Dr. Meghan Ross, MD

Dr. Meghan Ross, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the vital role of 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, and patients should call (813) 972-2000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Meghan Ross, MD is a psychiatrist in Tampa, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and her approach to care prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Ross understands the importance of proactive care in achieving optimal mental well-being, and she is dedicated to providing comprehensive, compassionate care for all patients. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tobacco Use Disorder: Preventing tobacco use disorder starts with early identification of risk factors and addressing nicotine addiction before it significantly impacts your health.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Preventing PTSD involves recognizing and managing the risk factors associated with trauma exposure and seeking help promptly if symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety develop after a distressing experience.
• 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.
• Personality Disorders: Learning coping mechanisms and practicing self-awareness, especially with a therapist's guidance, can help prevent the negative consequences associated with personality disorders.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Even if you don't think you have a drinking problem, excessive alcohol use can negatively impact your mental and physical health; recognizing and addressing nondependent alcohol abuse early can prevent long-term health issues.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Early diagnosis and management of ADHD and/or ADD are crucial for preventing academic, social, and occupational difficulties later in life.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the signs of Major Depressive Disorder early and seeking professional help can prevent its progression and greatly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Preventive mental health care, including early intervention for schizoid and schizotypal personality traits, may lessen the impact of these disorders on daily functioning.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Preventive care for drug and alcohol dependence involves early intervention strategies to stop substance abuse before it causes irreversible damage.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Consistent engagement with mental health professionals is crucial for preventing complications associated with borderline personality disorder, such as substance abuse or suicidal thoughts.
• Psychosis: Recognizing the early warning signs of psychosis is crucial, as timely treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and the development of more severe complications.
• Anxiety: Recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking professional help promptly helps prevent long-term mental health challenges and improves your 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. Meghan Ross 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: Invest in your mental health journey by undergoing alcohol and substance misuse screening; this assessment helps uncover hidden issues that may be affecting your overall health.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Protect your mental well-being by participating in a screening designed to identify depression and dementia, enabling timely intervention.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychological Evaluation: This comprehensive assessment helps screen for various mental health disorders, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately minimizing potential long-term effects.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: For a safer and more effective bariatric surgery experience, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps identify and manage mental health challenges, promoting successful weight loss and overall well-being.
• Dyslexia Assessment: A dyslexia assessment helps identify reading and spelling difficulties early, allowing for timely interventions to support your child's academic success and prevent future learning challenges.
• Biofeedback: This technique helps you become more mindful of your body's signals, empowering you to manage stress and prevent it from developing into a full-blown mental health crisis.

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. Meghan Ross 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 nicotine cravings, a patient proactively sought guidance from a mental health professional and developed a personalized plan to manage their risk. This approach empowered them to successfully avoid developing a tobacco use disorder.
• Recognizing potential triggers and developing coping mechanisms early on, a patient proactively managed stress and anxiety following a challenging event, significantly reducing the risk of developing PTSD. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and peace of mind.
• By establishing a proactive treatment plan and regularly attending therapy sessions, a patient successfully managed symptoms of chronic depression, finding peace of mind and improved quality of 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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Meghan Ross:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are PhD/PsyD-level experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Meghan Ross?

Your first visit with Dr. Ross 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Ross will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and will determine if medication is the most effective tool to help you achieve your goals. This decision will be made collaboratively.

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 are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Ross'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 for acute episodes.

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 expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication profiles.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure 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 have failed, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The length of time you need psychiatric medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to manage symptoms and prevent relapses, similar to managing other chronic health conditions. This is something we discuss thoroughly with Dr. Ross.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Meghan Ross, 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): 1871766675

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. Meghan Ross 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.