Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth, DO

Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth, DO is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. She is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) at her clinic in Ocala, FL. 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. Please call (239) 280-0487 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth, DO is a psychiatrist in Ocala, FL, affiliated with Delta Regional Medical Center. She is accepting telehealth appointments and committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care. She earned her medical degree from William Carey College and strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Her practice prioritizes preventative care, recognizing the importance of early intervention and ongoing support in maintaining optimal mental well-being. Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth 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. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth 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. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth 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:

• Suicidal Ideation: To safeguard your mental health and prevent relapse into suicidal ideation, it's essential to address any underlying mental health conditions through professional treatment and support.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Helping teenagers navigate emotional and behavioral challenges through early intervention strategies minimizes the impact on their academic success, social relationships, and future opportunities.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders, if left unmanaged, can increase your risk of mental health crises; however, proactive therapy and support can significantly reduce this risk.
• Conduct Disorder: Effective management of conduct disorder through therapy and support can help children develop healthy coping mechanisms, preventing relapse into disruptive behaviors.
• Nondependent Opioid Abuse: Misusing opioid pain relievers without developing physical dependence can still be harmful and increase your risk of addiction, so early intervention is key for preventing more serious problems.
• Cocaine Addiction: Preventive care for cocaine addiction involves regular check-ups and support systems to help individuals stay on the path to recovery and avoid relapse.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Catching dysthymia and cyclothymia early is key to preventing long-term mental health challenges and improving overall well-being through consistent management and treatment.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Misusing amphetamines or similar stimulants can seriously harm your mental and physical health; early intervention and support are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Preventive care for drug and alcohol dependence involves early intervention strategies to stop substance abuse before it causes irreversible damage.
• Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is crucial for early intervention, preventing severe mood episodes and associated complications like job loss or relationship difficulties.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Addressing nondependent alcohol use helps prevent progression to alcohol dependence and related health issues, including mental health problems; proactive management is key to long-term health.
• ADHD and-or ADD: By preventing the escalation of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms, we can safeguard the individual's potential for success and happiness in the future.

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. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth 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: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by getting screened for alcohol or substance misuse; early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
• Behavior Therapy: Taking a proactive step with behavior therapy can help you develop healthier ways of responding to stress and difficult situations, preventing escalation into mental health episodes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by learning coping skills and thought patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Protect your mental well-being by participating in a screening designed to identify depression and dementia, enabling timely intervention.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy offers a supportive environment to discuss challenges, learn coping skills, and prevent future mental health setbacks.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps proactively identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the road.
• 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. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth 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 actively engaging in therapy and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced the risk of suicidal ideation, gaining a renewed sense of hope and control over their mental well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential challenges, a family found strategies to support their teenager's emotional well-being, which fostered a positive impact on their academic performance and social interactions.
• By actively engaging in therapy and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future mental health challenges, fostering a greater sense of well-being and stability.

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. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth:

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

Dr. Sayers-Erfourth is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists, are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth?

Your first visit with Dr. Sayers-Erfourth will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment, covering your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This will help determine an accurate diagnosis and 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. Sayers-Erfourth will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, to determine the best approach for you. Medication is a collaborative decision, considered when it best helps prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Sayers-Erfourth's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

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

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition. Dr. Sayers-Erfourth is trained to treat both simultaneously, recognizing that integrated care is essential for lasting recovery.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Sayers-Erfourth offers psychotherapy in addition to medication management, employing a collaborative approach. She works closely with patients' therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a stable foundation for therapy and coping skills. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes of depression or bipolar disorder.

216 NE 1st Ave
Ocala FL 34470
Phone: (239) 280-0487

Dr. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth, DO 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): 1497103469

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. Sharmayn Sayers-Erfourth 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.