: Addiction is a condition where someone feels a strong urge to use a substance or engage in a behavior despite negative consequences, and a psychiatrist can help develop strategies for managing cravings and avoiding relapse.
- Adjustment Disorder: If a recent event, such as a health problem or loss, has left you feeling persistently sad, anxious, or unable to function normally, it might be adjustment disorder; treatment can help alleviate these feelings and improve your quality of 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. William Hervey offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: By assessing alcohol and substance use, your psychiatrist can create a safer medication plan, minimizing interactions and potential side effects.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Regular screening for dementia and depression allows for proactive management of these conditions, preventing worsening symptoms and potential crises.
- Medication Management: Medication management ensures your prescribed psychiatric medications are safe and effective, optimizing your mental well-being and minimizing side effects.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation helps your doctor understand your mental health concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- 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 important step screens for mental health concerns that may affect your ability to follow post-surgery dietary and lifestyle recommendations.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: For seniors struggling with treatment-resistant depression, TMS offers a safe and effective way to improve mood and reduce symptoms, enhancing their overall quality of life.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain regions, helping to alleviate depression symptoms in seniors who haven't responded to other treatments.
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. William Hervey 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 a tailored treatment plan, a senior felt a significant reduction in persistent sadness and unpredictable mood swings, regaining their zest for life and enjoying their hobbies more fully. The family also reported feeling more secure and confident in their ability to support their loved one's well-being.
- Feeling persistently low, a senior found renewed joy in their hobbies and social connections with the support of professional guidance. The family felt a sense of relief and hope as their loved one regained a sense of well-being.
- After years of struggling with PTSD symptoms, a senior felt a significant reduction in anxiety and flashbacks, allowing them to reconnect with their grandchildren and enjoy family gatherings 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
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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. William Hervey:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Hervey, a psychiatrist, is a medical doctor (MD) who can prescribe medications to treat mental health conditions. Psychologists, on the other hand, have doctoral degrees in psychology and specialize in talk therapy and testing, but are not able to prescribe medication. These professionals often 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. Hervey 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.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation is a common and often challenging symptom of dementia. Dr. Hervey will first rule out any underlying medical causes, such as infection or pain. Then, he can help develop a personalized plan, which may include non-medication strategies first, and, if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life for everyone.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe and effective medical procedure performed under general anesthesia. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, and is often a life-saving treatment for severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies. It is a powerful tool, and we are here to help you understand and address any concerns.
- 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 of falls and cognitive side effects. 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.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Hervey provides both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of the best treatment plans for older adults involve both, addressing the emotional and biological aspects of mental health conditions. This integrated approach is often most effective.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- While Bipolar Disorder often starts in younger adulthood, it can certainly emerge later in life. Managing it in older adults requires specialized knowledge due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health conditions. Dr. Hervey has extensive experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in seniors.
- 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 considered addictive. For anxiety, some medications can be habit-forming, but we prefer non-addictive options for long-term use. Dr. Hervey prioritizes your safety and will discuss all options with you.
13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000
Dr. William Hervey, 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): 1063647006
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. William Hervey 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.