Dr. Karen Severson, MD

Dr. Karen Severson, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at Success TMS - Delray Beach in Delray Beach, 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. Call (561) 536-7381 to schedule.

Dr. Karen Severson, MD is a psychiatrist in Delray Beach, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a deep understanding of Psychotic Disorders and Addiction & Substance Abuse to her patients and their families. Dr. Severson earned her medical degree from University Of Connecticut in 1992 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She is affiliated with Sentara Princess Anne Hospital and St. Joseph's Hospital. She is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Severson is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Separation Anxiety: Treating separation anxiety helps prevent it from interfering with your work, education, and personal relationships, ultimately leading to a healthier and more productive life.
• Mood Disorders: Mood disorders like depression and bipolar disorder can be effectively managed with early intervention, preventing serious long-term health consequences.
• Depressive Disorders: Taking steps to manage depressive disorders effectively, including seeking help and following treatment plans, can substantially reduce the risk of future episodes and improve your quality of life.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Proactive management of ADD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity, is crucial for preventing the development of co-occurring mental health conditions and improving overall well-being.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Addressing the underlying issues contributing to antisocial personality disorder, like childhood trauma, can reduce the likelihood of relapse into destructive patterns.
• Combination Drug Dependence: Combining different drugs can lead to unpredictable and dangerous interactions, emphasizing the need for proactive management of your substance use to prevent worsening health problems.
• Psychosis: Psychosis is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and proactive care including medication and therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of these symptoms recurring.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Even if you don't think you have a drinking problem, excessive alcohol use can negatively impact your mental and physical health; recognizing and addressing nondependent alcohol abuse early can prevent long-term health issues.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): By addressing OCD symptoms promptly, individuals can lessen their severity and prevent the development of related anxiety disorders or depression.
• Addiction: Addiction is a treatable condition where a person compulsively seeks out and uses a substance or engages in a behavior despite harmful consequences, and early intervention can prevent long-term health problems.
• Marriage Break-Up: Experiencing a marriage break-up can significantly impact mental well-being, highlighting the importance of seeking support to prevent the development of depression or anxiety.
• Cocaine Addiction: Early intervention for cocaine addiction is crucial to prevent serious health complications and improve long-term 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 Severson offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Behavior Therapy: By identifying and changing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors, behavior therapy proactively helps prevent relapses and improves your overall mental well-being.
• Pediatric Counseling: Pediatric counseling helps young children and teens develop healthy coping mechanisms and address emotional challenges early on, preventing future mental health issues.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Proactive medication management helps stabilize your mental health and prevent future episodes.
• Hypnosis (Medical Hypnotherapy): To prevent relapse, medical hypnotherapy can be used proactively to strengthen your self-awareness and help you build resilience against future mental health challenges.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT helps you identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to mental health challenges, thus promoting long-term stability and preventing future relapses.
• Psychological Testing: As part of your ongoing mental wellness, psychological testing can help monitor your progress and identify any potential warning signs of relapse.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Prevent mental health issues from escalating by seeking psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy; these approaches identify stressors and provide tools to build resilience and prevent relapses.
• Grief Therapy: By addressing grief through therapy, you can prevent the development of more serious mental health issues like depression or anxiety that may stem from unresolved loss.
• Counseling for Gay and-or Lesbian Individuals: Prioritize your mental well-being through counseling that creates a supportive environment for gay and lesbian individuals to process life experiences, improve mental health, and build coping mechanisms.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Taking a proactive approach to your mental health, psychiatric medication therapy can help stabilize your symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Medication Management: Proactive medication management helps you find the right balance of medication to effectively manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.

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 Severson 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 proactively addressing separation anxiety concerns, a patient felt empowered to navigate challenging situations with confidence, leading to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.
• By proactively addressing potential mood disorder symptoms, a patient developed a personalized plan for managing their mental well-being, resulting in a more positive outlook on life.
• By actively participating in therapy and consistently following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future depressive episodes, fostering a greater sense of well-being and control over their mental health.

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 Severson:

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

Dr. Severson is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, cannot prescribe medication.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Severson will be a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review 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. Severson will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it is the most effective way to improve your quality of life and prevent symptoms from worsening.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. It's performed under general anesthesia and involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments haven't worked, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized area focusing on the mental health needs of older adults. We diagnose and manage conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our expertise includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Severson's comprehensive evaluation for adult ADHD goes beyond a simple checklist. It includes a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and standardized rating scales to gain a complete picture. This thorough process ensures an accurate diagnosis, crucial for developing an effective treatment plan and preventing life impairment.

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

Dr. Severson is a medical leader on your treatment team, monitoring your physical health, managing any co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

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

Success TMS - Delray Beach
4205 W Atlantic Ave Ste C301
Delray Beach FL 33445
Phone: (561) 536-7381

Dr. Karen Severson, 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): 1689787426

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 Severson 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.