Dr. Lauren Yerkes, PSY.D

Dr. Lauren Yerkes, PSY.D is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. As a trusted partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Lauren PSY.D is committed to fostering resilience and overall well-being. 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 serves all ages. Please call (904) 620-2602 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Lauren Yerkes, PSY.D is a psychologist in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to a collaborative, patient-centered approach to care. Her practice emphasizes the use of evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to providing comprehensive mental health support, focusing on prevention and early intervention to address potential challenges proactively. Her commitment to preventive care extends to working with individuals of all ages. Dr. Lauren PSY.D provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Early intervention for drug and alcohol problems is key to preventing long-term health complications and improving your overall well-being.
• Pain Killer Addiction: Seeking professional help for chronic pain without relying solely on addictive medications can prevent the development of substance use disorder.
• Opium Addiction: Managing opium addiction effectively through evidence-based therapies is crucial for preventing relapses, improving overall health, and building resilience against future substance use.
• Somatoform Disorders: Addressing emotional distress proactively, through techniques like mindfulness or therapy, can help prevent the conversion of psychological stress into physical symptoms characteristic of somatoform disorders.
• Panic Disorder With Agorapobia: If you have panic disorder with agoraphobia, you might feel overwhelming fear and anxiety in certain public places, hindering your daily activities; proactive steps like therapy and coping strategies are crucial for managing symptoms and avoiding long-term isolation and disability.
• Job Stress: Addressing job stress early on prevents it from developing into more serious mental health conditions like anxiety or depression.
• Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorders: Early intervention for PMDD is key to preventing its disruptive effects on relationships, work productivity, and overall well-being.

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

• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): To proactively manage stress after a difficult experience, CISD offers a structured discussion to help you understand your reactions and develop coping strategies.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Build resilience and prevent future emotional distress by exploring the roots of your behaviors and emotions using psychodynamic therapy.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a valuable tool for building resilience. By pinpointing areas needing improvement, it helps you develop strategies for managing stress and preventing mental health crises.
• Parenting Classes: Empower yourself with evidence-based parenting techniques to create a nurturing environment and reduce the risk of mental health issues in your children.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental health by learning CBT techniques to manage stress and negative thought patterns, preventing future anxiety and depression.
• Pre-School Neuropsychological Assessment: Proactively assess your preschooler's neurological and cognitive development to detect any potential learning differences or delays, enabling early intervention and maximizing their learning potential.
• Developmental Assessment: By evaluating your child's developmental milestones, we can identify areas needing support, ensuring they receive the right help at the right time.

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. Lauren 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:

• Recognizing early warning signs and developing coping strategies, a patient successfully navigated potential challenges related to substance use, gaining confidence in their ability to maintain a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and well-being.
• By proactively addressing chronic pain with a comprehensive treatment plan, a patient successfully avoided reliance on addictive medications, maintaining a healthier lifestyle and preventing a substance use disorder. This proactive approach ensured long-term well-being and 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. 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. Lauren PSY.D:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Lauren PSY.D., 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, like Dr. Lauren PSY.D., specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists 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. Lauren PSY.D. is beneficial for everyone, regardless of current mental health status. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to gain a comprehensive understanding of your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. This assessment helps in diagnosing conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities and in developing a personalized treatment plan.

How do you help people cope with the stress of a chronic medical illness?

Dr. Lauren PSY.D. works with patients to process the emotional impact of chronic illness and develop practical coping strategies. She helps manage pain, fatigue, and stress, preventing potential depression or anxiety. She is part of a comprehensive healthcare team approach.

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 you understand the root causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild relationships—all essential for preventing relapse.

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 proven effective in preventing the worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

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 usually a more gradual buildup of worry in response to a specific stressor, and less intense overall.

1 Unf Dr Bldg 2
Jacksonville FL 32224
Phone: (904) 620-2602

Dr. Lauren Yerkes, 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): 1245463090

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. Lauren 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.