Dr. Rafael Harris, PSY

Dr. Rafael Harris, PSY is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. He practices at his clinic in Bay Pines, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends to building resilience, utilizing evidence-based therapies, and creating long-term wellness plans. Dr. Rafael PSY coordinates necessary screenings and serves as a primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being, working collaboratively with you to achieve optimal mental health. He is committed to providing care for all ages.

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. This approach emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based model of care, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. Dr. Rafael Harris, PSY is a psychologist in Bay Pines, FL. He is accepting telehealth appointments. To confirm if Dr. Rafael PSY is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 398-6661. Dr. Rafael PSY provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Selective Mutism: Selective mutism, a childhood anxiety disorder, can be prevented from escalating into more severe social anxiety by seeking early intervention and support.
• Nicotine Addiction: Nicotine addiction is a preventable condition; early intervention and support can significantly improve your chances of quitting and protecting your mental and physical well-being.
• Attachment Disorders: Addressing attachment difficulties early can prevent the escalation of problems into more significant mental health issues later in life, such as anxiety or depression.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Recognizing traits of narcissistic personality disorder early can help prevent strained relationships and improve overall well-being.
• Cognitive Delay: Cognitive delays, if identified early, allow for timely interventions that can enhance cognitive skills, building resilience and increasing the individual's ability to navigate life's challenges effectively.
• Disorders Related to Physical and Sexual Abuse: Experiences of physical or sexual abuse can significantly impact mental health, so seeking early support can prevent long-term consequences like PTSD and depression.
• Adult Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD): Managing ADHD symptoms through evidence-based strategies helps reduce the risk of developing related conditions like anxiety or depression.

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

• Behavior Management: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by developing skills to address unwanted behaviors before they become overwhelming.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT): Proactively manage your mental health by learning to regulate your sleep, eating, and social activities through ISRT, reducing the risk of mood disorders.
• Smoking Cessation Treatment: Proactively protect your respiratory system and reduce your risk of serious illnesses like lung cancer and heart disease by participating in our smoking cessation treatment.
• ADHD Parent Coaching: Proactively address ADHD-related struggles in your family and equip yourself with the tools and support to foster a thriving home environment with parent coaching.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation: Strengthen your cognitive abilities and build resilience against future cognitive decline by participating in cognitive rehabilitation exercises tailored to your needs.
• Neurological Testing (Neuropsychological part): Investing in your brain health begins with neuropsychological testing, a screening process that can identify cognitive strengths and weaknesses, guiding you towards personalized strategies for optimal brain function.
• Mindfulness Technique Therapy: Begin your journey to a calmer, more focused you through mindfulness techniques, helping you build resilience against everyday stressors and potential mental health difficulties.

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. Rafael PSY 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 early signs of potential selective mutism, a family proactively sought guidance from a clinical psychologist. This proactive approach helped them develop strategies to manage anxiety and foster a supportive environment, preventing the disorder from escalating.
• Recognizing the early warning signs of nicotine addiction, a patient developed a personalized plan with a clinical psychologist, significantly reducing their risk and gaining a sense of control over their well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to confidently navigate their journey toward a healthier future.

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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Rafael PSY:

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

A clinical psychologist 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, such as Dr. Rafael PSY, 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. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Rafael PSY is beneficial for everyone. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

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.

How can therapy help prevent my anxiety or depression from getting worse?

Therapy can be proactive in preventing anxiety or depression from worsening. Dr. Rafael PSY teaches specific coping skills, identifies early warning signs, and addresses the root causes of distress, building a mental health toolkit to navigate future challenges.

What is trauma-focused therapy like EMDR?

Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are specialized treatments designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR, a structured therapy, helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

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. This process provides a clearer picture of your needs and helps tailor your care.

10000 Bay Pines Blvd
Bay Pines FL 33744
Phone: (727) 398-6661

Dr. Rafael Harris, PSY 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): 1477713360

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. Rafael PSY 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.