Dr. Sudha Kumar, MD

Dr. Sudha Kumar, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive mental healthcare. 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 (210) 606-4895 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Sudha Kumar, MD is a psychiatrist in Jacksonville, FL and has over 30 years of experience in the medical field. With over 30 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Boston University in 1994 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Her approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Sudha Kumar provides consultations primarily in English. Her commitment to comprehensive, proactive care, combined with her extensive experience and advanced training, makes her a valuable resource for individuals seeking expert psychiatric guidance and support. She is dedicated to empowering her patients to take control of their mental wellbeing and achieve lasting, positive outcomes.

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

• Hydrocodone Overdose: Preventing hydrocodone overdose involves understanding your risk factors, adhering strictly to prescribed dosages, and actively participating in monitoring programs.
• Suicidal Ideation: Suicidal ideation, or thoughts of harming oneself, is a serious sign that requires immediate attention and professional help to prevent tragic consequences.
• Alzheimer's Disease With Late-Onset: Late-onset Alzheimer's disease highlights the importance of regular cognitive health screenings to detect potential problems early, enabling timely intervention and potentially slowing progression.
• Substance-Induced Mood Disorders: Substance-Induced Mood Disorders happen when drug or alcohol use triggers symptoms like depression or mania, highlighting the importance of early intervention to prevent long-term mental health problems.
• Apathy: Feeling apathetic can hinder your ability to engage in healthy behaviors, increasing your risk for other health problems; early identification and management are crucial for preventive care.
• Childhood Disintegrative Disorder: By recognizing the signs of Childhood Disintegrative Disorder early and intervening with appropriate therapies, we can help minimize the long-term impact on a child's development and overall well-being.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Addressing amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence early on can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and a healthier 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. Sudha Kumar offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• ADHD Parent Coaching: Proactively equip yourself with the skills and strategies to better support your child's ADHD through expert guidance and personalized coaching.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) (as a diagnostic tool): To better understand the potential causes of your mental health challenges, your doctor may recommend an EEG, a simple test that records your brain's electrical activity, aiding in early diagnosis and treatment planning.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT): ISRT is a proactive therapy that helps you identify and regulate your social rhythms to improve your mental wellbeing and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Developmental Assessment: By undergoing a developmental assessment, you can gain a clearer understanding of your child's strengths and needs, paving the way for personalized support and maximizing their potential.
• Group Psychotherapy: Take a proactive step toward better mental health by participating in group therapy, a valuable tool for identifying early signs of mental illness and developing effective coping mechanisms.
• Psychopharmacology Management: This approach to medication uses a personalized strategy for your mental health, allowing early intervention and relapse prevention.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: This evaluation provides an unbiased assessment of your child's learning needs, enabling early intervention and preventing long-term academic 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 Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. Sudha Kumar 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 understanding their risk factors and adhering to prescribed dosages, a patient felt empowered to proactively manage their hydrocodone use and prevent potential overdose, fostering a sense of security and control over their health.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a proactive coping strategy, a patient found relief from suicidal ideation and regained a sense of hope for the future. Through consistent support and therapy, the patient established a strong foundation for managing their mental health effectively.
• By proactively scheduling regular cognitive screenings, a patient gained valuable insight into their brain health, enabling them to implement strategies for risk reduction and maintain peace of mind.

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. Sudha Kumar:

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

Dr. Kumar is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy, unlike a psychologist who does not prescribe medication. A psychologist is a PhD/PsyD-level expert in psychotherapy and testing.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Sudha Kumar?

Your first visit with Dr. Kumar will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. It's 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. Kumar will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it best helps prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team also has extensive experience in safe medication prescribing for seniors, who often require careful consideration of multiple medications.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Kumar's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. This includes FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse, combined with counseling and support to help patients achieve long-term recovery.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, like treatment-resistant depression. It's performed under general anesthesia and involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments have failed, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

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

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Kumar's approach to panic attacks often involves a two-pronged strategy. Preventive medications, like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are typically prescribed daily to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be used on an as-needed basis to manage acute episodes.

7643 Gate Pkwy Ste 104-140
Jacksonville FL 32256
Phone: (210) 606-4895

Dr. Sudha Kumar, MD 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): 1093822025

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. Sudha Kumar 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.