Dr. Sajida Mathew, MD

Dr. Sajida Mathew, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Melbourne, FL. She 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. She serves individuals of all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (321) 722-5200 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Sajida Mathew, MD is a psychiatrist in Melbourne, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Wayne State University in 1996 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a strong foundation of expertise to her patients and their families. Dr. Mathew is affiliated with medical facilities such as Holmes Regional Medical Center and Cape Canaveral Hospital and is accepting telehealth appointments. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Autism: Through proactive monitoring and tailored interventions, we can minimize the impact of autism and promote the individual's overall well-being and independence.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Early identification and treatment of chronic depression are vital to reduce its long-term effects on your physical and mental health, preventing potential complications like anxiety or substance abuse.
• 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.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse, while not an addiction, can still harm your health and increase your risk for more serious problems down the line; early intervention and lifestyle changes can prevent these complications.
• 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.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, and early diagnosis with consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of future episodes and improve overall quality of life.
• Delusional Disorder: Recognizing the signs of delusional disorder early and seeking professional help is key to preventing long-term disability and improving the quality of life.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder early is key to starting treatment promptly, which helps prevent the development of severe complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Developmental and Learning Disorders: Addressing developmental and learning disorders early helps children develop essential skills, participate fully in education, and reduce their risk of developing other mental health issues later in life.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Understanding your risk factors for dysthymia and cyclothymia allows for proactive steps in prevention, ultimately reducing the likelihood of developing more severe and debilitating mood disorders.
• Opioid Dependence: Preventive measures for opioid dependence focus on safe opioid use, proper pain management, and readily available addiction treatment, improving health outcomes.

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. Sajida Mathew 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: Invest in your mental health journey by undergoing alcohol and substance misuse screening; this assessment helps uncover hidden issues that may be affecting your overall health.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): As part of your proactive mental healthcare plan, consider CBT to learn techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, reducing the risk of relapse.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Schedule a screening to assess your risk for depression and dementia—early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a vital step towards a healthier you, offering a comprehensive assessment to guide personalized treatment plans and prevent relapses.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a proactive measure to detect early signs of mental health challenges, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking a proactive step towards a healthier you, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps screen for potential mental health issues that may impact your surgery and recovery.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Enhance your mental wellness by engaging in psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to learn strategies for managing symptoms, preventing future episodes, and improving your overall quality of life.

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. Sajida Mathew 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 recognizing early warning signs and working with a mental health professional, a patient proactively managed their symptoms, significantly reducing the risk of developing a more severe disorder and maintaining a healthy lifestyle.
• A family, through proactive monitoring and personalized interventions, experienced a significant reduction in anxiety related to potential autism spectrum disorder concerns, fostering a sense of peace and empowerment.
• By understanding the early warning signs of chronic depression, a patient proactively addressed potential risks, reducing the likelihood of future complications and gaining a sense of control over their 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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Sajida Mathew:

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 medication, in addition to providing 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. Sajida Mathew?

Your first visit with Dr. Mathew will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, 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?

Dr. Mathew will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended 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 doesn't involve medication. It uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain, offering a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused 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 team has extensive experience in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used 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 role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Mathew plays a key role in treating eating disorders by monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating closely with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe recovery.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Mathew is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. She will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

400 Sheridan Rd
Melbourne FL 32901
Phone: (321) 722-5200

Dr. Sajida Mathew, 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): 1164510509

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. Sajida Mathew 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.