Dr. Maria Echenique, PSY.D

Dr. Maria Echenique, PSY.D is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive mental healthcare. 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.

Dr. Echenique is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (305) 355-8290 to schedule. Dr. Maria PSY.D is a psychiatry specialist in Miami, FL, accepting new patients. Her deep commitment to her patients stems from a robust background in clinical psychology and research. Dr. Echenique's journey includes undergraduate studies at Duquesne University, a master's degree from Columbia University, and a doctorate in psychology from Albizu University, specializing in forensic psychology. Her extensive clinical training, including internships and postdoctoral work at Jackson Health/University of Miami, has equipped her with the expertise to provide exceptional care. This experience, coupled with her current role as a faculty member at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, underscores her dedication to the field and her commitment to fostering mental well-being. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Intimacy Problems: Proactive management of intimacy issues can significantly reduce the risk of developing or worsening depression or anxiety.
• Anxiety: Taking steps to manage anxiety, such as lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques, can prevent it from escalating and disrupting your daily life.
• Polysubstance Dependence: Polysubstance dependence can lead to severe health issues; prevention programs and early intervention are vital for a healthier future.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Managing ASD effectively through therapies and support systems helps minimize behavioral challenges and promotes independence, preventing potential future complications.
• Pornography Addiction: Seeking help for pornography addiction can prevent a downward spiral and allow you to build a stronger foundation for mental and emotional health.
• Night Eating Syndrome: Early recognition of night eating syndrome is crucial, as timely treatment can prevent the development of associated conditions such as weight gain, diabetes, and other metabolic problems.
• Schizophrenia: Managing schizophrenia effectively through medication and therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and associated complications.

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

• Adoption Services: Adoption services provide opportunities for early intervention and support, helping prevent the development of mental health disorders in adopted children.
• Suicide Intervention: Taking part in suicide intervention helps identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, enabling early intervention and promoting safety.
• Psychoeducation: By learning about your diagnosis and treatment options through psychoeducation, you can make informed decisions to prevent future relapses.
• Psychotherapy Services: Proactively address mental health concerns through psychotherapy, a proven method for early detection and intervention that can prevent more serious issues down the line.
• Relaxation Therapy: By learning relaxation techniques, you can take charge of your mental well-being and proactively reduce the risk of future episodes of depression or anxiety.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Enhance your mental wellness by engaging in psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to learn strategies for managing symptoms, preventing future episodes, and improving your overall quality of life.
• Pain Management (Psychological aspects): Proactively addressing the psychological factors contributing to your pain can help you manage it more effectively and improve your overall 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 Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. Maria PSY.D 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 potential intimacy concerns, a patient gained a greater sense of emotional well-being and reduced the risk of developing related anxieties.
• By incorporating mindfulness techniques and establishing healthy coping mechanisms, a patient effectively managed their anxiety levels, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling daily life.
• By attending regular counseling sessions and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their risk of polysubstance dependence, ensuring a healthier and more fulfilling 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. Maria PSY.D:

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

Dr. Maria PSY.D. is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe and manage medication, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Maria PSY.D?

Your first visit with Dr. Maria PSY.D. will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to create 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. Maria PSY.D. will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, only recommended when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Maria PSY.D. is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. We will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Maria PSY.D. offers both medication management and psychotherapy. Her approach is collaborative, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a cohesive treatment plan. She emphasizes a comprehensive approach to address both medication needs and psychological well-being.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Maria PSY.D. offers telepsychiatry appointments. This allows for convenient and accessible care, including medication management, through secure video sessions from the comfort of your home.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. PSY.D.'s practice uses a two-pronged approach. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be used as needed to manage acute panic episodes.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health needs of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team has expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, who often take multiple medications.

1695 NW 9th Ave Ste 2424
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 355-8290

Dr. Maria Echenique, 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): 1114201860

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. Maria 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 psychiatrist about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.