Dr. Kenneth Christiansen, PSY.D

Dr. Kenneth Christiansen, PSY.D is a Genetic Counselor practicing at our Miami, FL clinic, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive genetic care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a trusted partner in preventive health. His expertise lies in assessing individual risk for inherited conditions, from hereditary cancers to birth defects, providing crucial education and support throughout the genetic testing and family planning process.

Genetic counselors are your primary partners in preventive care, assessing your risk for inherited conditions like hereditary cancers and birth defects, providing education and support for genetic testing and family planning, and collaborating with you to create long-term health plans, coordinate screenings, and manage your overall wellness. Dr. Kenneth PSY.D serves all ages, from prenatal diagnosis to adult-onset conditions, emphasizing a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine. He is committed to creating a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. Please call (305) 801-4388 to confirm if Dr. Kenneth PSY.D is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Kenneth Christiansen, PSY.D is a genetic counselor in Miami, FL. He is accepting telehealth appointments. His practice prioritizes a patient-centered approach, working closely with each individual to develop a personalized strategy for preventive care. Dr. Kenneth PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Blood Cancer: Blood cancers, like leukemia and lymphoma, can sometimes be inherited, making family history and genetic testing crucial for early detection and preventative strategies.
• Endometrial Cancer: Genetic testing can identify mutations that increase endometrial cancer risk, allowing for preventative strategies like close monitoring, lifestyle changes, or preventative surgery.
• Ovarian Epithelial Cancer: Understanding your family history and genetic risk factors for ovarian epithelial cancer allows for proactive health management, including preventative surgeries or increased screening frequency.
• Cleft Palate: Cleft palate, a birth defect affecting the roof of the mouth, can be detected early through prenatal screening, allowing for early intervention and preventing potential feeding and speech difficulties.
• Female Infertility: Understanding the causes of female infertility, including genetic factors, allows for personalized prevention strategies like lifestyle changes, fertility treatments, and family planning options, preventing long-term struggles with conception.
• Malignant Neoplasm of Gastrointestinal Tract: Genetic counseling can help assess your risk of developing gastrointestinal cancers based on your family history, guiding you toward appropriate screening strategies to minimize the chances of advanced disease.
• Male Breast Cancer: Knowing your risk factors for male breast cancer allows you to take preventive measures, such as lifestyle changes or increased screening frequency, to reduce the likelihood of developing the disease.

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

• Birth Control: Empower yourself with knowledge about different birth control methods to achieve your reproductive health objectives and maintain well-being.
• Genetic Counseling Services: Through genetic testing and counseling, understand your family history and take control of your health journey by identifying potential risks and mitigating them.
• Marital Counseling: Marital counseling can help couples build stronger communication skills, especially beneficial when facing the stress and uncertainty of genetic testing or inherited conditions.
• Hypnosis (Medical Hypnotherapy): To manage stress and anxiety related to genetic testing or a hereditary condition diagnosis, consider medical hypnotherapy as a proactive tool for emotional well-being.
• Cancer Counseling: Proactively assess your family history of cancer to determine your personal risk with genetic counseling, enabling early detection and intervention strategies.
• Marital Therapy: By proactively addressing relationship stressors through marital therapy, couples can better manage the anxieties associated with genetic risks and build a stronger foundation for raising a family.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Empower yourself with knowledge about your genetic makeup by undergoing a diagnostic evaluation; this allows for personalized healthcare planning to mitigate potential health risks.

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 Genetic Counselors in Florida.

Dr. Kenneth 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:

• Knowing their family history of blood cancer, a family proactively pursued genetic counseling and testing, leading to a personalized prevention plan, alleviating anxieties and empowering them to take control of their health.
• Knowing their genetic predisposition to endometrial cancer, a family proactively implemented a personalized plan, including close monitoring and lifestyle changes, significantly reducing their risk and fostering peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Genetic care with Dr. Kenneth PSY.D:

What is a genetic counselor?

A genetic counselor is a healthcare professional trained in medical genetics and counseling. They help you understand complex genetic information, assess your family's health risks, and make informed decisions about your health and preventive care.

Who should consider seeing a genetic counselor?

Individuals with a personal or family history of certain conditions, such as cancer, heart disease, or other inherited disorders, couples planning a pregnancy, and those who have had genetic testing should consider genetic counseling. A counselor can help you understand your risks, discuss testing options, and create a personalized plan.

How is prenatal screening different from prenatal diagnostic testing?

Prenatal screening tests estimate the risk of a genetic condition, while prenatal diagnostic tests, such as amniocentesis, provide a definitive diagnosis. Screening is completely safe for the pregnancy, whereas diagnostic testing carries a small risk of complications.

Can genetic counseling help if there's a history of heart disease in my family?

Yes, genetic counseling can help assess your risk. Some heart conditions, like high cholesterol, arrhythmias, and cardiomyopathy, can be inherited. A genetic counselor can determine if genetic testing is appropriate and create a preventive plan with your cardiologist.

I have a strong family history of breast cancer. What should I do?

Gathering detailed information about your family's breast cancer history is the first step. A consultation with a genetic counselor can then help formally assess your risk and determine if genetic testing is appropriate. This proactive approach allows for personalized risk assessment and management strategies.

What is carrier screening?

Carrier screening is a genetic test, often done before or during pregnancy, to determine if you carry a gene mutation for certain inherited conditions, like cystic fibrosis or sickle cell anemia. This information is a key part of proactive family planning, allowing you to make informed decisions about your family's health.

What is prenatal genetic screening?

Prenatal genetic screening uses non-invasive tests like blood tests and ultrasounds to evaluate the possibility of certain chromosomal conditions, such as Down syndrome, in a developing fetus. These tests provide valuable information for parents to make informed decisions and prepare for the future. While not mandatory, they can be a helpful tool in planning for a healthy pregnancy.

What is an amniocentesis?

Amniocentesis is a prenatal diagnostic test, typically performed between 15 and 20 weeks of pregnancy, where a small sample of amniotic fluid is removed from the uterus. It can definitively diagnose chromosome abnormalities and other genetic disorders. While there's a small risk associated with the procedure, Dr. PSY will help you understand the potential benefits and risks to determine if amniocentesis is the right choice for you.

2915 Biscayne Blvd Ste 300
Miami FL 33137
Phone: (305) 801-4388

Dr. Kenneth Christiansen, 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): 1366542078

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. Genetic Counselors like Dr. Kenneth 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 genetic counseling about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.