Dr. Cara Yergen, MD

Dr. Cara Yergen, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Stuart, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in 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 (772) 249-2339 to schedule.

Dr. Yergen, a board-certified psychiatrist and Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, brings over 15 years of dedicated experience to her practice. A diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, she is Board Certified in Psychiatry. Earning her medical degree from Saba University School of Medicine and completing her residency at Hartford Hospital/Institute of Living, Dr. Yergen has honed her skills in comprehensive medical care for Individuals of all ages. Her patients appreciate her approachable nature and down-to-earth style, finding her a trusted confidant. Dr. Yergen's philosophy prioritizes a conservative approach to medication, emphasizing behavioral changes to enhance quality of life. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Psychosis stemming from a mental illness can be significantly improved with timely intervention; proactive management reduces the risk of severe disability.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is a condition where a rigid need for control and perfectionism can impact your relationships and well-being, so early identification and treatment can help prevent significant life difficulties.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life by minimizing the risk of chronic symptoms.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Early diagnosis and management of ADHD and/or ADD are crucial for preventing academic, social, and occupational difficulties later in life.
• Schizophreniform Disorder: Schizophreniform disorder, while challenging, responds well to treatment. Early diagnosis and consistent management can lessen its impact and minimize the likelihood of it becoming chronic schizophrenia.
• Depressive Disorders: Depressive disorders, if left untreated, can lead to further health issues. Preventive strategies focus on early diagnosis and consistent management to mitigate these risks.
• Autism: Managing autism effectively through therapies and support can prevent social isolation and improve quality of life.
• Depression: Depression is a mood disorder that can be effectively managed with early intervention, preventing it from becoming a long-term struggle and improving your overall well-being.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Preventing problems with antidepressants requires understanding that even non-addictive medications can be misused, potentially delaying your progress towards better mental wellness. Early detection is key.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Early identification and treatment of chronic depression are vital to reduce its long-term effects on your physical and mental health, preventing potential complications like anxiety or substance abuse.
• Major Depressive Disorder: By addressing Major Depressive Disorder promptly through a combination of therapies and medication, individuals can reduce their risk of developing chronic mental health problems and improve their long-term outlook.
• 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.

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. Cara Yergen 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: Invest in your mental health journey by undergoing alcohol and substance misuse screening; this assessment helps uncover hidden issues that may be affecting your overall health.
• Outpatient Psychiatry: Outpatient psychiatry offers convenient, ongoing support to screen for potential mental health issues, allowing for early intervention and effective management to minimize the risk of relapse.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Taking a proactive approach to your mental health, psychiatric medication therapy can help stabilize your symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): As part of your proactive mental healthcare plan, consider CBT to learn techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, reducing the risk of relapse.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy provides a safe space to share experiences, improve communication skills, and reduce the risk of relapse by learning from others.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a proactive step to identify and address any underlying mental health concerns, helping prevent future challenges.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge about your brain health through a simple screening for dementia and depression, facilitating early diagnosis and management.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation: TMS provides a non-invasive way to boost your brain's natural ability to regulate mood, offering a proactive step towards lasting relief from depression and reducing the risk of future episodes.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Proactive medication management helps stabilize your mental health and prevent future episodes.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking a proactive step towards a healthier you, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps screen for potential mental health issues that may impact your surgery and recovery.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): To prevent future depressive episodes, TMS offers a non-invasive way to regulate brain function and improve mood, potentially reducing the risk of relapse.

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. Cara Yergen 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:

• By proactively addressing potential triggers and consistently engaging in therapy, a patient significantly reduced the risk of experiencing psychosis stemming from their mental illness, empowering them to maintain a stable and fulfilling life.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing coping strategies with a supportive health plan, a patient proactively managed tendencies toward rigidity and perfectionism, fostering healthier relationships and a more fulfilling life.
• By actively engaging in early intervention strategies, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing chronic symptoms associated with schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders, improving their overall well-being and future outlook.

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. Cara Yergen:

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

Dr. Yergen and her team are psychiatrists, medical doctors specializing in mental health. They can provide both medication management and therapy, a unique advantage compared to psychologists, who are experts in psychotherapy and testing but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Cara Yergen?

Your first visit with Dr. Yergen will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is 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. Yergen will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving quality of life.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Yergen's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. This includes FDA-approved medications, like Suboxone® or Vivitrol®, to manage cravings and prevent relapse. We combine these medications with counseling and support to help patients achieve lasting recovery.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. It's a highly effective option when other treatments haven't worked, preventing life-threatening symptoms.

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

Psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation of stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and utilize your coping skills, significantly reducing the risk of future episodes. Consistent treatment is key to preventing relapses.

How does Dr. Cara Yergen manage medication side effects?

Dr. Yergen takes a proactive approach to managing medication side effects. Her goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects for each patient. She will start with low doses, monitor closely, and is skilled at adjusting dosages or changing medications to achieve the best possible outcome.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

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

1 SE Ocean Blvd
Stuart FL 34994
Phone: (772) 249-2339

Dr. Cara Yergen, 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): 1164620845

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. Cara Yergen 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.