Dr. Mariel Morales, MD

Dr. Mariel Morales, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Stuart, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the critical role of prevention in maintaining optimal mental well-being. 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, committed to a collaborative approach that emphasizes evidence-based medicine and patient empowerment.

Dr. Mariel Morales, MD is a psychiatrist in Stuart, FL, affiliated with HCA Florida Palms West Hospital. She is not currently accepting new patients, but you can call (844) 550-7337 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Her approach to care prioritizes a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term mental health. Dr. Morales is committed to creating a collaborative, evidence-based treatment plan that addresses individual needs and fosters lasting well-being. She offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD, if left untreated, can lead to chronic mental health challenges. Early diagnosis and treatment, including therapy and medication, helps prevent these complications and promotes recovery.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Addressing conduct and emotional problems in teens helps prevent escalation into more severe disorders, reducing the risk of future hospitalizations or long-term disability.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Preventing problems with antidepressants requires understanding that even non-addictive medications can be misused, potentially delaying your progress towards better mental wellness. Early detection is key.
• Dissociative Disorder: Managing dissociative symptoms through therapy and, in some cases, medication can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing debilitating episodes or long-term disability.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder combines features of schizophrenia and mood disorders, so proactive monitoring and consistent treatment are crucial to prevent the worsening of symptoms and potential crises.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Dysthymia, a type of chronic depression, often requires ongoing care to prevent debilitating symptoms and improve overall well-being, ensuring a better quality of life.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse can still contribute to various health concerns, including liver damage and increased risk of accidents; taking steps to moderate your drinking protects your overall well-being.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with proper management strategies, including medication and therapy, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes, improving your chances of a fulfilling life.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Preventing OCD relapse requires consistent treatment and monitoring, ensuring that symptoms are effectively managed and long-term mental health is maintained.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Regular health check-ups and early intervention strategies can help prevent drug and alcohol dependence from escalating into more serious issues.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing serious mental health problems, making responsible drinking habits and early intervention key for preventative care.
• Schizophrenia: Early detection and treatment of schizophrenia are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life.

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

• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Protecting your well-being starts with knowing your risks: a simple screening for alcohol or substance misuse can help identify potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term well-being.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge about your brain health through a simple screening for dementia and depression, facilitating early diagnosis and management.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Take charge of your mental well-being with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a crucial step in early diagnosis and treatment of potential mental health disorders.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a proactive measure to detect early signs of mental health challenges, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps identify any mental health conditions that could affect your recovery and ensures you're well-supported throughout the process.
• 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.

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. Mariel Morales 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:

• Recognizing the early warning signs of potential PTSD, a patient proactively sought support, resulting in a personalized treatment plan that significantly reduced their risk of developing chronic mental health challenges. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to navigate life's stressors with resilience.
• A family, working closely with a mental health professional, implemented strategies to address their adolescent's emotional challenges early, significantly reducing the risk of more severe behavioral issues and promoting a healthier future.
• By understanding the potential for misuse of antidepressants, a patient proactively addressed potential risks, maintaining a positive trajectory toward better mental health. This proactive approach allowed the patient to focus on strategies for long-term well-being.

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. Mariel Morales:

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

Dr. Morales is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while skilled in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Mariel Morales?

Your first visit with Dr. Morales will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover 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?

Dr. Morales will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it's the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn't use medication. It gently stimulates nerve cells in the brain using magnetic pulses, targeting those underactive in depression. It's a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms if antidepressants haven't been helpful.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, like 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.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a stable foundation for therapy and coping skills. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes of depression or bipolar disorder.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The duration of psychiatric medication is highly individualized, depending on your specific condition and response to treatment. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term management strategy, similar to medication for high blood pressure. This is an ongoing discussion with Dr. Morales.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team has extensive experience in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

1002 SE Monterey Commons Blvd Ste 203
Stuart FL 34996
Phone: (844) 550-7337

Dr. Mariel Morales, 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): 1861769945

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. Mariel Morales 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.