Dr. Dara Bushman, PSY.D

Dr. Dara Bushman, PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she provides services at her clinic in Pembroke Pines, FL. She is a valued partner in preventive health, committed to fostering mental well-being through evidence-based strategies. 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. She serves all ages.

Dr. Dara PSY.D is a psychologist in Pembroke Pines, FL, currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. She 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. Dr. Dara PSY.D prioritizes creating individualized plans that address specific needs and goals. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments, and you can schedule an appointment by calling (954) 862-2252. Dr. Dara PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Dementia: While dementia can't be cured, early identification and management strategies can help you and your loved ones cope better and maintain a higher level of functioning for longer.
• Cognitive Impairment in Epilepsy: By addressing epilepsy and any associated cognitive issues promptly, you can build resilience and reduce the long-term impact on your mental health.
• Bipolar VI Disorder: While uncommon, bipolar VI disorder can be successfully managed through preventative measures such as therapy, medication, and lifestyle changes, significantly reducing the impact of mood fluctuations on your life.
• Self-Harm: Addressing self-harm behaviors early on prevents escalation to more severe self-injury and helps build resilience against future challenges.
• Psychogenic Cough: Managing underlying psychological factors causing a psychogenic cough through therapy can prevent it from becoming chronic and impacting your quality of life.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Alcohol-induced mental disorders highlight the connection between substance use and mental well-being; proactively managing your alcohol consumption can protect your mental health and prevent serious complications.
• Panic Disorder Without Agorapobia: Understanding and addressing panic attacks, even if they don't involve fear of open spaces, is vital for building coping skills, preventing future episodes, and fostering a healthier mental outlook.

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

• Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy is a proactive step to gradually face your fears and anxieties, helping you build resilience and prevent them from controlling your life.
• Marital and Family Psychotherapy: Enhance your family's resilience and improve overall well-being by proactively seeking support to build stronger, healthier relationships through therapy.
• Sexual Abuse Therapy: Proactively address the emotional and psychological consequences of sexual abuse with specialized therapy designed to promote healing and prevent long-term mental health issues.
• Neuropsychological Testing: To proactively safeguard your cognitive health, neuropsychological testing provides a comprehensive evaluation of your thinking skills, memory, and processing speed, enabling early diagnosis and targeted interventions.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): Take a proactive step towards better mental well-being by exploring Emotional Freedom Techniques (EFT), a self-help method that can help you manage stress and anxiety.
• 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.
• Intellectual Management: Proactively manage your thoughts and mental processes to build resilience against stress and emotional challenges.

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. Dara 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:

• By proactively engaging in cognitive exercises and social activities, a family experienced a significant reduction in perceived dementia risk, fostering a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing epilepsy and associated cognitive concerns, a patient was able to develop strategies for managing potential challenges and maintain a positive outlook on their future. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their well-being.

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. Dara PSY.D:

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

Dr. Dara PSY.D. is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent issues from becoming crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Dara PSY.D., specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively as part of a treatment team.

Do I need to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?

No. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Dara PSY.D. is beneficial for everyone, not just those with serious mental illness. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

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, in particular, is a structured approach that helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can help improve sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Dara PSY.D. can teach strategies to restructure sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, are typically a more gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor, and are usually less intense.

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 psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to understand your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This helps diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities, and creates a personalized treatment plan.

9000 Sheridan St Ste 1010
Pembroke Pines FL 33024
Phone: (954) 862-2252

Dr. Dara Bushman, 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): 1063787638

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. Dara 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.