Dr. Karen Cardenas, PSY.D

Dr. Karen Cardenas, PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. She practices at her clinic in Weston, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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 is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (754) 264-8523 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Karen Cardenas, PSY.D is a psychologist in Weston, FL. She is accepting telehealth appointments. Her approach focuses on prevention, helping individuals build resilience and develop personalized wellness plans. She works collaboratively with patients to identify and address potential mental health concerns early, promoting long-term well-being. Dr. Karen PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Healthy Aging (Psychological aspects): Addressing psychological concerns early on, such as loneliness or memory issues, can help maintain cognitive function and prevent the development of more severe conditions.
• Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Don't let excessive sleepiness control your life. If you suspect you might have idiopathic hypersomnia, proactive identification and treatment are vital to prevent its interference with your relationships, work, and overall mental health.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Early identification of schizoid and schizotypal personality traits can help prevent social isolation and relationship difficulties later in life.
• Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorders: Building resilience against mental health challenges includes understanding the link between substance use and psychosis; seeking help for substance abuse prevents further deterioration and promotes recovery.
• Online Gambling Addiction: Managing online gambling addiction proactively through therapy and support groups can prevent further financial strain, relationship problems, and mental health challenges.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Protecting your mental wellbeing involves recognizing the dangers of amphetamine and related stimulant misuse, and proactively seeking help to prevent addiction.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Regularly assessing your alcohol consumption, even if you don't believe you have a problem, can identify potential issues early on, preventing larger health and social consequences down the line.

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

• Pediatric Trauma Management: Ensure your child receives support to process traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms, helping prevent future mental health issues.
• Detoxification Evaluation: Proactively assessing your substance use through this evaluation can aid in early intervention and reduce the long-term effects of substance dependence.
• Neuropsychology Services for Gifted Children: Empower your gifted child by uncovering their unique cognitive profile; neuropsychological services provide valuable insights that can inform educational strategies and support their emotional resilience.
• Cognitive Function Testing: Proactively assess your cognitive abilities with testing to identify potential issues early and take steps to maintain brain health.
• Behavior Management: Proactively manage challenging behaviors to improve your overall well-being and prevent escalation of mental health concerns.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: An independent educational evaluation helps identify your child's learning strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for targeted support and preventing future academic struggles.
• Personality Testing: Understanding your personality traits through testing can help identify potential mental health risks and empower you to build resilience.

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. Karen PSY.D 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 cognitive concerns, a patient developed coping strategies for memory issues, fostering a sense of optimism about healthy aging. This early intervention helped maintain a positive outlook and prevented escalating anxieties.
• Recognizing the early signs of excessive sleepiness, a patient proactively addressed potential idiopathic hypersomnia, gaining control over their daily life and reducing the risk of future challenges. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently manage their sleep 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. Karen PSY.D:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Karen PSY.D., is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. They provide evidence-based therapy to help individuals develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent life's challenges from becoming mental health crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Karen PSY.D., specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors 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. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Karen PSY.D. is beneficial for everyone. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

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 individuals understand the underlying causes of their addiction, develop healthy coping strategies for triggers, and rebuild important relationships, all vital for preventing relapse.

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 a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Karen PSY.D. provides a supportive space for children and adolescents to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills. She helps equip them with tools to prevent these issues from impacting their long-term development.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's been proven effective in preventing worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict resolution, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens relationships, preventing future challenges and fostering a healthier, more resilient family unit.

1500 Weston Rd Ste 200-12
Weston FL 33326
Phone: (754) 264-8523

Dr. Karen Cardenas, PSY.D 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): 1376296574

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. Karen PSY.D 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.