Dr. Jennifer Massa, PHD

Dr. Jennifer Massa, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is 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), Dr. Jennifer PHD is committed to building resilience and fostering long-term wellness.

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. Jennifer PHD's approach emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based understanding of mental health, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages, and patients should call (727) 386-8231 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Jennifer Massa, PhD is a psychologist in Saint Petersburg, FL, dedicated to preventive mental health. Her practice is built on a foundation of collaborative care, utilizing evidence-based strategies to create personalized wellness plans. She believes in empowering patients to take control of their mental well-being through proactive strategies and a commitment to long-term health. Dr. Jennifer PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Premenstrual Syndrome (Psychological aspects): Learning coping mechanisms for PMS symptoms like mood swings and irritability can help prevent these from interfering with your relationships and overall quality of life.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder is treatable, and taking steps to address symptoms promptly prevents the disorder from worsening and impacting other areas of your health.
• Sleep Terror Disorder: Early detection and management of sleep terrors prevent the negative effects on daily life, such as daytime fatigue and irritability, thus promoting mental health and overall well-being.
• Psychotic Depression: Managing psychotic depression effectively through therapy and medication helps prevent debilitating episodes and promotes a better quality of life, reducing the risk of future crises.
• Orgasmic Disorders: Addressing orgasm difficulties proactively through open communication and seeking professional help can prevent the development of sexual dysfunction and improve overall sexual health and satisfaction.
• Bipolar I Disorder: Preventing severe episodes associated with bipolar I disorder through consistent adherence to treatment plans protects your physical and mental well-being and ensures a higher quality of life.
• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: Addressing predominantly inattentive ADHD effectively prevents difficulties with organization, time management, and emotional regulation, thereby fostering better self-management and resilience.

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

• Discernment Counseling: Discernment counseling acts as a preventative measure to help couples evaluate their relationship's health, preventing further conflict or a potentially damaging separation.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: To ensure a fair legal outcome, an independent forensic evaluation objectively assesses your mental health and cognitive abilities, preventing misunderstandings and potential misjudgments.
• Mind-Body Focused Therapy: Mind-Body Focused Therapy offers a proactive path to managing stress, anxiety, and other mental health conditions by focusing on the interplay between your mind and body.
• Twelve Step Faciliation: As a preventative measure against relapse, 12-step facilitation offers a supportive environment and proven strategies for lasting recovery from substance use disorders.
• Family Psychotherapy: Family therapy acts as an early intervention tool, helping families learn effective coping mechanisms and preventing the development of individual or relational mental health problems.
• Personality Testing: A personality assessment can serve as an early warning system, highlighting tendencies that might contribute to mental health issues, allowing for timely support.
• Behavior Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by learning coping mechanisms and healthier behaviors through behavior therapy.

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. Jennifer 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 learning practical coping strategies for mood swings and irritability, a patient proactively managed her premenstrual symptoms, leading to improved relationships and a more fulfilling daily life.
• By actively addressing potential warning signs and developing coping strategies, a patient proactively managed their mood, reducing the risk of Major Depressive Disorder worsening and impacting their overall 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. Jennifer PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Jennifer PhD, is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. They provide evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping skills, build resilience, and prevent challenges from becoming crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Jennifer, have advanced degrees (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. Jennifer PhD helps everyone, not just those with serious mental illness. Seeing a psychologist is a proactive way to manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In therapy, it's used as a tool to reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and prevent negative thought patterns.

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. Jennifer can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Jennifer can provide a supportive space for children and teens to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills. She helps them develop coping mechanisms and tools to prevent these issues from affecting their long-term development.

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

Dr. Jennifer 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.

401 Pasadena Ave S
Saint Petersburg FL 33707
Phone: (727) 386-8231

Dr. Jennifer Massa, 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): 1790120186

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. Jennifer 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.