Dr. Ana Turner, MD

Dr. Ana Turner, MD is a Psychiatrist at UF Health Psychiatry - Jacksonville in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the importance of preventive mental healthcare. General Psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare, diagnosing and managing mental health disorders through medication and therapy, preventing relapse through proactive long-term care plans, coordinating crucial screenings, and fostering overall wellness to empower your journey to lasting mental health. She serves individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (904) 383-1038 to schedule.

Dr. Turner, a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, earned her medical degree from the University of Florida. Following medical school and a psychiatry residency at the University of Florida, she gained valuable experience at the Malcolm-Randal VA Medical Center in acute-care psychiatry, followed by a focus on serving those with mental illness experiencing homelessness at the I.M. Sulzbacher Center. Her passion for advocating for those stigmatized by society, coupled with her dedication to teaching medical students and residents, underscores her commitment to compassionate and comprehensive patient care. She actively fosters a culture of empathy and proactive health within her practice, encouraging a collaborative relationship with patients to achieve optimal mental well-being. Dr. Turner's consultations are primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ana Turner 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. Ana Turner 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. Ana Turner 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:

• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Misusing amphetamines or similar stimulants can seriously harm your mental and physical health; early intervention and support are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Misusing antidepressants, even those not physically addictive, can worsen mental health and hinder recovery, emphasizing the need for careful medication management and open communication with your psychiatrist.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Managing tobacco use disorder is crucial for preventing serious health complications like heart disease and cancer, ensuring a longer and healthier life.
• Schizophrenia: Managing schizophrenia effectively through medication and therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and associated complications.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental illness where symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations or delusions, occur alongside mood episodes like mania or depression, and early diagnosis with proper treatment can significantly reduce long-term disability.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse can still contribute to various health concerns, including liver damage and increased risk of accidents; taking steps to moderate your drinking protects your overall well-being.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recognizing the signs of PTSD after a trauma is crucial for preventative care. Seeking professional help early allows for prompt treatment and reduces the likelihood of developing severe, long-term symptoms.
• Dementia: Because dementia can significantly impact quality of life, proactive steps like regular cognitive assessments and addressing risk factors like high blood pressure can help prevent or delay its onset.
• Nondependent Cocaine Abuse: Managing cocaine abuse proactively can significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications and improve overall well-being.
• Delusional Disorder: Preventative care for delusional disorder focuses on early diagnosis and treatment to minimize the potential for worsening symptoms and related distress.
• Personality Disorders: Early diagnosis and management of personality disorders are crucial to prevent significant impairments in personal, social, and occupational functioning.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Preventative care for amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence involves regular monitoring and proactive intervention to minimize health risks and support recovery.

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. Ana Turner offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Protecting your well-being starts with knowing your risks: a simple screening for alcohol or substance misuse can help identify potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term well-being.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Invest in your future by getting screened for dementia and depression; early intervention can help prevent debilitating symptoms and preserve cognitive function.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a proactive step to identify and address any underlying mental health concerns, helping prevent future challenges.
• Psychological Evaluation: Proactively safeguard your mental health with a psychological evaluation – a crucial step in identifying potential problems and implementing strategies to prevent future relapses.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: To ensure your success with bariatric surgery, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps assess your mental readiness and identifies any underlying conditions requiring treatment.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Enhance your mental wellness by engaging in psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to learn strategies for managing symptoms, preventing future episodes, and improving your overall quality of life.

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 Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. Ana Turner is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• A young adult, recognizing the potential risks of stimulant misuse, proactively sought guidance from a mental health professional. This early intervention empowered them to develop coping strategies and build a support network, reducing the risk of long-term harm.
• By openly discussing medication management strategies with their psychiatrist, a patient proactively avoided potential misuse of antidepressants, maintaining a stable mental well-being. This approach fostered confidence and a more positive outlook on their overall health journey.
• By understanding the risks of tobacco use and developing a personalized plan, a patient significantly reduced their tobacco use, improving their overall health and well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently pursue a healthier future.

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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Ana Turner:

What is a Psychiatrist, and how are they different from a Psychologist?

Dr. Turner is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy, unlike psychologists who are experts in psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Ana Turner?

Your first visit with Dr. Turner will be a comprehensive assessment of your medical and psychiatric history. We will discuss your symptoms, medical history, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This will be the first step in developing a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Turner will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for preventing symptoms from worsening and improving quality of life.

How does Dr. Ana Turner manage medication side effects?

Dr. Turner proactively manages medication side effects by starting with low doses and closely monitoring patients. Her goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects, and she's an expert at adjusting dosages or changing medications to achieve the best fit for each individual.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health needs of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team also has extensive experience in safely prescribing medications for seniors, who often take multiple medications.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, work to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation of stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and utilize your coping skills, which is key to preventing future episodes. Consistent treatment is crucial for long-term well-being.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Turner's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the overall frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed for use as needed during acute episodes.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn't require medication. It uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain, offering a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

UF Health Psychiatry - Jacksonville
580 W 8th St # 6
Jacksonville FL 32209
Phone: (904) 383-1038

Dr. Ana Turner, 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): 1417277583

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. Psychiatrists like Dr. Ana Turner 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 psychiatrist about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.