Dr. Karen Irene Cunningham, MD

Dr. Karen Irene Cunningham, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Jacksonville, 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). 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. Please call (904) 724-9202 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Karen Irene Cunningham, MD is a psychiatrist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Medical University Of South Carolina in 1991 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Cunningham 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.

Her approach to care prioritizes patient partnership and emphasizes proactive strategies for maintaining mental well-being. She understands the importance of addressing mental health needs effectively and comprehensively. Dr. Karen Cunningham provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Psychosis: Recognizing the early warning signs of psychosis is crucial, as timely treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and the development of more severe complications.
• 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.
• Dementia: Dementia is a serious condition affecting brain function; however, lifestyle changes and early intervention can help mitigate its effects and improve the overall quality of life for those affected.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can develop after a traumatic event, and early intervention with a mental health professional can significantly reduce long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
• Personality Disorders: Learning coping mechanisms and practicing self-awareness, especially with a therapist's guidance, can help prevent the negative consequences associated with personality disorders.
• Suicidal Ideation: Suicidal thoughts are a warning sign that your mental health needs support. Early intervention and treatment can help prevent further mental health complications, including suicide attempts.
• Combination Drug Dependence: To prevent long-term health issues, it's crucial to address the use of multiple substances; early identification and appropriate treatment are essential in managing this complex issue.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Safe and effective antidepressant treatment relies on responsible medication use; early intervention and close monitoring by your psychiatrist can help prevent misuse and its associated complications.
• Conduct Disorder: Addressing conduct disorder early on can help prevent the development of more severe mental health issues and substance abuse later in life.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Regular check-ins with your doctor about your marijuana use can help identify potential problems before they negatively impact your mental well-being and overall health.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Addressing the social withdrawal and unusual thinking patterns of schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders early on helps minimize long-term challenges and improve prognosis.
• Opioid Dependence: Preventive measures for opioid dependence focus on safe opioid use, proper pain management, and readily available addiction treatment, improving health outcomes.

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 Cunningham 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: Protecting your well-being starts with knowing your risks: a simple screening for alcohol or substance misuse can help identify potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening that helps detect early signs of dementia or depression.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps proactively identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the road.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking a proactive step towards a healthier you, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps screen for potential mental health issues that may impact your surgery and recovery.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Medication is a valuable tool for managing mental health conditions, enabling you to participate more fully in life.
• Marital Counseling: Proactive marital counseling can act as an early warning system, helping to identify relationship issues that may contribute to 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. Karen Cunningham 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:

• Recognizing subtle changes in their behavior, a patient and their family sought help early, reducing the risk of psychosis worsening. A proactive approach, guided by a psychiatrist, provided peace of mind and a plan for ongoing well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential alcohol-related mental health concerns, a patient was able to reduce their risk and maintain a positive outlook on their well-being. Early intervention, guided by a personalized prevention plan, helped them confidently navigate their mental health journey.
• By proactively addressing lifestyle factors and engaging in regular cognitive exercises, a patient significantly reduced their risk for dementia-related decline, fostering peace of mind and a positive outlook on their future.

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. Karen Cunningham:

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

Dr. Cunningham is a medical doctor specializing in mental health, meaning she can diagnose and treat mental illnesses. She is uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Karen Cunningham?

Your first visit with Dr. Cunningham will be a comprehensive evaluation, covering your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This assessment helps determine an accurate diagnosis and develop a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both. It's the first step toward a more holistic approach to your well-being.

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

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

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Cunningham offers telepsychiatry appointments. This convenient option allows for expert psychiatric care and medication management through secure video sessions, from the comfort of your home. It improves accessibility and reduces travel time.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Cunningham offers both medication management and psychotherapy. She utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan. This integrated approach aims to address both the biological and psychological aspects of mental health.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

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

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure for severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. It can be a highly effective option when other treatments have failed to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health of older adults, including diagnosing and managing late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our doctors have extensive experience in safely prescribing medications for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

6300 Beach Blvd
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 724-9202

Dr. Karen Irene Cunningham, 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): 1972659142

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. Karen Cunningham 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.