Desiree Kitchens, LMHC

Desiree Kitchens, LMHC is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she practices at her clinic in Hialeah, FL. She partners with patients of all ages to build resilience, utilizing evidence-based therapies and creating long-term wellness plans that promote mental well-being. This includes coordinating necessary screenings and serving as a primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental health. Please call (305) 283-3988 to confirm if Dr. Desiree LMHC is currently accepting new patients.

Clinical psychologists specializing in preventive mental health, like Dr. Desiree LMHC, understand the importance of proactive care. They partner with you to build resilience, utilize evidence-based therapies, create long-term wellness plans, coordinate necessary screenings, and serve as your primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being. Dr. Desiree LMHC, a psychologist in Hialeah, FL, is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She strives to understand each individual's unique needs and tailor her approach accordingly. Dr. Desiree LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Desiree LMHC is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Desiree LMHC can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Desiree LMHC provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Reactive Attachment Disorder: Early detection and appropriate treatment of Reactive Attachment Disorder can significantly improve a child's capacity to form healthy relationships and build resilience later in life.
• Manic Disorder: Learning to recognize the warning signs of mania allows for proactive management, helping prevent severe mood swings and improving your quality of life.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a terrifying event, and early intervention can prevent it from becoming a chronic and debilitating condition.
• Compulsions: Compulsions, if left unaddressed, can increase stress and anxiety, hindering your ability to build resilience and thrive; early intervention is key.
• Substance Withdrawal Delirium: Managing substance use through evidence-based treatment can effectively prevent the life-threatening complications associated with substance withdrawal delirium, a severe form of withdrawal.
• Abnormal Female Sexual Function (Psychological aspects): Early intervention for psychological issues affecting female sexual function can improve satisfaction, reduce anxiety, and enhance relationships.
• Cognitive Delay: Cognitive delays, if identified early, allow for timely interventions that can enhance cognitive skills, building resilience and increasing the individual's ability to navigate life's challenges effectively.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Desiree LMHC offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Smoking Cessation Treatment: Take control of your health and quit smoking with our proven cessation program, improving your lung health and overall well-being.
• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): By taking a Quantitative Sensory Test (QST), you're taking a proactive step to assess your body's sensory processing and potentially prevent future issues stemming from undetected sensitivities.
• Marital and Family Psychotherapy: Build stronger, healthier relationships by working with a therapist to identify and address underlying issues impacting your marriage and family life.
• Stress Management: Proactively manage stress to prevent burnout and improve your overall well-being.
• Sex Therapy: Early intervention through sex therapy can prevent sexual dysfunction from escalating and negatively affecting your self-esteem and relationships.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental health by learning CBT techniques to manage stress and negative thought patterns, preventing future anxiety and depression.
• Concussion Treatment (Neuropsychological evaluation): Take a proactive step towards your brain health by scheduling a neuropsychological evaluation to assess any cognitive changes after a concussion, ensuring a faster recovery.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) in Florida.

Dr. Desiree LMHC is dedicated to partnering with Family Members and Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Individual's life:

• By proactively addressing potential risks, a family discovered early warning signs of possible Reactive Attachment Disorder and implemented strategies to foster secure attachments, promoting a stable and nurturing environment for their child. This early intervention significantly reduced the risk of future relationship challenges and built a foundation for healthy emotional development.
• By learning to recognize early warning signs of mania, a patient developed a proactive plan, significantly reducing the risk of severe mood swings and improving their overall well-being. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of control and peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Desiree LMHC:

What is a Clinical Psychologist, and how can they help me?

A clinical psychologist is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. They provide evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent challenges from becoming crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Desiree, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work together as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

Do I need to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?

No. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Desiree is beneficial for everyone, not just those with serious mental illness. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict resolution, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens bonds, preventing future relationship crises and promoting a healthier family dynamic.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety, on the other hand, is typically a more gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor, and less intense than a panic attack.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's proven effective in managing and preventing the worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In therapy, it's used as a tool to reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and prevent negative thought patterns.

What is trauma-focused therapy like EMDR?

Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are specialized treatments designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR, a structured therapy, helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD. These therapies can be very helpful in managing and overcoming the impact of past trauma.

4175 W 20th Ave
Hialeah FL 33012
Phone: (305) 283-3988

Desiree Kitchens, LMHC 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): 1588157523

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) like Dr. Desiree LMHC are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your clinical psychologist (preventive mental health) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.