Dr. Jessica Wheeler, PHD

Dr. Jessica Wheeler, 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 registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care, recognizing that mental well-being is a cornerstone of overall health. 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. Jessica Wheeler, PhD is a psychologist in Saint Petersburg, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach centers on 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 mental health care and works to build resilience and coping mechanisms. Patients should call (727) 599-3624 to confirm if Dr. Jessica Wheeler, PhD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Jessica PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pediatric Attention Deficit (ADD): Proactive care for ADD in children, such as behavioral therapy and educational support, can significantly reduce the risk of long-term challenges with focus, organization, and emotional regulation.
• Burnout: By identifying and addressing the warning signs of burnout—like fatigue, cynicism, and reduced professional efficacy—you can protect your mental health and prevent long-term damage.
• Holiday Depression: Regular check-ins with your mental health provider, particularly during the holiday season, can aid in early detection and management of depressive symptoms, improving your overall mental health.
• Compulsions: Addressing compulsions through preventive mental health strategies, like therapy, can reduce their frequency and intensity, empowering you to live a more fulfilling life.
• Bipolar I Disorder: Bipolar I disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, and early detection and consistent treatment can help prevent debilitating episodes and improve overall quality of life.
• Sleep Disorders: Addressing sleep disorders early can prevent the development of anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges.
• Compulsive Finger Picking: Compulsive finger picking, if left unchecked, can lead to skin damage and infections, highlighting the importance of early intervention for preventive health.

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

• Play Therapy: This approach helps children communicate their feelings in a comfortable way, improving mental health and preventing issues from escalating.
• Addiction Treatment: Prevent the negative consequences of addiction by seeking professional help; treatment provides personalized support and guidance to overcome substance dependence and build a healthier lifestyle.
• Pediatric Trauma Management: Proactively address the impact of childhood trauma to build resilience and prevent long-term mental health challenges.
• Maudsley Approach: If your teenager is struggling with anorexia nervosa, the Maudsley Approach offers a family-focused treatment strategy to improve recovery and prevent the dangerous physical and mental health effects of the disorder.
• Parenting Classes: Take a proactive step towards raising resilient children by learning how to manage common behavioral issues and build a supportive family structure.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: Proactively safeguarding your interests, an independent forensic evaluation provides an unbiased evaluation of your mental capacity and its relevance to legal proceedings.
• Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT): By focusing on your emotional responses in relationships, EFT can help prevent relationship distress and promote overall mental health.

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. Jessica 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of potential attention challenges, a family proactively engaged in behavioral therapy and educational support, significantly reducing the risk of future difficulties with focus and organization for their child. This proactive approach fostered a sense of peace and confidence in their child's development.
• Recognizing early warning signs of burnout, a patient proactively implemented strategies to reduce stress and improve work-life balance, leading to a significant decrease in feelings of exhaustion and cynicism. This proactive approach helped them maintain their professional efficacy and 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. Jessica PHD:

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

Dr. Jessica is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent challenges from becoming crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Jessica, 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. Jessica PhD sees clients of all backgrounds and experiences. Therapy is a valuable tool for everyone, helping to manage stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent potential issues.

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. Dr. Jessica can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that might be interfering with restful sleep.

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

Dr. Jessica 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 empowers you to prevent anxiety or depression from worsening and navigate future challenges effectively.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities and create a personalized treatment plan.

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.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation goes beyond 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 multi-faceted approach ensures an accurate diagnosis.

6740 Crosswinds Dr N Unit L
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (727) 599-3624

Dr. Jessica Wheeler, 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): 1649003344

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. Jessica 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.