Dr. Surekha Rai, PHD

Dr. Surekha Rai, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Ocala, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to building resilience and fostering long-term wellness through evidence-based therapies. 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. She serves all ages. Please call (352) 854-7670 to confirm if Dr. Surekha Rai, PhD is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Surekha Rai, PhD is a psychologist in Ocala, FL, with a strong commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. Her approach prioritizes creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is passionate about preventive mental health, recognizing the importance of early intervention and proactive strategies to maintain optimal well-being. Dr. Surekha PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Bipolar IV Disorder: Understanding your risk factors for bipolar disorder and seeking early intervention can significantly reduce the severity and frequency of mood swings and related challenges.
• Anxiolytic Dependence: Becoming overly reliant on anxiety medication can hinder your progress towards building long-term coping skills, making preventive mental health strategies crucial.
• Rumination Disorder: By understanding and managing your tendency to ruminate, you can build resilience against future stressors and avoid the negative impact on your overall mental well-being.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Addressing PTSD promptly through evidence-based therapies can prevent it from impacting relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
• Idiopathic Hypersomnia: Don't let excessive sleepiness control your life. If you suspect you might have idiopathic hypersomnia, proactive identification and treatment are vital to prevent its interference with your relationships, work, and overall mental health.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Protecting your mental wellbeing involves recognizing the dangers of amphetamine and related stimulant misuse, and proactively seeking help to prevent addiction.
• Pain Disorder: Early identification and management of pain disorders are crucial for preventing them from becoming chronic and impacting your overall well-being and mental health.

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

• Pediatric Trauma Management: Ensure your child receives support to process traumatic experiences and develop coping mechanisms, helping prevent future mental health issues.
• Eating Management: Develop healthy eating skills to enhance your resilience and prevent emotional eating, promoting better mental and physical health.
• Relapse Prevention: By learning relapse prevention techniques, you'll build resilience and develop a personalized plan to overcome obstacles and sustain mental health improvements.
• Intellectual Management: Proactively manage your thoughts and mental processes to build resilience against stress and emotional challenges.
• Behavioral Activation: Behavioral activation helps you identify and increase enjoyable activities to improve your mood and prevent depression.
• Marital and Family Psychotherapy: Invest in your relationship's well-being by proactively addressing communication challenges and conflict resolution skills through marital and family therapy.
• Violence Risk Assessment: To promote safety and well-being, a violence risk assessment helps professionals understand and address potential risk factors for violence.

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. Surekha 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 their risk factors and developing a proactive coping strategy, a patient felt empowered to manage potential mood fluctuations and maintain a stable emotional well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential anxieties and building healthy coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their reliance on medication, fostering a more resilient approach to managing stress. This proactive strategy empowered them to cultivate long-term 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. Surekha PHD:

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

A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Surekha, 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. Surekha, specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists are medical doctors 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, you don't need a serious mental illness to benefit from seeing a psychologist like Dr. Surekha. Therapy is a valuable preventive tool for everyone, helping manage stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

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 worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

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. Surekha can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

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 therapy support someone in recovery from a substance use disorder?

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

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Surekha provides a supportive space for children and teenagers to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills difficulties. She helps them develop coping strategies and tools to prevent these issues from affecting their long-term development.

3200 SW 34th Ave Ste 302
Ocala FL 34474
Phone: (352) 854-7670

Dr. Surekha Rai, 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): 1447346606

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. Surekha 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.