Dr. Marilyn Sokolof, PHD

Dr. Marilyn Sokolof, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. She practices at her clinic in Ocala, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to preventive care is central to her approach, recognizing that mental well-being is a cornerstone of overall health. 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 (352) 237-3440 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Marilyn Sokolof, PhD is a psychologist in Ocala, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her practice emphasizes a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands the complexities of mental health and works diligently to create individualized plans tailored to each patient's unique needs. Dr. Marilyn PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Masochistic Behavior: Masochistic tendencies, if left unmanaged, can contribute to self-harm and hinder the development of resilience, making preventive intervention crucial.
• Depressive Disorders: Early identification and treatment of depressive disorders are crucial for preventing long-term health complications and improving overall well-being.
• Attention Problems: Difficulty focusing? Early intervention for attention issues can build resilience and improve overall well-being.
• Complex Psychological Disorders: Complex psychological disorders, like personality disorders or severe trauma-related conditions, can significantly impact your life, but early intervention and ongoing support can help you manage symptoms and build resilience to prevent further complications.
• Vaginismus (Psychological aspects): Proactive management of the psychological aspects of vaginismus, such as anxiety and trauma, is crucial in preventing the condition from negatively impacting intimacy and sexual health later in life.
• Conversion Disorder: Regular mental health check-ups and stress management techniques can significantly reduce your risk of developing conversion disorder by promoting mental wellbeing and preventing the escalation of psychological distress into physical symptoms.
• Seasonal Affective Disorder: Seasonal Affective Disorder can be effectively managed with early intervention, which reduces its severity and prevents it from interfering with your daily life, social relationships, and work or school performance.

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

• Aftercare for Substance Abuse: Aftercare for substance abuse provides ongoing guidance and support to prevent relapse and promote lasting recovery from addiction.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Taking the proactive step of a diagnostic evaluation can screen for various mental health conditions, enabling you to begin treatment and build resilience sooner.
• Chronic Pain Management (Psychological aspects): Early identification of psychological factors contributing to chronic pain can help you develop effective management strategies and prevent further distress.
• 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: Take a proactive step towards raising resilient children by learning how to manage common behavioral issues and build a supportive family structure.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a proactive technique to cultivate inner peace and reduce stress, helping you build resilience against future mental health challenges.
• Learning Disabilities Testing: Ensure your child receives the appropriate educational support by scheduling learning disabilities testing; early identification can prevent future academic struggles.

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. Marilyn PHD 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 understanding and addressing underlying patterns, a patient developed healthier coping mechanisms, reducing self-destructive behaviors and fostering greater emotional resilience.
• By proactively addressing potential depressive disorder risk factors, a patient developed coping mechanisms and strategies for maintaining emotional well-being, fostering a positive outlook on life.

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. Marilyn PHD:

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 skills, build resilience, and prevent life's challenges from becoming mental health problems.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Marilyn, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) 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. Dr. Marilyn offers preventive mental health services to help everyone manage stress, improve relationships, and navigate life transitions. She also helps build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to understand your cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It helps diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities, and creates a personalized treatment plan.

What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In therapy, it's used as a tool to reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and prevent anxious or depressive thoughts from becoming overwhelming.

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

Dr. Marilyn provides a supportive space to process the emotional impact of chronic illness and teaches practical coping strategies to manage pain, fatigue, and stress, helping prevent the illness from leading to depression or anxiety.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation goes beyond a questionnaire. It includes a detailed clinical interview, review of school/work history, and standardized psychological tests to assess attention, impulsivity, and executive function. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plan.

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.

3021 SW 27th Ave # 1
Ocala FL 34471
Phone: (352) 237-3440

Dr. Marilyn Sokolof, PHD 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): 1306066832

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. Marilyn PHD 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.