Dr. Sagar Vijapura, MD

Dr. Sagar Vijapura, MD is a Psychiatrist with a Focus on Telepsychiatry, practicing at our Jacksonville, FL clinic. He is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). He is a key partner in preventive mental healthcare, recognizing that early intervention is crucial for long-term well-being. 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. This area of practice is key to prevention, focusing on the early detection and management of telepsychiatry to help patients maintain long-term health. He serves Individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (904) 733-7333 to schedule.

Dr. Vijapura is a Harvard-trained, board-certified psychiatrist with over 10 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University in 2012. He completed an internship and residency at Brigham & Women's Hospital, affiliated with Harvard Medical School, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and has expertise in treating common mental health issues, including Mood Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, ADHD, and Addictions. His belief is that the patient benefits most by following the psychiatric evaluation with a dynamic and in-depth plan of action which is focused on optimizing mood and mental clarity to allow his patients to achieve their personal goals. He has additional expertise in the management of behavioral and neuropsychiatric issues in professional athletes, and he offers consultations in Gujarati.

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

• Bipolar Disorder: Preventing relapse in bipolar disorder involves a proactive approach with regular check-ups, medication adherence, and lifestyle changes, leading to greater stability and reduced hospitalizations.
• Conduct Disorder: By recognizing and treating conduct disorder promptly, we can help children build positive relationships and avoid long-term social and emotional difficulties.
• Hypochondriasis: Hypochondriasis often involves repetitive health checks and doctor visits. Preventive care includes cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) to help manage these behaviors and decrease the associated stress.
• 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.
• Opioid Withdrawal: Stopping opioid use suddenly can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, so early detection and a managed tapering plan are crucial for preventing dangerous complications and ensuring your safety.
• Dissociative Disorder: Preventive care for dissociative disorders focuses on providing a supportive environment and developing coping mechanisms to reduce the chance of future dissociative episodes.
• 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.
• Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, but proactive management, including consistent medication and support, helps prevent worsening symptoms and promotes stability.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Managing OCD effectively through therapy and medication helps prevent debilitating obsessions and compulsions, improving overall quality of life and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
• Psychosis: Preventing future episodes of psychosis involves consistent medication adherence, regular check-ups with your psychiatrist, and stress management techniques to promote mental well-being.
• Eating Disorders: Regular monitoring and intervention for eating disorders can significantly improve mental and physical health outcomes, preventing future crises.
• Addiction: Substance use disorders and behavioral addictions are serious conditions, however, with proactive care and preventative measures, the likelihood of severe problems can be reduced or even avoided.

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

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term well-being.
• Cognitive Function Testing: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by undergoing cognitive function testing, which helps identify early signs of cognitive decline or impairment.
• 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.
• 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 Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery is a crucial step in optimizing your surgical outcome by addressing any mental health concerns that could hinder your progress.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Medication is a valuable tool for managing mental health conditions, enabling you to participate more fully in life.
• 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.
• Psychotherapy With Medication Management: Partner with your psychiatrist to use both medication and therapy to stabilize your mental health, making early intervention more effective.

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. Sagar Vijapura 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 adhering to a proactive treatment plan, including regular check-ups and medication, a patient experienced reduced mood swings and significantly improved overall well-being, leading to greater stability and a more fulfilling life.
• Recognizing early signs of potential conduct disorder, a family proactively developed coping strategies, fostering a supportive environment and significantly reducing the risk of long-term behavioral challenges. This proactive approach empowered the family to build positive relationships and strengthen their child's emotional well-being.
• By learning CBT techniques, a patient reduced the frequency of unnecessary medical appointments and found greater peace of mind, enabling them to focus on healthy lifestyle choices.

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. Sagar Vijapura:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medication, in addition to providing therapy, unlike psychologists, who are experts in psychotherapy and testing but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Sagar Vijapura?

Your first visit with Dr. Vijapura will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to 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. Vijapura will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, used when it best helps prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

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

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Vijapura's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical one, utilizing FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. He combines these medical interventions with counseling and support to provide patients with the best possible chance for long-term recovery.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Vijapura offers telepsychiatry appointments. This allows convenient and accessible care, including medication management, through secure video sessions from the comfort of your home.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Vijapura leads the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to support a safe and effective recovery.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Vijapura's practice uses a two-pronged approach: daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks, and as-needed fast-acting anti-anxiety medications for acute episodes.

9141 Cypress Green Dr Ste 1
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (904) 733-7333

Dr. Sagar Vijapura, 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): 1710253885

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. Sagar Vijapura 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.