Dr. Carol Mathews, MD

Dr. Carol Mathews, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands that general psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare. This involves 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 committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (352) 265-4357 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Carol Mathews, MD is a psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Johns Hopkins School of Medicine in 1992 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she is affiliated with UF Health Shands Hospital and provides consultations primarily in English. Dr. Mathews is committed to providing the highest quality care, and she is accepting telehealth appointments. Her dedication to her patients and their families is evident in her over 30 years of experience in Psychiatric care, showcasing a deep understanding of preventative care and the importance of patient empowerment.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Carol Mathews 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. Carol Mathews 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. Carol Mathews 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 proactively through therapy or medication can significantly reduce the risk of future anxiety attacks and related complications like depression.
• Dementia: Protecting your brain health involves recognizing the early signs of dementia, which may include memory loss and confusion; early diagnosis is key to managing the condition and slowing progression.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Recognizing and addressing the root mental illness causing psychosis is vital for preventing future episodes and promoting sustained mental health.
• Phobia: Preventing the development of more severe anxiety issues, phobias should be addressed early on as they can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Managing PTSD effectively through therapy and medication can minimize the risk of relapses and allow you to live a fulfilling life, free from the overwhelming symptoms.
• Schizophrenia: Regular monitoring and prompt intervention for schizophrenia can help minimize the impact on daily life and prevent further mental health challenges.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Managing antisocial personality disorder through therapy and support systems can help reduce impulsive behaviors and prevent harmful actions towards oneself or others.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: By proactively addressing tobacco use, you're taking vital steps to improve your overall mental and physical well-being and prevent future health issues.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Preventive care for borderline personality disorder involves identifying symptoms early and developing coping mechanisms to reduce the frequency and severity of crises.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Untreated Major Depressive Disorder can have lasting consequences, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing care to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Regular health check-ups and early intervention strategies can help prevent drug and alcohol dependence from escalating into more serious issues.
• Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is crucial for early intervention, preventing severe mood episodes and associated complications like job loss or relationship difficulties.

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. Carol Mathews 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: Empower yourself on your path to wellness with a screening for alcohol or substance misuse; this preventative measure helps detect and address issues before they escalate.
• 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: Protect your mental well-being by participating in a screening designed to identify depression and dementia, enabling timely intervention.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a vital step towards a healthier you, offering a comprehensive assessment to guide personalized treatment plans and prevent relapses.
• Psychological Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing with a psychological evaluation; it's a thorough assessment that helps uncover underlying mental health conditions, paving the way for effective treatment.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps identify any mental health conditions that could affect your recovery and ensures you're well-supported throughout the process.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Proactively manage your mental health journey with psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and teach you effective self-management strategies.

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. Carol Mathews 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 anxiety through therapy, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future anxiety attacks and related complications, fostering a greater sense of well-being.
• Recognizing subtle memory changes early, a patient developed a proactive brain health plan, significantly reducing their risk for dementia-related issues and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing underlying mental health conditions, a patient significantly reduced the risk of psychosis, gaining a sense of hope and control over their well-being. Early intervention and a personalized treatment plan empowered them to prevent future episodes and live a fulfilling life.

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. Carol Mathews:

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

Dr. Mathews is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can diagnose and treat mental illness, including prescribing medication, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while skilled therapists, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Carol Mathews?

Your first visit with Dr. Mathews will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Mathews will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, only recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

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

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Mathews offers both medication management and psychotherapy. She utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

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

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

Dr. Mathews 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 support a safe recovery.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Mathews's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical one, utilizing FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. This medical approach is combined with counseling and support to provide patients with the best possible chance of long-term recovery.

4197 NW 86th Ter Fl 3
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 265-4357

Dr. Carol Mathews, 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): 1104847318

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. Carol Mathews 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.