Dr. Olivia Preston, PHD

Dr. Olivia Preston, Ph.D. is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care at UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). 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. Preston serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 244-3289 to schedule.

Dr. Preston's practice is rooted in a deep understanding of trauma, emotional dysregulation, and sleep disorders, reflecting her specialization in PTSD and related conditions. As an assistant professor of psychiatry at the University of Florida and a clinical psychologist at UF Health, she brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to her practice. Her approach is grounded in her doctoral training from the University of Southern Mississippi and a postdoctoral fellowship at Brown University, focusing on trauma and readjustment. Dr. Preston is committed to collaborative care, empowering patients to take an active role in their mental well-being. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Rape Trauma Syndrome: Understanding rape trauma syndrome allows for early identification of its symptoms, leading to effective treatment and preventing further mental health complications.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Even if you don't think you're addicted, frequent marijuana use can impact your mental health and increase your risk for other issues; addressing this early can build your resilience.
• Affective Disorders, Psychotic: Regular mental health check-ups and proactive treatment for affective disorders and psychotic symptoms are essential for preventing their progression into chronic conditions.
• Mixed Receptive-Expressive Language Disorder: By proactively managing mixed receptive-expressive language disorder, children can build stronger communication skills and resilience, improving their overall well-being and preventing future mental health challenges.
• Bipolar Disorder: Managing bipolar disorder through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes prevents debilitating mood swings and helps maintain a more stable and fulfilling life.
• Nondependent Cocaine Abuse: Preventive measures for cocaine abuse, such as therapy and support groups, can help you build coping mechanisms and avoid future relapse.
• Kleptomania: Kleptomania, an impulse control disorder, can be managed effectively through early intervention and therapy to prevent escalating behaviors and associated legal or social consequences.

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

• EEG (Electroencephalogram) (as a diagnostic tool): As a proactive step in maintaining your mental well-being, an EEG can detect unusual brainwave patterns that might indicate underlying conditions, enabling timely treatment.
• Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT): DIT is a preventative approach focusing on identifying recurring relationship patterns to build resilience against emotional distress and improve communication skills.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR therapy is a specialized approach that can help you process past traumatic experiences and reduce their lingering impact on your mental well-being, preventing future mental health challenges.
• Cognitive Assessment: Protecting your mental health starts with understanding your thinking. A cognitive assessment screens for cognitive impairments that could impact your daily life, enabling early diagnosis and treatment.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: A diagnostic evaluation is a thorough assessment that helps identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing problems from worsening.
• Marital Therapy: Invest in your relationship's health by proactively addressing communication challenges and strengthening your bond with marital therapy.
• Depression Screening: A depression screening is a preventative measure to assess your risk for depression and get the help you need to thrive.

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. Olivia 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 proactively learning about the signs and symptoms of rape trauma syndrome, a patient felt empowered to address potential challenges early, fostering a stronger sense of personal safety and well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to navigate any difficulties with increased resilience.
• Recognizing potential patterns in their marijuana use, a patient developed a personalized plan with a clinical psychologist, significantly reducing their risk for future mental health concerns and increasing their overall 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. Olivia PHD:

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

Dr. Olivia is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides 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. Olivia, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," 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 treatment team.

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

No. Dr. Olivia PHD's practice focuses on preventive mental health, offering support for managing everyday stress, improving relationships, navigating life transitions, and building skills to prevent more serious issues.

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 unhelpful thoughts from becoming overwhelming.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can significantly improve sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Olivia can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

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

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

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

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict resolution, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens relationships, preventing future crises and promoting healthier family dynamics.

UF Health Jacksonville Leon L. Haley Jr., M.D., Brain Wellness Program
1833 Boulevard
Jacksonville FL 32206
Phone: (904) 244-3289

Dr. Olivia Preston, 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): 1477336139

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. Olivia 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.