Dr. Stephen Pittman, PHD

Dr. Stephen Pittman, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. He practices at our Gainesville, FL clinic and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment extends to all ages, recognizing that mental well-being is a lifelong journey. Clinical psychologists specializing in preventive mental health partner 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. Stephen Pittman, PhD is a psychologist in Gainesville, FL, committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. His approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is dedicated to preventive care, understanding that proactive measures are crucial in maintaining optimal mental well-being. To confirm if Dr. Stephen Pittman, PhD is currently accepting new patients, please call (352) 374-5600. Dr. Stephen PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Physical Abuse of Adult: Managing the impact of physical abuse through evidence-based therapies and support systems can prevent a cascade of negative consequences, including PTSD and substance abuse.
• Cognitive Delay: Addressing cognitive delays proactively through early intervention programs can significantly reduce the risk of future academic struggles and social difficulties, promoting a healthier and more fulfilling life.
• Phobia: Phobias, if left unaddressed, can limit your participation in life's activities and relationships, highlighting the importance of early intervention to build resilience and prevent functional impairment.
• Rumination Disorder: Early recognition of rumination is crucial, as it can be a precursor to depression and anxiety if left unchecked; proactive intervention is key to preventive mental health.
• Panic Attack: Learning to identify your personal triggers and developing personalized strategies helps prevent panic attacks from disrupting your daily life and relationships.
• Dissociative Disorder: Proactive management of dissociative disorders through therapy and self-care strategies can help prevent emotional distress and relationship difficulties, allowing you to live a more fulfilling life.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Substance misuse, including amphetamines, can negatively impact mental health; taking steps to prevent abuse and seek help when needed is key to building resilience.

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

• ADHD Testing: Consider ADHD testing as a preventative step to understand your brain's executive functions; early identification helps you access support and improve your daily life.
• Neurological Testing (Neuropsychological part): As part of your proactive health journey, neuropsychological testing provides a comprehensive evaluation of your cognitive functioning, empowering you to address any challenges and strengthen your brain's resilience.
• Psychological Evaluation: Proactively protect your mental health by undergoing a psychological evaluation. This assessment helps identify strengths and challenges, paving the way for personalized support and preventing future struggles.
• Neuropsychology Services for Gifted Children: Give your gifted child the best start by proactively assessing their cognitive strengths and weaknesses through neuropsychological services, ensuring early identification of any learning or developmental challenges.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: A diagnostic evaluation is a crucial first step toward preventing mental health issues from disrupting your life; it involves gathering information to create a personalized path to wellness.
• Parenting Classes: Empower yourself with evidence-based parenting techniques to create a nurturing environment and reduce the risk of mental health issues in your children.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CTB-I): Invest in your mental health by participating in CBT-I, a therapy that identifies and addresses unhelpful thinking and behaviors related to sleep, preventing long-term sleep problems.

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. Stephen 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:

• Through proactive therapy and support, a family learned strategies to de-escalate potential conflicts, fostering a safer and more peaceful home environment. This early intervention prevented escalating issues and ensured a more positive future for all.
• By proactively addressing potential cognitive delays through early intervention programs, a family experienced reduced anxiety and increased confidence in their child's future academic and social success. This early focus on cognitive health allowed them to enjoy a more peaceful and fulfilling family life.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Stephen PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Stephen PhD, 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. Stephen, 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. A psychologist like Dr. Stephen PhD can help everyone manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

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

Therapy is a crucial part of long-term recovery from substance use disorder. It helps you understand the underlying causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping strategies for triggers, and rebuild relationships, all essential for preventing relapse.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can significantly improve sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Stephen can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

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 approach ensures an accurate diagnosis.

What is mindfulness and how is it used in therapy?

Mindfulness is paying attention to the present moment without judgment. In therapy, it's a tool to reduce stress, manage difficult emotions, and prevent anxious or depressive thoughts from overwhelming you.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities, and create a personalized treatment plan. This process helps us understand you better and tailor the best approach for your needs.

4300 SW 13th St
Gainesville FL 32608
Phone: (352) 374-5600

Dr. Stephen Pittman, 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): 1477726594

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. Stephen 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.