Dr. Jamie Fernandez, MD

Dr. Jamie Fernandez, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. She serves Individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 872-2045 to schedule. Dr. Fernandez, a Board Certified Psychiatrist by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, earned her medical degree from Weill Cornell Medical College and completed an internship and residency at Stanford University Medical Center. Her clinical interests include treatment-resistant depression, mood disorders during pregnancy and postpartum, and neurocognitive disorders, reflecting her commitment to comprehensive care. Dr. Fernandez is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and a certified electroconvulsive therapy provider, further demonstrating her expertise and commitment to evidence-based, collaborative care. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Understanding and proactively managing narcissistic personality disorder helps prevent escalation of symptoms and promotes personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling life.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Proactive management of adolescent conduct and emotional disorders through therapy and, if needed, medication can significantly reduce the chances of relapse and chronic mental illness.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder early is key to starting treatment promptly, which helps prevent the development of severe complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious condition that can be effectively managed with early detection and treatment, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications and preventing relapse.
• Conduct Disorder: Conduct disorder in children can be effectively managed with early intervention, preventing future serious mental health problems and improving their life outcomes.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Early detection of alcohol-induced mental health issues is vital because it allows for timely intervention and reduces the likelihood of severe complications.
• Nondependent Hallucinogen Abuse: Preventing long-term mental health complications starts with recognizing and addressing even occasional hallucinogen use, as it can be a warning sign of underlying issues or a precursor to more severe substance misuse.
• Autism: Preventative strategies, like early developmental screenings, help identify autism early, enabling access to essential support services and reducing long-term difficulties.
• Bipolar Disorder: Managing bipolar disorder effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent debilitating mood swings and minimizes disruptions to daily life, promoting long-term well-being.
• Panic Disorder: Addressing panic disorder effectively through therapy and, if needed, medication, is key to preventing long-term disability and maintaining a fulfilling life.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Misusing antidepressants, even those not physically addictive, can worsen mental health and hinder recovery, emphasizing the need for careful medication management and open communication with your psychiatrist.
• Psychosis: Recognizing the early warning signs of psychosis is crucial, as timely treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and the development of more severe 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. Jamie Fernandez offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Proactively address mental health concerns and build resilience by participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven method for managing symptoms.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): If medication and therapy haven't helped you manage severe mental health symptoms, consider ECT as a safe and effective intervention to alleviate suffering and promote long-term stability.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy provides a safe space to share experiences, improve communication skills, and reduce the risk of relapse by learning from others.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Psychiatric medication therapy helps you find the right medication to manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery is a crucial step in optimizing your surgical outcome by addressing any mental health concerns that could hinder your progress.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Using the right medications can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of your symptoms, paving the way to a healthier you.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Take proactive steps towards better mental wellbeing by exploring psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can help identify and address underlying mental health concerns before they worsen.

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. Jamie Fernandez 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 understanding the early warning signs and developing coping mechanisms with a proactive plan, a patient gained valuable self-awareness, leading to a more balanced and fulfilling life.
• Through consistent therapy sessions and a proactive treatment plan, a young person developed coping mechanisms to manage emotional challenges, reducing the risk of future behavioral problems. This early intervention fostered a sense of stability and empowerment for the adolescent and their family.
• By actively engaging in early intervention strategies and regular check-ups, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing severe schizoaffective disorder symptoms, fostering peace of mind and a more positive outlook on their mental 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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Jamie Fernandez:

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

Dr. Fernandez is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists have advanced degrees in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Jamie Fernandez?

Your first visit with Dr. Fernandez 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Fernandez will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Fernandez, as the medical leader, monitors physical health, manages co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborates with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

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 have failed, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation of stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and utilize your coping skills, significantly reducing the chance of future episodes. Consistent treatment is key to preventing relapses.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

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

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Fernandez offers both medication management and psychotherapy. She utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to create a comprehensive treatment plan. This ensures a cohesive strategy for optimal well-being.

508 S Habana Ave Ste 380
Tampa FL 33609
Phone: (813) 872-2045

Dr. Jamie Fernandez, 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): 1326176736

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. Jamie Fernandez 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.