Dr. Shelley Heaton, PHD

Dr. Shelley Heaton, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) practicing at our Gainesville, FL clinic. She is a registered member of The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care, Dr. Shelley PHD partners with you to build resilience, utilize evidence-based therapies, create long-term wellness plans, coordinate necessary screenings, and serve as your primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being. She serves all ages.

Clinical psychologists specializing in preventive mental health recognize the importance of proactive strategies. Dr. Shelley PHD understands that a strong mental foundation is crucial for overall well-being, and she collaborates with patients to foster long-term wellness. Her approach to care is grounded in evidence-based medicine, emphasizing a collaborative partnership between patient and provider. This supportive environment empowers patients to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Shelley Heaton, PhD is a psychologist in Gainesville, FL, committed to providing consultations in English. Please call (352) 265-0294 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

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

• Psychosexual Dysfunction: Understanding the factors contributing to psychosexual dysfunction allows for targeted interventions, preventing further complications and fostering a more fulfilling sexual life.
• Nondependent Hallucinogen Abuse: Occasional hallucinogen use, even without dependence, can disrupt your mental health and increase the risk of mental health disorders, highlighting the importance of proactive mental health care.
• Compulsive Face Picking: Compulsive face picking, or skin picking disorder, can lead to skin damage and scarring if left untreated, highlighting the importance of early intervention for preventive mental health.
• Delirium: Because delirium can be a sign of an underlying condition, proactive health monitoring and timely medical care are critical steps in preventing its long-term consequences.
• Compulsive Gambling: Compulsive gambling, if left unchecked, can lead to serious financial and emotional problems, highlighting the importance of early intervention and preventive strategies.
• Sleep Terror Disorder: Early detection and management of sleep terrors prevent the negative effects on daily life, such as daytime fatigue and irritability, thus promoting mental health and overall well-being.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Managing tobacco use disorder through evidence-based treatments can significantly reduce the risks of various health problems, including cancer, heart disease, and respiratory illnesses, safeguarding your 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. Shelley PHD offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Independent Educational Evaluation: To ensure your child receives the most effective education, consider an independent educational evaluation – it helps uncover learning challenges and create a personalized learning plan, promoting their success.
• Discernment Counseling: To proactively address relationship uncertainty, discernment counseling guides you and your partner through a structured process to clarify your feelings and goals.
• Wellness Coaching: Take charge of your mental wellbeing with wellness coaching; it guides you in building resilience and coping skills to prevent future difficulties.
• Cognitive Assessment: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing with a cognitive assessment; it helps pinpoint cognitive strengths and weaknesses, paving the way for personalized strategies to build resilience.
• Anger Management Worksheet: This worksheet helps you understand your anger triggers and develop healthier coping strategies, preventing future outbursts and fostering emotional well-being.
• Stress Management: Strengthen your mental resilience by learning healthy ways to manage stress and maintain a positive mental state.
• Trauma and Critical Care (Psychological trauma): Proactively address and process past traumatic experiences to build resilience and prevent future mental health challenges.

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 Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) in Florida.

Dr. Shelley PHD is dedicated to partnering with Family Members and Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Individual's life:

• By understanding the root causes of potential psychosexual concerns, a patient developed coping mechanisms and strategies, resulting in a more positive and fulfilling experience in their intimate relationships.
• By understanding the potential risks of occasional hallucinogen use, a patient proactively developed strategies to maintain their mental well-being, fostering a healthier and more stable lifestyle.

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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Shelley PHD:

What is a Clinical Psychologist, and how can they help me?

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Shelley, is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. They provide evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent life's challenges from becoming mental health crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Shelley, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

Do I need to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?

No. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Shelley is beneficial for everyone, not just those with serious mental illness. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

What is trauma-focused therapy like EMDR?

Trauma-focused therapies, like EMDR, are specialized treatments designed to help the brain process and heal from traumatic memories. EMDR, a structured therapy, helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

How do you help people cope with the stress of a chronic medical illness?

Dr. Shelley provides a supportive space to process the emotional impact of chronic illness and teaches practical coping strategies to manage pain, fatigue, and stress, helping to prevent the development of depression or anxiety.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

A panic attack is a sudden, intense surge of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, are typically a more gradual build-up of worry related to a specific stressor, and are generally less intense.

What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In therapy, it's used as a tool to help reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and prevent unhelpful thinking patterns.

How can therapy support someone in recovery from a substance use disorder?

Therapy is a vital component of long-term recovery from substance use disorder. It helps individuals understand the root causes of their addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild relationships, all crucial for preventing relapse.

1600 SW Archer Rd
Gainesville FL 32610
Phone: (352) 265-0294

Dr. Shelley Heaton, PHD 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): 1982619540

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. Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) like Dr. Shelley PHD 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 clinical psychologist (preventive mental health) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.