Dr. Cary Acosta, PSY.D

Dr. Cary Acosta, PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with individuals of all ages to build resilience and foster mental well-being. 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. Patients should call (305) 576-6611 to confirm if Dr. Cary Acosta, PSY.D is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Cary Acosta, PSY.D is a psychologist in Miami, FL, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her practice emphasizes the importance of prevention, recognizing that proactive steps are crucial in maintaining optimal mental well-being. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. Cary PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Behavioral Problems of Dementia: Preventative strategies focused on early identification of behavioral changes in dementia are crucial for maintaining the person's dignity and preserving their safety.
• Situational Depression: Recognizing that a difficult situation is contributing to your low mood is a crucial first step in addressing situational depression, allowing you to prevent it from negatively impacting other aspects of your life.
• School Refusal: Preventing long-term academic disruption and social isolation requires proactive management of school refusal through evidence-based approaches.
• Developmental Disorders: Managing developmental disorders effectively, starting early, can prevent secondary conditions like anxiety and depression often associated with such conditions.
• Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorders: Addressing chronic tics early on helps children and adults build coping skills, reducing their long-term impact on self-esteem and social functioning.
• Dyspareunia (Psychological aspects): Proactive management of psychological factors related to painful sex can significantly reduce the risk of relationship conflict, chronic pain, and decreased sexual satisfaction.
• Anxiolytic Dependence: Becoming overly reliant on anxiety medication can hinder your progress towards building long-term coping skills, making preventive mental health strategies crucial.

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

• Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse: Invest in your well-being by joining Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse—a program focusing on identifying triggers, coping strategies, and preventing a return to substance use.
• Intellectual Management: Proactively manage your thoughts and mental processes to build resilience against stress and emotional challenges.
• Maudsley Approach: The Maudsley Approach is a family-based therapy that helps teenagers struggling with anorexia nervosa recover by actively involving their families in treatment, preventing long-term health complications.
• Addiction Treatment: Take a proactive step towards a healthier you by seeking addiction treatment; it helps identify potential substance use issues early, preventing further harm and promoting long-term well-being.
• Wellness Coaching: Wellness coaching helps you proactively identify and address potential mental health challenges before they become significant problems.
• Eating Management: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by learning healthy eating strategies to reduce stress and improve mood.
• Developmental Assessment: By evaluating your child's developmental milestones, we can identify areas needing support, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time.

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. Cary PSY.D 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:

• A family, through proactive engagement with preventative strategies, learned to recognize early warning signs of behavioral changes, empowering them to proactively address potential challenges and maintain a safe and comfortable environment for their loved one. This early intervention approach significantly reduced stress and improved the overall quality of life for everyone involved.
• Recognizing the link between a stressful life change and her low mood, a woman proactively developed coping mechanisms, enabling her to effectively manage situational depression and maintain a positive outlook. This proactive approach allowed her to navigate the challenges and maintain 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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Cary PSY.D:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Cary PSY.D., 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. Cary PSY.D., specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. They often 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. Cary PSY.D. is beneficial for everyone. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In therapy, it's a tool to reduce stress, manage emotions, and prevent anxious or depressive thoughts from overwhelming you.

How can therapy support someone in recovery from a substance use disorder?

Therapy is a crucial part of long-term recovery from substance use disorder. It helps you understand the root causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild relationships, all essential for preventing relapse.

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, on the other hand, are typically a gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor and are usually less intense.

What is trauma-focused therapy like EMDR?

Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are specialized treatments designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR, a structured therapy, helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD. Dr. Cary PSY.D. can help you explore these options.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation goes beyond 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.

3000 Biscayne Blvd Fl 5
Miami FL 33137
Phone: (305) 576-6611

Dr. Cary Acosta, PSY.D 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): 1902348113

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. Cary PSY.D 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.