Dr. Dama Abshier, PHD

Dr. Dama Abshier, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she works at her clinic in Ocala, FL. Dr. Dama PHD understands that preventive mental health is a partnership, and she is committed to supporting patients of all ages in building resilience and maintaining their 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. To confirm her availability for new patients, please call (352) 867-5595.

Dr. Dama Abshier, PhD is a psychologist in Ocala, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach centers on empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a supportive environment where they feel comfortable discussing their mental well-being. She prioritizes creating personalized plans that utilize evidence-based therapies, promote resilience, and actively prevent mental health challenges. Recognizing the importance of comprehensive care, Dr. Dama PHD is skilled in coordinating necessary screenings and collaborating with other healthcare providers to ensure holistic well-being. While Dr. Dama PHD provides consultations primarily in English, she strives to create a comfortable and supportive environment for all patients.

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

• Genetic Predisposition to Autism: While a genetic predisposition doesn't guarantee autism, understanding your family's risk allows for proactive monitoring and early support if needed, leading to better long-term outcomes.
• Insomnia With Sleep Apnea (Behavioral aspects): Learning healthy sleep habits to combat insomnia caused by sleep apnea can safeguard your mental health and prevent future difficulties with mood and concentration.
• Expressive Language Disorder: By recognizing and treating expressive language disorder, we can equip children with effective communication tools, preventing potential struggles in relationships and contributing to their mental health.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Early intervention for amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence is crucial to prevent the development of long-term physical and mental health problems.
• Emotional Seizure: Experiencing an 'emotional seizure' might signal an underlying mental health condition, so seeking professional help early can prevent it from escalating into a crisis.
• Stress-Induced Disorders: Proactively managing stress is crucial to prevent it from developing into serious mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
• Alzheimer's Disease With Early-Onset: Understanding your family history and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can be crucial in reducing your risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer's and maintaining cognitive function for longer.

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

• Sexual Assault Exam (Psychological support): Take proactive steps to address the emotional impact of sexual assault with compassionate psychological support.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: By undergoing a diagnostic evaluation, you're investing in your mental health by identifying potential issues and developing a strategy to promote overall well-being and prevent future challenges.
• Trauma Rehabilitation: Trauma rehabilitation offers a safe space to address the emotional and psychological wounds of past trauma, preventing them from negatively affecting your present and future.
• Behavior Management: Proactively manage challenging behaviors to improve your overall well-being and prevent escalation of mental health concerns.
• Pre-School Neuropsychological Assessment: Give your preschool child the gift of early detection – a neuropsychological assessment can identify underlying issues that may impact their learning and emotional well-being later on.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This pre-surgical psychological evaluation helps identify any emotional or mental health challenges that could affect your ability to follow a healthy lifestyle after bariatric surgery.
• PTSD Treatment: Take a proactive step towards healing by seeking PTSD treatment to address trauma's lingering effects and build resilience for a healthier future.

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. Dama PHD 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, knowing their genetic risk for autism, proactively sought guidance from a clinical psychologist. This allowed them to develop a personalized plan for early detection and support, fostering peace of mind and a more positive outlook.
• By learning relaxation techniques and establishing a consistent sleep schedule, a patient significantly reduced their insomnia symptoms and improved their overall well-being. This proactive approach helped them prevent future mood swings and maintain optimal cognitive function.

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. Dama PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Dama, 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. Dama, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) 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. Dr. Dama's practice emphasizes preventive mental health, and therapy can benefit everyone. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Dama is helpful for managing everyday stress, improving relationships, navigating life transitions, and building skills to prevent more serious issues.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's proven effective in preventing the worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation goes beyond a questionnaire. It includes a detailed clinical interview, review of school or work history, and standardized psychological tests to assess attention, impulsivity, and executive function. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis.

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. These therapies can be highly effective in facilitating healing and recovery.

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 underlying causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping strategies for triggers, and rebuild important relationships—all key to preventing relapse.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities and create a personalized treatment plan.

3002 SE 1st Ave Ste 100
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 867-5595

Dr. Dama Abshier, PHD 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): 1518571637

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. Dama PHD 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.