Dr. David Mullen, PHD

Dr. David Mullen, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. He practices at our Sarasota, FL clinic and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends to building resilience, utilizing evidence-based therapies, creating long-term wellness plans, and coordinating necessary screenings, all while serving as your primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being. He serves all ages.

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. Dr. David Mullen, PhD, a psychologist in Sarasota, FL, is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. He approaches care with a focus on prevention, ensuring you have the tools and strategies to maintain optimal mental wellness. Please call (941) 364-9919 to confirm if Dr. David PhD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. David PhD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Major Affective Disorder 1: By proactively addressing Major Affective Disorder 1, you can prevent its progression into more severe mental health challenges and build strategies to manage your symptoms, promoting a healthier future.
• Down Syndrome (Cognitive and behavioral aspects): Regular monitoring of cognitive and behavioral development in individuals with Down syndrome helps identify any issues early, enabling timely interventions and preventing more serious problems.
• Self-Harm: Seeking professional help for self-harm is a crucial step in preventing long-term mental health issues and improving your quality of life.
• Expressive Language Disorder: Preventing long-term negative effects of expressive language disorder starts with early diagnosis and intervention, fostering better communication skills and reducing the risk of future mental health issues.
• Opioid Withdrawal: Preventing opioid withdrawal starts with proactive strategies like avoiding opioid misuse and seeking professional help for addiction issues before they worsen.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Preventing tobacco use disorder starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking help early, reducing the chances of developing a nicotine addiction and its long-term health consequences.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Preventing problematic drug and alcohol use starts with recognizing early warning signs and seeking help, reducing the risk of long-term health problems and addiction.

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

• Dementia Evaluation: A dementia evaluation is a proactive step to assess your cognitive abilities and identify any potential signs of dementia, allowing for early intervention and support.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Empower yourself to live a healthier life free from the harmful effects of smoking with personalized guidance and support through cessation counseling.
• Psychological Testing: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by undergoing psychological testing; it can pinpoint specific areas of strength and challenge, paving the way for personalized support.
• Behavioral Activation: Behavioral activation is a strategy to boost your motivation and energy levels, preventing a downward spiral into low mood.
• Stress Management: Strengthen your mental resilience by learning healthy ways to manage stress and maintain a positive mental state.
• Behavior Management: Behavior management helps identify triggers and patterns of challenging behaviors, promoting early intervention and preventing future problems.
• Sex Therapy: Take a proactive approach to sexual health; sex therapy can help you improve sexual function and satisfaction, enhancing your quality of life.

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. David 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:

• By proactively addressing potential risk factors and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their likelihood of experiencing a Major Affective Disorder 1 episode, fostering a greater sense of well-being and control over their mental health.
• By proactively scheduling developmental screenings, a family gained valuable insight into their child's progress, allowing for early interventions and reducing potential future challenges. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to navigate developmental milestones with confidence.

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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. David PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. David PhD, 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. David, 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. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

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

No. Dr. David PHD's practice focuses on preventive mental health, helping everyone manage stress, improve relationships, and navigate life transitions. Seeing a psychologist is a proactive step for building skills to prevent more serious issues.

How can therapy help prevent my anxiety or depression from getting worse?

Dr. David PhD helps build a mental health toolkit by teaching specific coping skills to manage symptoms, identifying early warning signs of a relapse, and addressing the root causes of distress. This proactive approach helps prevent anxiety or depression from worsening.

How do you help people cope with the stress of a chronic medical illness?

Dr. David provides a supportive space to process the emotional impact of chronic illness and teaches practical coping strategies to manage pain, fatigue, and stress, helping to prevent depression or anxiety.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

An ADHD evaluation is comprehensive, going beyond a questionnaire. It includes a detailed clinical interview, review of school or work history, and standardized psychological tests assessing attention, impulsivity, and executive function to arrive at an accurate diagnosis.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

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

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 therapy that helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

1257 S Tamiami Trl
Sarasota FL 34239
Phone: (941) 364-9919

Dr. David Mullen, 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): 1407922123

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. David 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.