Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD

Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Miami, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices 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 patients should call (305) 644-0622 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Nelson Hernandez, MD is a psychiatrist in Miami, FL and has over 40 years of experience in the medical field. Dr. Hernandez has extensive experience in Psychotic Disorders. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Este Escuela De Medicina in 1981 and is affiliated with Cleveland Clinic Hospital. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Hernandez provides consultations primarily in English. He is accepting telehealth appointments.

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:

• Anxiety: Taking steps to manage anxiety, such as lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques, can prevent it from escalating and disrupting your daily life.
• Personality Disorders: Early diagnosis and management of personality disorders are crucial to prevent significant impairments in personal, social, and occupational functioning.
• Dementia: Because dementia can significantly impact quality of life, proactive steps like regular cognitive assessments and addressing risk factors like high blood pressure can help prevent or delay its onset.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Managing PTSD effectively through therapy and medication can minimize the risk of relapses and allow you to live a fulfilling life, free from the overwhelming symptoms.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): By addressing OCPD through therapy and sometimes medication, individuals can prevent the disorder from severely impacting their personal and professional lives, reducing stress and improving coping skills.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Managing schizoaffective disorder effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent relapses, minimizing the impact on daily life and improving overall well-being and quality of life.
• Delusional Disorder: Preventative care for delusional disorder focuses on early diagnosis and treatment to minimize the potential for worsening symptoms and related distress.
• 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.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Addressing the social withdrawal and unusual thinking patterns of schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders early on helps minimize long-term challenges and improve prognosis.
• Panic Disorder: Addressing panic disorder effectively through therapy and, if needed, medication, is key to preventing long-term disability and maintaining a fulfilling life.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Effective treatment for ADHD and/or ADD, including medication and therapy, helps prevent academic failure, relationship problems, and other negative consequences.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Early detection and treatment of psychosis, often linked to other mental illnesses, are crucial to prevent debilitating complications and improve long-term well-being.

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:

• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Empower yourself on your path to wellness with a screening for alcohol or substance misuse; this preventative measure helps detect and address issues before they escalate.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening that helps detect early signs of dementia or depression.
• 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: A psychological evaluation helps proactively identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the road.
• 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.
• Stress Management: Stress management helps identify and address triggers that contribute to mental health challenges, supporting early intervention.
• Antidepressant Therapy: Antidepressant therapy is a key part of managing depressive disorders, helping to reduce symptoms and decrease the likelihood of relapse.

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:

• By learning coping mechanisms and stress-reduction techniques, a patient was able to effectively manage their anxiety, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling daily life.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a proactive treatment plan, a patient felt empowered to address potential challenges, fostering a more fulfilling and stable life. This approach allowed the patient to confidently navigate personal and professional relationships.
• By engaging in regular cognitive assessments and addressing modifiable risk factors, a family felt empowered to proactively reduce their risk of dementia, gaining peace of mind and a clear path toward healthy aging.

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, can prescribe medication to treat mental health conditions and manage those medications. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but cannot 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. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to help 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. Hernandez will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Hernandez offers telepsychiatry appointments. This allows for convenient and accessible care, including medication management, from the comfort and privacy of your home via secure video.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A "dual diagnosis" means having both a substance use disorder, such as 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.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing 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 expertise also includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Hernandez's approach to addiction combines FDA-approved medications, like Suboxone® or Vivitrol®, to reduce cravings and prevent relapse, with counseling and support. This comprehensive medical approach provides patients with the best chance of long-term recovery.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

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

1300 Coral Way Ste 208
Miami FL 33145
Phone: (305) 644-0622

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): 1285625079

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.