Dr. Candice Hurst, PHD

Dr. Candice Hurst, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) practicing at The Center for Psychology in Fort Myers, FL. She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice focuses on prevention, partnering with individuals of all ages to build resilience, utilize evidence-based therapies, create long-term wellness plans, coordinate necessary screenings, and serve as a primary partner in proactively safeguarding mental well-being. Dr. Candice PHD is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey; please call (239) 278-3443 to schedule. Dr. Candice Hurst (Florida Licensed Psychologist #7027), a seasoned professional, joined The Center for Psychology in 2008, bringing extensive experience gained through her B.S. in Psychology from the University of Florida, and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Nova Southeastern University. Her training included pre-doctoral internships at esteemed institutions like Children's Psychiatric Center, Inc., and post-doctoral residency at the David Lawrence Center in Naples. Dr. Candice PHD is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Candice PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety early can prevent it from escalating into more serious mental health challenges, impacting your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Depression: Depression is a treatable condition; seeking professional help early can prevent it from disrupting your work, relationships, and overall happiness.
• Depressive Disorders: Early identification and treatment of depressive disorders are crucial for preventing long-term health complications and improving overall well-being.
• Panic Disorder: Learning coping strategies for panic attacks, like deep breathing and mindfulness techniques, is key to managing the disorder's symptoms and building resilience against future episodes.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): By understanding PTSD risk factors and implementing preventive strategies like building resilience and seeking support, we can effectively manage this condition and mitigate its impact.
• Fragile X Syndrome: Fragile X syndrome is a genetic condition that can cause intellectual disability and developmental delays, and early diagnosis allows for interventions that improve quality of life and prevent further complications.
• Opioid Withdrawal: Opioid withdrawal is a serious condition that can be prevented by early identification of opioid use disorder and timely access to evidence-based treatment.

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

• Psychological Testing: By undergoing psychological testing, you can gain a clearer understanding of your mental health and develop a tailored plan to enhance your resilience and prevent potential problems.
• Addiction Treatment: Invest in your mental and physical health by seeking addiction treatment; it helps you develop coping mechanisms and prevent the escalating consequences of substance abuse.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) (as a diagnostic tool): As a proactive step in maintaining your mental well-being, an EEG can detect unusual brainwave patterns that might indicate underlying conditions, enabling timely treatment.
• Sexual Assault Exam (Psychological support): Protect your mental health after sexual assault; a psychological assessment can identify areas needing support and facilitate recovery.
• Twelve Step Faciliation: Proactively address addictive behaviors and build lasting recovery with 12-step facilitation, a peer-support program proven to aid in long-term abstinence.
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD) is a short, supportive session that helps you process a traumatic event and prevent the development of long-term mental health issues.
• Preventive Care (Mental health screening): A mental health screening helps identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious problems down the line.

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. Candice 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 understanding and addressing anxiety triggers early, a patient developed coping mechanisms, reducing the likelihood of future anxiety episodes and improving their overall emotional well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and developing coping mechanisms, a patient felt empowered to manage their emotional well-being and prevent future depressive episodes. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a positive outlook and fulfilling relationships.

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. Candice PHD:

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

Dr. Candice is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides 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. Candice, 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 collaborate 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. Candice PhD is beneficial for everyone. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can significantly improve sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Candice can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, develop conflict-resolution skills, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens family and romantic bonds, preventing future relationship challenges.

How do you help people cope with the stress of a chronic medical illness?

Dr. Candice provides a supportive space to process the emotional impact of a chronic illness and teaches practical coping strategies to manage pain, fatigue, and stress, helping to prevent the illness from leading to depression or anxiety.

How can therapy help prevent my anxiety or depression from getting worse?

Therapy can be proactive in preventing anxiety or depression from worsening. Dr. Candice teaches specific coping skills to manage symptoms, identifies early warning signs of a relapse, and helps address the root causes of distress, building a mental health toolkit to navigate future challenges.

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 emotions, and prevent anxious or depressive thoughts from overwhelming you.

12499 Brantley Commons Ct Ste 101
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (239) 278-3443

Dr. Candice Hurst, 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): 1427213065

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. Candice 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.