Dr. Dawn Bowers, PHD

Dr. Dawn Bowers, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. She practices at her clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice is focused on prevention, recognizing that mental well-being is not solely about addressing existing issues. 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. Dawn Bowers, PhD is a psychologist in Gainesville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach emphasizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She believes in the power of proactive care and utilizes a range of strategies to help her patients develop coping mechanisms and build resilience. Patients should call (352) 265-0294 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Dawn PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Neurological Chronic Fatigue Syndrome (Psychological aspects): Early identification and treatment of psychological factors in CFS can help prevent the development of more serious mental health conditions.
• Pyromania: Addressing pyromania early on through therapy and support systems can prevent dangerous behaviors and property damage, ultimately safeguarding the individual and their community.
• Fear of Telephones: A persistent fear of telephones might indicate a broader anxiety issue, making early identification crucial to avoid escalation into more debilitating anxieties and improve your overall well-being.
• Night Terror: Addressing night terrors early can prevent the development of sleep anxiety or other sleep disorders, emphasizing the role of preventive mental healthcare in building healthier sleep habits.
• Dissociative Disorder: Understanding the warning signs of dissociation is crucial for early intervention, minimizing the impact on daily life and preventing the development of more debilitating mental health issues.
• Complex Psychological Disorders: Many complex psychological disorders are treatable, and early detection through professional assessment can prevent more severe symptoms and improve your chances of a full recovery, supporting your long-term mental health.
• Alcohol Related Disorders: Building healthy coping mechanisms alongside addressing potential alcohol misuse helps safeguard your mental and physical health in the long run.

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

• Addiction Treatment: Addiction treatment offers a supportive path to recovery, helping you understand and address unhealthy substance use patterns before they significantly impact your life.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT is a program that helps you develop skills to manage difficult emotions and thoughts, preventing them from escalating into larger problems.
• Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Proactively manage your well-being by utilizing outpatient addiction treatment to receive personalized support and guidance in overcoming substance dependence.
• Anger Management Worksheet: As a proactive step towards better mental health, this anger management worksheet helps you track your anger, identify its causes, and develop strategies for healthier responses.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Taking the proactive step of a diagnostic evaluation can screen for various mental health conditions, enabling you to begin treatment and build resilience sooner.
• Intellectual Management: Improve your overall mental health by enhancing critical thinking, problem-solving, and self-awareness skills to promote resilience.
• Smoking Cessation Treatment: Proactively protect your respiratory system and reduce your risk of serious illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease by participating in our smoking cessation treatment.

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. Dawn 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 psychological contributors to fatigue, a patient developed coping mechanisms and strategies to effectively manage symptoms, reducing the risk of more serious mental health challenges. This early intervention fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their well-being.
• Recognizing early warning signs and seeking professional support, a young adult successfully navigated potential pyromania triggers, preventing any harmful actions and fostering a safer community environment.

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. Dawn PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Dawn, 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 difficulties from becoming mental health concerns.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Dawn, 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. Dawn offers preventive mental health services to help everyone manage stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build coping skills to prevent future issues.

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 gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor, and are usually less intense.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

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

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

Dr. Dawn 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 the illness from leading to depression or anxiety.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves more than just 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.

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 vital for preventing relapse.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-0294

Dr. Dawn Bowers, 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): 1972510170

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. Dawn 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.