Dr. Sherry Richards, PHD

Dr. Sherry Richards, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she 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. Dr. Sherry PHD is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages.

Clinical psychologists specializing in preventive mental health recognize the importance of addressing potential mental health concerns before they escalate. Dr. Sherry Richards, PhD, a psychologist in Jacksonville, FL, understands this crucial role. She works with patients to identify and understand personal risk factors, develop coping strategies, and create a personalized plan for maintaining and improving their mental well-being. This proactive approach allows for early intervention and fosters a strong partnership in achieving lasting mental health. Please call (904) 471-6900 to confirm if Dr. Sherry PHD is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Sherry PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early intervention for tobacco use is key to preventing the development of a serious and potentially fatal addiction, protecting your overall health and well-being.
• Anxiolytic Dependence: Early identification of anxiety medication dependence allows for timely intervention and the development of preventive strategies to manage your anxiety without relying solely on medication.
• Marijuana Abuse: Preventive mental healthcare includes addressing marijuana abuse to safeguard your overall well-being and prevent long-term consequences.
• Divorce: Divorce often triggers intense emotional distress; taking steps to address these feelings early, such as talking to a therapist, can improve your mental well-being and prevent future complications.
• Reactive Attachment Disorder: Managing Reactive Attachment Disorder through therapeutic interventions prevents the development of more severe mental health issues, enabling children to develop healthy emotional regulation and social skills.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Don't let social anxiety control your life; proactive management strategies like therapy and mindfulness techniques can empower you to overcome it and build confidence.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder can significantly affect daily life, but proactive mental health care, including therapy and possibly medication, helps prevent it from becoming chronic.

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

• Preventive Care (Mental health screening): Take charge of your mental health by getting screened – it can uncover hidden struggles and guide you towards appropriate support.
• PTSD Treatment: Invest in your well-being with PTSD treatment; it helps identify and manage the symptoms of trauma, preventing long-term mental health challenges.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking a proactive step toward a healthier you, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery screens for any mental health conditions that might impact your surgical journey and recovery.
• Habit Control: Proactively address problematic habits to enhance your emotional regulation skills and prevent future difficulties.
• Mental Status Examination: As a preventative measure, a mental status exam helps us assess your current mental state, allowing for early identification and treatment of any developing mental health challenges.
• Adolescent Counseling: Empower your teenager with adolescent counseling; it offers a supportive environment to explore challenges, build self-esteem, and develop healthy relationships, preventing potential mental health issues.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Substance abuse treatment offers a supportive environment to explore your relationship with substances, identify triggers, and develop coping mechanisms for long-term success.

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. Sherry 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:

• Recognizing the potential for tobacco use disorder, a patient proactively engaged in counseling, significantly reducing their risk of developing a nicotine addiction and ensuring a healthier future. This early intervention empowered them to make informed choices and maintain their overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential anxiety medication dependence risks, a patient developed coping mechanisms and a personalized plan to manage anxiety effectively, reducing reliance on medication and fostering greater 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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Sherry PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist 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. Sherry, 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. They often collaborate as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

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

No. A psychologist like Dr. Sherry can help everyone manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Sherry provides a supportive space for children and teenagers to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills. She helps equip them with tools to address these issues, promoting healthy development and preventing future difficulties.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

A comprehensive ADHD evaluation involves more than just a questionnaire. It includes a detailed clinical interview, a review of school or work history, and standardized psychological tests to assess attention, impulsivity, and executive function. This multi-faceted approach ensures an accurate diagnosis.

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 gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor and are usually 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 reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and prevent negative thought patterns.

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provide a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict resolution, and navigate life transitions together. This strengthens relationships, preventing future problems and fostering a supportive environment.

6900 Southpoint Dr N
Jacksonville FL 32216
Phone: (904) 471-6900

Dr. Sherry Richards, 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): 1154756575

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. Sherry 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.