Dr. Cris Jagar, MD

Dr. Cris Jagar, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Pensacola, FL. He is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under 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 (850) 433-1656 to schedule.

Dr. Cris Jagar, MD is a psychiatrist in Pensacola, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 2001 and completed his residency training in Psychiatry at St. Vincent's Catholic Medical Center in 2005. With over 20 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 Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and is affiliated with medical facilities such as HCA Florida Fort Walton-Destin Hospital and Baptist Hospital. He is accepting new patients. Dr. Jagar provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Managing mood swings characteristic of dysthymia and cyclothymia is crucial to avoid serious complications such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, promoting a healthier and more stable 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.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Consistent engagement with mental health professionals is crucial for preventing complications associated with borderline personality disorder, such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.
• Opioid Dependence: Early detection of opioid dependence is crucial for preventing chronic pain, overdose, and other dangerous health complications.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recognizing the signs of PTSD after a trauma is crucial for preventative care. Seeking professional help early allows for prompt treatment and reduces the likelihood of developing severe, long-term symptoms.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Preventive mental health care, including early intervention for schizoid and schizotypal personality traits, may lessen the impact of these disorders on daily functioning.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Early intervention for binge eating disorder is crucial, as it helps manage the condition before it leads to severe weight fluctuations, physical health complications, or low self-esteem.
• 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.
• Phobia: By proactively addressing phobic anxieties, you can prevent them from becoming debilitating and significantly improve your quality of life, reducing the risk of related mental health challenges.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): OCPD involves inflexible patterns of thinking and behaving that can lead to distress and relationship problems; proactive management reduces these risks and improves quality of life.
• Conversion Disorder: Conversion disorder, where emotional problems turn into physical symptoms, highlights the importance of preventive mental healthcare; seeking timely support can prevent these physical manifestations from becoming chronic.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Managing ADD effectively through therapy and medication, if necessary, helps prevent potential long-term complications like low self-esteem, substance abuse, and unemployment.

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. Cris Jagar 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: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by getting screened for alcohol or substance misuse; early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by learning coping skills and thought patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Schedule a screening to assess your risk for depression and dementia—early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• Medication Management: Proactive medication management helps you find the right balance of medication to effectively manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• 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: This comprehensive assessment helps screen for various mental health disorders, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately minimizing potential long-term effects.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: To ensure your success with bariatric surgery, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps assess your mental readiness and identifies any underlying conditions requiring treatment.
• Psychological Testing: As part of your ongoing mental wellness, psychological testing can help monitor your progress and identify any potential warning signs of relapse.
• Psychotherapy Services: Proactively address mental health concerns through psychotherapy, a proven method for early detection and intervention that can prevent more serious issues down the line.
• 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.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): As a proactive step in managing your mental health, TMS therapy uses magnetic fields to target specific brain areas, potentially reducing the need for medication or improving its effectiveness.

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. Cris Jagar 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 early warning signs of mood swings and developing a proactive management plan, a patient successfully navigated the challenges of dysthymia and cyclothymia, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
• By proactively engaging in mental health screenings and therapy, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing psychosis, fostering a sense of calm and empowerment in their journey.
• By consistently engaging with mental health professionals, a patient proactively managed potential challenges associated with borderline personality disorder, fostering a sense of hope and stability. This approach allowed them to focus on building a fulfilling life, free from the fear of escalating symptoms.

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. Cris Jagar:

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

Dr. Jagar is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. This means, unlike a psychologist, she can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Cris Jagar?

Your first visit with Dr. Jagar will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This includes reviewing your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This evaluation is the first step in developing a personalized 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. Jagar will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it is the most effective tool to improve your quality of life.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Jagar's approach to panic attacks often involves a two-pronged strategy. Preventive medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are used daily to reduce the overall frequency and intensity of attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for use as needed during acute episodes.

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

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

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

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

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Jagar offers both medication management and psychotherapy. Her approach is collaborative, working closely with patients' therapists to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This ensures a cohesive and effective path to recovery.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our expertise includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

890 S Palafox St Unit 300
Pensacola FL 32502
Phone: (850) 433-1656

Dr. Cris Jagar, 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): 1538269121

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. Cris Jagar 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.