Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD

Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. He practices at his clinic in Tamarac, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. He serves Individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call to schedule.

This physician is accepting telehealth visits. Dr. Hernandez, with over 35 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He has over 12 years of experience in Adult and Geriatric Psychiatry including crisis stabilization, inpatient, consult liaison and outpatient services. He is a diplomat of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), and brings vast experience in addiction psychiatry and detox treatment with Medical Director experience. He serves as a faculty member of PBCGME Psychiatry training program at University Hospital and Medical Center. Dr. Hernandez provides behavioral health care to patients across Broward County. He earned his medical degree from Instituto Tecnologico De Santo Domingo in 1988 and completed an internship at New York Medical College. He then undertook residency training in Psychiatrists at New York Medical College, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Always giving priority to those suffering from mental illness and emotional conditions, since everyone deserves to have a good quality of life, is central to his care philosophy. Dr. Nelson Hernandez is fluent in Portuguese and also offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Nightmare Disorder: Untreated nightmare disorder can lead to sleep deprivation and increased stress, potentially worsening existing mental health conditions; addressing nightmares early improves both sleep quality and mental health.
• Nondependent Opioid Abuse: Nondependent opioid abuse, while not causing physical withdrawal, can still negatively affect your mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of proactive management and seeking help.
• Personality Disorders: Understanding your personality traits and seeking professional help when needed can prevent escalation of challenges in personal relationships and work life associated with personality disorders.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: By recognizing the signs and symptoms of schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders early, and seeking prompt treatment, individuals can greatly reduce the chances of experiencing debilitating episodes and improve their overall health.
• Schizophreniform Disorder: Managing schizophreniform disorder effectively through medication and therapy can prevent the more severe and long-lasting symptoms associated with schizophrenia, promoting a healthier life and reducing future risks.
• Sleep Disorders: Improving your sleep can be a powerful tool in managing your mental health and preventing future relapses, so seek help if you're struggling.
• Separation Anxiety: Early intervention for separation anxiety can lessen its impact on daily life, preventing school avoidance and social isolation.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Understanding and proactively managing narcissistic personality disorder helps prevent escalation of symptoms and promotes personal growth, leading to a more fulfilling life.
• Transient Tic Disorder: Since transient tic disorder often resolves on its own, focusing on stress reduction strategies can support a healthy recovery and lessen the chance of future tic development.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) is a mental health condition where you're intensely preoccupied with perceived flaws in your appearance, and early intervention with therapy can prevent significant distress and social isolation.
• Exhibitionism: Addressing exhibitionistic behaviors early can prevent escalation and potential legal or social consequences, protecting your overall well-being.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Managing mood swings characteristic of dysthymia and cyclothymia is crucial to avoid serious complications such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, promoting a healthier and more stable 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. Nelson Hernandez offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Behavior Therapy: Behavior therapy helps you learn new coping skills to manage challenging emotions and behaviors, preventing future mental health crises.
• Couples Therapy: Couples therapy helps identify and resolve communication issues that often contribute to mental health struggles, acting as an early intervention strategy.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): If medication and therapy haven't helped you manage severe mental health symptoms, consider ECT as a safe and effective intervention to alleviate suffering and promote long-term stability.
• Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy offers a proactive approach to early diagnosis and treatment, addressing family dynamics that may influence the development or worsening of mental health conditions.
• Group Psychotherapy: Take a proactive step toward better mental health by participating in group therapy, a valuable tool for identifying early signs of mental illness and developing effective coping mechanisms.
• Medication Management: Proactive medication management helps you find the right balance of medication to effectively manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• 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.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Prevent mental health issues from escalating by seeking psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy; these approaches identify stressors and provide tools to build resilience and prevent relapses.
• Relapse Prevention: A key aspect of managing your mental health is relapse prevention—a collaborative process with your psychiatrist to build resilience and reduce the chances of future mental health challenges.
• Stress Management: Investing in stress management strategies empowers you to build resilience and prevent future episodes of anxiety or depression.

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. Nelson Hernandez 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 potential for sleep disruption and stress, a patient proactively addressed nightmare disorder with a tailored plan, resulting in improved sleep quality and a significant reduction in anxiety.
• By developing a proactive plan with the guidance of a mental health professional, a patient effectively managed potential risks associated with nondependent opioid use, promoting overall well-being and peace of mind.
• By understanding their personality traits and seeking support early, a patient proactively addressed potential challenges in relationships and work, fostering a more fulfilling life. This early intervention prevented escalation and promoted a sense of well-being.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Nelson Hernandez:

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

Dr. Hernandez is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists, are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, 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. Nelson Hernandez?

Your first visit with Dr. Hernandez will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment, covering your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This allows for an accurate diagnosis and the development of 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. Hernandez will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication will be considered only when it's the most beneficial tool to improve your quality of life and prevent symptoms from worsening.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure for severe mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. It can be a highly effective option when other treatments have failed to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn't use medication. It uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain. It's a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder, like alcohol addiction, and another mental health condition, like depression, at the same time. Dr. Hernandez is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Hernandez's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Hernandez's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Preventive medications, like SSRIs, are often prescribed daily to reduce the overall frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be used as needed for acute episodes.

7421 N University Dr
Tamarac FL 33321

Dr. Nelson Hernandez, 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): 1326082249

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. Nelson Hernandez 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.