Dr. Carlos Santana, MD

Dr. Carlos Santana, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. He practices at his clinic in Tampa, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, adhering to Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves Individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 974-8900 to schedule.

Dr. Carlos Santana, MD is a psychiatrist in Tampa, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Autonoma De Santo Domingo in 1983 and completed residency training in Psychiatrists at University Of S Fl College Of Med. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is affiliated with Moffitt Cancer Center Magnolia Campus and is accepting new patients. Dr. Santana's approach to care is collaborative, rooted in evidence-based medicine, and fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Alcohol-related mental disorders are preventable; by limiting alcohol intake and addressing potential mental health concerns promptly, you can significantly reduce your risk.
• Anxiety: Taking steps to manage anxiety, such as lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques, can prevent it from escalating and disrupting your daily life.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with proper management strategies, including medication and therapy, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes, improving your chances of a fulfilling life.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Addressing drug and alcohol dependence promptly can prevent relapse and the associated physical and mental health risks.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the signs of Major Depressive Disorder early and seeking professional help can prevent its progression and greatly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse, while not an addiction, can still harm your health and increase your risk for more serious problems down the line; early intervention and lifestyle changes can prevent these complications.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Taking steps to manage non-dependent drug and alcohol use helps safeguard against developing more serious substance use disorders that may impact many aspects of your life.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Early detection and treatment of psychosis, often linked to other mental illnesses, are crucial to prevent debilitating complications and improve long-term well-being.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Because schizoaffective disorder can lead to significant challenges in daily functioning, early intervention and ongoing care are vital for preventing complications and promoting recovery.
• Schizophrenia: Regular monitoring and prompt intervention for schizophrenia can help minimize the impact on daily life and prevent further mental health challenges.
• 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.
• Suicidal Ideation: To safeguard your mental health and prevent relapse into suicidal ideation, it's essential to address any underlying mental health conditions through professional treatment and support.

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. Carlos Santana 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.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening that helps detect early signs of dementia or depression.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps proactively identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the road.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery is a crucial step in optimizing your surgical outcome by addressing any mental health concerns that could hinder your progress.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) (as a diagnostic tool): To better understand the potential causes of your mental health challenges, your doctor may recommend an EEG, a simple test that records your brain's electrical activity, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Medication Management for Learning and Behavioral Disabilities: Proactively address your child's learning and behavioral difficulties with medication management, supporting improved focus and classroom success.

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. Carlos Santana 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 understanding the potential risks and proactively managing alcohol consumption, a patient significantly reduced their chance of developing alcohol-related mental health concerns, gaining a sense of well-being and control over their health.
• By implementing stress-reducing techniques and lifestyle changes, a patient found a way to effectively manage their anxiety, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling daily life.
• By understanding their bipolar disorder triggers and proactively managing their mood, a patient experienced fewer episodes and greater emotional stability, leading to a more fulfilling life.

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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Carlos Santana:

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

Dr. Santana is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. This allows for a more comprehensive approach to mental health care.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Carlos Santana?

Your first visit with Dr. Santana 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. Santana will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Santana plays a key role in the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition, such as depression. Dr. Santana is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Santana's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Santana is experienced in sleep-wake disorders. We will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

How does Dr. Carlos Santana manage medication side effects?

Dr. Santana carefully manages medication side effects by prioritizing a medication that provides the most benefit with the fewest side effects. He starts with low doses, closely monitors your response, and is skilled at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit for you.

3515 E Fletcher Ave
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 974-8900

Dr. Carlos Santana, 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): 1861506982

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. Carlos Santana 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.