Dr. Ester Macam, MD

Dr. Ester Macam, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with individuals of all ages to foster lasting mental wellness. 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. Please call (904) 695-9145 to confirm if Dr. Macam is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Ester Macam, MD is a psychiatrist in Jacksonville, FL, with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Manila Central University, College Of Medicine in 1966 and is affiliated with Ascension St Vincent's Riverside. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Her approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Macam provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: To maintain mental health stability and prevent setbacks, it's crucial to take antidepressants as prescribed and discuss any concerns about medication use with your doctor immediately.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Preventing the progression of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse to addiction is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health and avoiding devastating consequences.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Because schizoaffective disorder can lead to significant challenges in daily functioning, early intervention and ongoing care are vital for preventing complications and promoting recovery.
• Schizophrenia: Early detection and treatment of schizophrenia are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Regular monitoring and prompt intervention for schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders are essential preventive measures to mitigate the severity of symptoms and promote better long-term outcomes.
• Situational Depression: Addressing situational depression proactively, through coping mechanisms or professional help, can prevent its escalation into chronic depression or other mental health issues.
• Grief: Grief, if left unaddressed, can significantly increase your risk of developing depression or anxiety, so seeking support early is crucial for preventing long-term mental health complications.

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. Ester Macam 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.
• 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.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a vital step towards a healthier you, offering a comprehensive assessment to guide personalized treatment plans and prevent relapses.
• Psychological Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing with a psychological evaluation; it's a thorough assessment that helps uncover underlying mental health conditions, paving the way for effective treatment.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps identify any mental health conditions that could affect your recovery and ensures you're well-supported throughout the process.
• PTSD Treatment: Invest in your mental well-being by accessing PTSD treatment; this service offers early intervention and management, helping to prevent the debilitating consequences of untreated PTSD.
• Relaxation Therapy: As a preventative measure, relaxation therapy helps you build resilience against stress, potentially preventing the onset of some mental health disorders.

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. Ester Macam 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 consistently discussing medication concerns with their psychiatrist and adhering to the prescribed treatment plan, a patient maintained optimal mental health stability and prevented any setbacks related to antidepressant use.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a personalized strategy for managing stress and social pressures, a patient proactively prevented the progression of substance use, maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach ensured continued well-being and avoided the potential for more serious consequences.
• By actively participating in a proactive health plan, a patient reduced the risk factors associated with schizoaffective disorder, fostering a sense of hope and improved well-being. This included regular check-ups and strategies for managing stress and mood fluctuations.

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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Ester Macam:

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

Dr. Macam is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy, unlike psychologists who are experts in psychotherapy but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Ester Macam?

Your first visit with Dr. Macam will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is the first step in developing a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Macam will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Macam's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical one, utilizing FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. This is combined with counseling and support to provide the most effective path to long-term recovery.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A "dual diagnosis" means having both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition, such as depression, at the same time. Dr. Macam is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Macam's practice uses a two-pronged approach: daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to reduce the overall frequency and intensity of panic attacks; and fast-acting anti-anxiety medications for acute episodes.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Macam is experienced in sleep-wake disorders. She will first evaluate for any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend appropriate treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when necessary, safe and effective medications.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, like treatment-resistant depression. It's performed under general anesthesia and involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments haven't worked, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

3333 W 20th St
Jacksonville FL 32254
Phone: (904) 695-9145

Dr. Ester Macam, 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): 1316048143

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. Ester Macam 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.