Dr. Monica Dowling, PHD

Dr. Monica Dowling, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) practicing at her clinic in Miami, FL. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care, 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. Dr. Monica PHD serves all ages.

Dr. Monica Dowling, PhD is a psychologist in Miami, FL. She is accepting new patients. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, emphasizing the importance of creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her focus is on prevention, recognizing that proactive measures are key to maintaining and enhancing mental well-being. She understands that every individual's journey is unique, and works to create a personalized plan that aligns with your specific needs and goals. Dr. Monica PHD offers consultations in Spanish. Call (305) 243-4000 to schedule your appointment and begin your proactive health journey today.

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

• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: To proactively protect your mental well-being, understand that the non-medical use of antidepressants carries significant risks and can lead to severe health complications; getting professional support is essential.
• Substance Induced Delirium: Protecting your mental health involves recognizing that substance misuse can trigger delirium, a state of confusion and disorientation, emphasizing the importance of responsible substance use to avoid this serious condition.
• Intense Feelings: Intense feelings, if left unaddressed, may increase your risk of developing mental health challenges later on, so seeking help early is key to preventive care.
• Cocaine Addiction: Addressing cocaine addiction early is crucial for preventing the development of serious health problems, including heart issues, stroke, and mental health disorders.
• Separation Anxiety: Learning techniques to reduce separation anxiety can improve a child's overall well-being and academic performance, preventing future challenges.
• Dependent Personality Disorder: Dependent personality disorder involves an excessive need to be cared for, which, if left unaddressed, can hinder your ability to build independence and resilience, making early intervention crucial.
• Pain Disorder: Proactive steps like stress reduction techniques and healthy lifestyle choices can help prevent the development of pain disorders or reduce their severity.

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

• QEEG (Quantitative Encephalogram): To optimize your brain health and prevent potential mental health problems, consider a QEEG—a non-invasive test that assesses brainwave patterns and helps guide treatment decisions.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Take proactive steps to manage stress and prevent future mental health challenges by learning mindfulness techniques in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT).
• Mindfulness Technique: Mindfulness exercises help you develop a stronger awareness of your thoughts and feelings, enabling early identification of potential mental health concerns.
• Sexual Assault Therapy: Invest in your mental well-being by seeking sexual assault therapy; it provides a safe space to process your experience and develop coping mechanisms.
• Pediatric Counseling: Pediatric counseling provides a supportive space for children to discuss their feelings, develop emotional regulation strategies, and learn healthy ways to navigate life's challenges.
• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma (Cognitive/emotional): Early intervention is key: this program helps assess and address cognitive and emotional issues following a stroke or trauma, paving the way for a smoother recovery.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: This evaluation helps understand your mental well-being, providing a clear picture of your strengths and challenges, which helps build a tailored plan for maintaining mental health.

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. Monica 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:

• Recognizing the potential risks of non-medical antidepressant use, a patient developed a proactive plan with a clinical psychologist, significantly reducing their anxiety about mental health and improving their overall well-being.
• By understanding the link between substance misuse and delirium, a patient proactively adjusted their habits, reducing the risk of future episodes and gaining a greater sense of control over their 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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Monica PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Monica, 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. Monica, 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. They often collaborate as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

Do I need to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?

No. Dr. Monica offers preventative mental health services to help everyone manage stress, improve relationships, and navigate life transitions. She 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 assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities and create a personalized treatment plan.

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 typically a more gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor, and are generally less intense.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Monica can provide a supportive space for children and teenagers to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills. She helps equip them with tools to address these issues and prevent them from impacting their long-term development.

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.

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 underlying causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping strategies for triggers, and rebuild important relationships, all essential for preventing relapse.

1601 NW 12th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 243-4000

Dr. Monica Dowling, 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): 1780611244

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. Monica 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.