Dr. Kimberly Polignani, PSY.D

Dr. Kimberly Polignani, PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to helping all ages build resilience and achieve optimal mental well-being through evidence-based therapies, personalized wellness plans, and ongoing support.

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. Dr. Kimberly Polignani, PSY.D is a psychologist in Saint Petersburg, FL. She is accepting telehealth appointments. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (813) 641-4463. Dr. Kimberly PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

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

• Psychotic Depression: Managing psychotic depression effectively through therapy and medication helps prevent debilitating episodes and promotes a better quality of life, reducing the risk of future crises.
• Healthy Aging (Psychological aspects): Early identification and management of psychological issues in older adults can prevent more serious problems and improve overall health and independence.
• Codependency: Early identification of codependent behaviors, such as excessive people-pleasing or neglecting personal needs, allows for proactive intervention and the development of healthier relationship patterns.
• Physical Disorders (Psychological impact of): Proactive mental health strategies for managing physical disorders help you build resilience and cope more effectively with life's challenges.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Managing dysthymia and cyclothymia through early detection and appropriate treatment can prevent the progression to more serious mood disorders and improve your long-term mental health.
• Emotional Stress: Addressing emotional stress early on helps protect your mental well-being and reduces your risk of developing anxiety disorders or depression.
• Depressive Disorders: Managing depressive disorders through preventive strategies like therapy and lifestyle changes can significantly reduce the risk of severe episodes and promote resilience.

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

• Depression Screening: A depression screening is a preventative measure to assess your risk for depression and get the help you need to thrive.
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): By offering a structured discussion of your reaction to a stressful event, CISD helps you process your experience, reducing the risk of developing stress-related disorders.
• Mindfulness Technique: Strengthen your mental health by practicing mindfulness; it's a proven technique to prevent burnout and improve emotional regulation.
• Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse: Intensive Outpatient Treatment for Substance Abuse provides structured support to address substance use disorders and prevent future relapses, empowering you to build a healthier lifestyle.
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Invest in your mental and physical health by accessing eating disorder treatment; this service provides early diagnosis and personalized support to aid recovery.
• Personality Testing: Personality assessments offer a proactive way to uncover strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for targeted strategies to enhance mental well-being.
• Parenting Classes: Gain valuable insights into child development and effective communication strategies to improve family relationships and promote emotional well-being.

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. Kimberly 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 triggers and developing coping mechanisms with the support of a clinical psychologist, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future psychotic depression episodes, maintaining a stable and fulfilling life.
• By proactively addressing potential psychological challenges, a senior couple experienced improved mental well-being and strengthened their ability to navigate the aging process with confidence.

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. Kimberly PSY.D:

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

A clinical psychologist is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. They provide evidence-based therapy to help you 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, such as Dr. Kimberly 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 work collaboratively 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. Kimberly 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.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, are typically a gradual build-up of worry in response to a known stressor, and usually less intense.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can definitely help improve your sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Kimberly PSY.D. can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

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 the 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 skills, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens bonds, preventing future relationship crises.

What is trauma-focused therapy like EMDR?

Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are specialized treatments designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR, a structured therapy, helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

5450 1st Ave N Ste A
Saint Petersburg FL 33710
Phone: (813) 641-4463

Dr. Kimberly Polignani, 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): 1639650724

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. Kimberly 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.