Dr. Sarah Fayad, MD

Dr. Sarah Fayad, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at North Florida Psychiatry in Gainesville, FL, 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), she is a vital partner in preventive mental healthcare. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (352) 333-4470 to schedule.

Dr. Sarah Fayad, MD is a psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL with extensive experience in Personality Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, and Addiction & Substance Abuse. Affiliated with HCA Florida North Florida Hospital, she is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Fayad earned her medical degree from Saint Louis University School Of Medicine and completed residency training in Psychiatry at the University of Florida College of Medicine, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in the University of Florida College of Medicine, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, Dr. Fayad is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Fayad provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Phobia: Managing your phobia through therapy and, sometimes, medication can help you regain control of your life and prevent the escalation of anxiety symptoms.
• Manic Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of manic disorder are crucial for preventing the severe consequences associated with untreated episodes, such as financial problems, strained relationships, and risky behaviors.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the signs of Major Depressive Disorder early and seeking professional help can prevent its progression and greatly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Prolonged Grief Disorder: If your grief persists and significantly impairs your daily functioning, seeking professional help can prevent prolonged grief from escalating and affecting your physical and mental health.
• 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.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Managing schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders effectively through medication and therapy helps reduce the likelihood of relapse and prevents further mental health complications.
• Psychosis: Managing psychosis effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent relapses and promotes a better quality of life, reducing the potential for significant life disruptions.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder can be effectively managed with professional guidance, preventing the cycle of emotional distress and overeating, thus safeguarding overall mental and physical well-being.
• Schizophrenia: Managing schizophrenia effectively through medication and therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and associated complications.
• Gambling Disorder: If you're struggling with uncontrollable urges to gamble, recognizing it as gambling disorder is the first step to effective treatment and preventing long-term negative effects on your overall health.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Safe and effective antidepressant treatment relies on responsible medication use; early intervention and close monitoring by your psychiatrist can help prevent misuse and its associated complications.
• 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.

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

• Behavior Therapy: This therapy helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and actions, empowering you to make positive changes and avoid future struggles.
• 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.
• Couples Therapy: Proactively addressing relational conflicts through couples therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and improve your mental health outcomes.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): As a proactive step in managing treatment-resistant depression, ECT can significantly improve mood and reduce suicidal thoughts, offering a pathway to improved mental well-being.
• Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy offers a proactive approach to early diagnosis and treatment, addressing family dynamics that may influence the development or worsening of mental health conditions.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy provides a safe space to share experiences, improve communication skills, and reduce the risk of relapse by learning from others.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Psychiatric medication therapy is a crucial step in managing mental health disorders, often preventing severe symptoms and improving your quality of life.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Proactively manage your mental health journey with psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and teach you effective self-management strategies.

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. Sarah Fayad 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:

• Through therapy and support, a patient learned coping mechanisms to manage their phobia, allowing them to feel more confident and in control of their anxiety. This proactive approach helped prevent future anxiety escalations.
• By understanding the early warning signs of manic disorder and developing a proactive treatment plan, a patient was able to effectively manage their mood swings, reducing the risk of severe episodes and maintaining healthy relationships.
• Recognizing early warning signs of Major Depressive Disorder and implementing a proactive treatment plan, a patient found relief and peace of mind, significantly improving 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 Psychiatric care with Dr. Sarah Fayad:

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

Dr. Fayad is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, as well as provide therapy, unlike a psychologist, who is a therapist but does not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Sarah Fayad?

Your first visit with Dr. Fayad will be a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This forms the basis for developing a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Fayad will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

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 have failed, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Fayad offers psychotherapy in addition to medication management. Her approach is collaborative, focusing on a comprehensive treatment plan that integrates medication and therapy. She works closely with patients' therapists to ensure a cohesive approach.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

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

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. It's a safe and effective option for those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Fayad's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. We utilize FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. This medical approach is combined with counseling and support to provide the best chance for long-term recovery.

North Florida Psychiatry
6500 W Newberry Rd
Gainesville FL 32605
Phone: (352) 333-4470

Dr. Sarah Fayad, 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): 1528225232

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. Sarah Fayad 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.