Dr. Ronald Kirsner, MD

Dr. Ronald Kirsner, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 564-2232 to schedule.

Dr. Ronald Kirsner, MD is a psychiatrist in Jacksonville, FL with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1988 and completed an internship at Moses H. Cone Memorial Hospital in 1989. Following medical school, he undertook residency training in Psychiatrists at Sheppard Pratt (1996) and Moses Cone Hospital (1991), and fellowship training in Willingway Hospital (1993), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. As a psychiatrist, he has helped hundreds of folks through their struggles with mental illnesses and the challenges of life. His aim is to provide excellence in psychiatric care; he will take a “whole person” approach with you and will provide a safe place for you to tell him your story so that you can collaborate on solutions. Dr. Kirsner provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Ronald Kirsner 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. Ronald Kirsner 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. Ronald Kirsner 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: Early detection and management of anxiety is crucial for preventing it from developing into more serious mental health issues and impacting your overall well-being.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Proactive management of ADD symptoms, such as inattention and impulsivity, is crucial for preventing the development of co-occurring mental health conditions and improving overall well-being.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a lifelong condition, but with proper management strategies, including medication and therapy, you can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of mood episodes, improving your chances of a fulfilling life.
• Depressive Disorders: Preventing depressive disorders involves early identification of symptoms and proactive management to avoid long-term health complications and improve overall well-being.
• Masochistic Behavior: Regular check-ins with a mental health professional can help individuals identify and address masochistic patterns, preventing relapse and fostering healthier self-care practices.
• Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Effective management of disruptive behavior disorders promotes improved relationships, academic success, and overall quality of life, reducing the risk of future complications.
• Nondependent Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Abuse: Protecting your mental health means recognizing the signs of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic misuse and getting support to prevent worsening issues and potential addiction.

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

• Psychotherapy Services: Invest in your mental health journey by trying psychotherapy; it's a valuable tool for managing symptoms and reducing the risk of relapse.
• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma (Cognitive/emotional): Improve your mental and emotional health after a stroke or trauma by participating in cognitive and emotional rehabilitation.
• Family Psychotherapy: To prevent mental health issues from impacting the whole family, family psychotherapy helps identify and resolve dysfunctional family patterns that may trigger or sustain mental illness.
• Aftercare for Substance Abuse: Taking part in substance abuse aftercare is a proactive step to build a strong foundation for long-term recovery and prevent future substance use.
• Twelve Step Faciliation: Taking a proactive step towards recovery, Twelve-Step Facilitation offers a structured approach to address underlying issues and maintain long-term well-being.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by learning coping skills and thought patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Military Counseling: Military counseling offers early detection and management of mental health conditions, reducing the risk of future relapses and improving overall 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 Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. Ronald Kirsner 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 early warning signs of anxiety and developing coping strategies with professional guidance, a patient was empowered to proactively manage their well-being and prevent future challenges.
• By proactively addressing potential ADD symptoms, a patient developed coping mechanisms and strategies, empowering them to focus on their goals and maintain a fulfilling life. This early intervention significantly reduced the risk of developing related mental health challenges.
• By consistently attending therapy sessions and adhering to a medication regimen, a patient significantly reduced the frequency of mood episodes, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.

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. Ronald Kirsner:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, as well as provide therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Ronald Kirsner?

Your first visit with Dr. Kirsner will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This includes a review of your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to accurately diagnose your needs. This initial evaluation is the first step in developing a personalized 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. Kirsner will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective tool to improve your quality of life and prevent symptoms from worsening.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The duration of psychiatric medication is highly individualized, depending on the specific condition and its severity. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to prevent relapse, similar to managing other chronic health conditions. This is an ongoing conversation with Dr. Kirsner.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure for severe mental health conditions, like treatment-resistant depression. It's performed under general anesthesia and involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments haven't worked, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Kirsner's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. This includes FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. He combines these medical treatments with counseling and support to provide patients with the best chance of long-term recovery.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Kirsner's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Kirsner's approach to panic attacks often involves a two-pronged strategy. Preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks over time. For acute episodes, fast-acting anti-anxiety medications can provide immediate relief.

9822 Tapestry Park Cir Ste 206
Jacksonville FL 32246
Phone: (904) 564-2232

Dr. Ronald Kirsner, 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): 1316055395

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. Ronald Kirsner 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.