Dr. Brian Bunnell, PHD

Dr. Brian Bunnell, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. He practices at our Tampa, FL clinic and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His expertise lies in partnering with individuals of all ages to build resilience and create personalized, long-term wellness plans. Clinical psychologists specializing in preventive mental health 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. To confirm if Dr. Brian PHD is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 974-2201.

Dr. Brian Bunnell, PhD is a psychologist in Tampa, FL. He is accepting telehealth appointments and committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice emphasizes the importance of prevention, recognizing that proactive measures are key to maintaining optimal mental well-being. While Dr. Brian PHD provides consultations primarily in English, his dedication to patient care and proactive mental health strategies extends to all those seeking to improve and maintain their well-being.

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

• Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: Managing stress and underlying psychological issues can help prevent psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) episodes, reducing their frequency and severity to maintain a better quality of life.
• Conversion Disorder: Building resilience to stress is vital in preventing conversion disorder, as it helps individuals cope with challenges without developing physical manifestations of psychological distress.
• Burnout: Burnout is a state of emotional, physical, and mental exhaustion caused by prolonged or excessive stress, and recognizing its early signs can prevent it from developing into a serious health problem.
• Motor Skills Disorders: Managing motor skill disorders proactively can significantly reduce the risk of later physical and mental health challenges related to these difficulties.
• Night Terror: Addressing night terrors early can prevent the development of sleep anxiety or other sleep disorders, emphasizing the role of preventive mental healthcare in building healthier sleep habits.
• Attachment Disorders: Addressing attachment difficulties early can prevent the escalation of problems into more significant mental health issues later in life, such as anxiety or depression.
• Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorders: Early identification of chronic motor or vocal tic disorders can help prevent social isolation and emotional distress, allowing for timely intervention and improved quality of life.

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

• Chronic Pain Management (Psychological aspects): Invest in your well-being by exploring how your thoughts, emotions, and behaviors influence your chronic pain experience.
• Sexual Assault Therapy: Early intervention through sexual assault therapy can help prevent the development of PTSD, depression, and anxiety following a traumatic experience.
• Wellness Coaching: Wellness coaching helps you proactively identify and address potential mental health challenges before they become significant problems.
• Neurological Testing (Neuropsychological part): Take a proactive step towards understanding your brain's health by undergoing neuropsychological testing, which can help detect cognitive issues early and support timely interventions.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Improve your ability to cope with daily stress and prevent its escalation into more serious mental health concerns through regular mindfulness meditation.
• Trauma and Critical Care (Psychological trauma): Proactively address and process past traumatic experiences to build resilience and prevent future mental health challenges.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: This comprehensive assessment helps screen for a wide range of mental health conditions in young people, promoting early diagnosis and access to appropriate support services to build resilience.

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. Brian PHD 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 addressing underlying anxieties and stress through evidence-based strategies, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and severity of their psychogenic nonepileptic seizures, leading to a substantial improvement in their quality of life.
• By proactively building coping mechanisms with the support of a clinical psychologist, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing conversion disorder, fostering a greater sense of emotional resilience. This empowered them to face life's challenges with confidence and improved mental well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Brian PHD:

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 life's challenges from becoming mental health crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Brian, 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. Dr. Brian PhD. provides preventive mental health services to help everyone manage stress, improve relationships, and navigate life transitions. Seeing a psychologist is beneficial for building skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves more than just a questionnaire. It includes a detailed clinical interview, review of school/work history, and standardized psychological tests to assess attention, impulsivity, and executive function. This multi-faceted approach ensures an accurate diagnosis.

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 manage stress, difficult emotions, and prevent negative thought patterns.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Brian can provide a supportive space for children and teenagers to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills. Therapy equips them with tools to address these issues and prevent them from impacting their long-term development.

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

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety attacks are typically a more gradual build-up of worry in response to something specific, and usually less intense.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities and create a personalized treatment plan. This information helps us understand you better and tailor the best approach for your needs.

3515 E Fletcher Ave
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 974-2201

Dr. Brian Bunnell, 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): 1528492857

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. Brian PHD 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.