Dr. Shirley Suarez, PHD

Dr. Shirley Suarez, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. She practices at her clinic in Coral Gables, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her commitment to preventive health extends to working collaboratively with each patient to build resilience, utilize evidence-based therapies, and create personalized long-term wellness plans. She coordinates necessary screenings and serves as a primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being. Dr. Shirley PHD is a psychologist in Coral Gables, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, ensuring a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Please call (305) 667-4101 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Shirley PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Predominantly Inattentive Type: Recognizing the signs of predominantly inattentive ADHD is crucial for preventing its negative impacts on academic performance, relationships, and self-esteem.
• Combat Stress Reaction: Addressing combat stress reactions promptly through therapy or support groups can help prevent long-term mental health issues like PTSD.
• Alzheimer's Disease With Late-Onset: Late-onset Alzheimer's Disease highlights the importance of proactive brain health; maintaining a healthy lifestyle may reduce your risk and lessen the severity of symptoms.
• Prescription Drug Abuse: Responsible prescription medication management, including proper storage and disposal, can significantly reduce the risk of misuse or abuse by yourself or others.
• Major Affective Disorder 1: Major Affective Disorder 1 is a treatable condition; preventative mental health measures focus on identifying potential risks and employing coping mechanisms, thus mitigating its severity and duration.
• Adult Panic Anxiety Syndrome: Adult panic anxiety syndrome doesn't have to control your life. Preventive measures like therapy and lifestyle adjustments can significantly lessen the frequency and severity of panic attacks, improving your quality of life.
• Behavioral Problems of Dementia: Preventative strategies focused on early identification of behavioral changes in dementia are crucial for maintaining the person's dignity and preserving their safety.

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

• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a proactive step to understand your mental well-being, identifying potential issues early and preventing them from becoming larger problems.
• Wellness Coaching: Prevent mental health concerns and enhance your overall wellness through personalized guidance and support from a wellness coach, focusing on your unique needs.
• PTSD Treatment: Early intervention is key: PTSD treatment helps diagnose and treat post-traumatic stress, empowering you to reclaim your emotional health and prevent debilitating symptoms.
• Mindfulness Technique: Take a proactive step towards better mental well-being by learning mindfulness; it's a skill that builds resilience against stress and anxiety.
• Rehabilitation After Stroke or Trauma (Cognitive/emotional): Take charge of your mental health after a stroke or trauma; this service helps identify and manage potential cognitive and emotional difficulties, preventing further complications.
• Twelve Step Faciliation: Strengthen your commitment to sobriety and prevent relapse through 12-step facilitation, a structured program offering guidance and community support.
• Eating Management: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by learning healthy eating strategies to reduce stress and improve mood.

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. Shirley 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 signs of predominantly inattentive ADHD early, a family proactively developed coping mechanisms, leading to improved focus and reduced stress related to academic challenges.
• By actively participating in support groups and therapy, a veteran reduced feelings of isolation and anxiety, successfully managing potential combat stress reactions and preventing the development of PTSD.

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. Shirley 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. Shirley, 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, you don't need a serious mental illness to benefit from seeing a psychologist like Dr. Shirley. Therapy is a valuable tool for everyone to manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

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. These therapies can be highly effective in helping individuals move forward.

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

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

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict resolution, and navigate life transitions together. This strengthens bonds and helps prevent future relationship challenges by fostering healthy coping mechanisms.

What is an assessment for ADHD like?

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

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's proven effective in preventing the worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

4601 Ponce de Leon Blvd Ste 280
Coral Gables FL 33146
Phone: (305) 667-4101

Dr. Shirley Suarez, 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): 1518176114

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. Shirley 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.