Dr. Theodora Coffman, PHD

Dr. Theodora Coffman, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) practicing at her clinic in Saint Petersburg, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. She is a trusted partner in fostering long-term wellness, recognizing that early intervention and preventative strategies are crucial for optimal mental health across the lifespan. 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey.

Dr. Theodora Coffman, PhD is a psychologist in Saint Petersburg, FL. She is accepting new patients. Dr. Coffman completed rigorous medical training from recognized institutions, followed by residency training in Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) at Correctcare Rs/South Florida State Hospital (graduated 2015), specializing in the comprehensive medical care of all ages. Her approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She strives to create a trusting relationship built on open communication and a shared commitment to proactive well-being. Dr. Theodora PHD provides consultations primarily in English. To schedule an appointment, please call (727) 251-6874.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Theodora 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. Theodora 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. Theodora 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 Disorder: Managing bipolar disorder through medication, therapy, and lifestyle changes prevents debilitating mood swings and helps maintain a more stable and fulfilling life.
• Sexual Pain Disorders: Early identification and treatment of sexual pain can prevent the development of avoidance behaviors and other mental health challenges.
• Bipolar V Disorder: Early identification of bipolar disorder is crucial for preventing severe mood swings and improving overall well-being through proactive treatment.
• Psychophysiological Insomnia: By learning to manage your thoughts and behaviors related to sleep, you can prevent psychophysiological insomnia, a cycle where anxiety around sleep worsens the sleep problem itself.
• Reading Disorders in Children and Adolescents: By proactively managing reading disorders, we empower young people to build resilience and navigate academic challenges successfully, reducing the risk of long-term negative impacts.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Preventing serious disruptions to your life from Bipolar II disorder starts with understanding your risk factors and seeking professional help at the first sign of symptoms.
• Childhood Depression: Preventive mental health strategies, such as early intervention for childhood depression, can help children develop coping mechanisms and avoid long-term difficulties.

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

• Discernment Counseling: Before making irreversible relationship decisions, consider discernment counseling. It offers a safe space to explore your options and make informed choices about your future together.
• Geriatric Assessment (Cognitive/Mental health): Ensure your cognitive health remains strong with a comprehensive geriatric assessment; this helps pinpoint issues early and aids in preventing more serious problems down the line.
• Sexual Assault Exam (Psychological support): Empower yourself to cope with the aftermath of sexual assault; a psychological exam can provide essential tools and strategies.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: Proactively assess your child's learning style and needs with an independent educational evaluation to ensure they receive the right educational support and maximize their potential.
• Preventive Care (Mental health screening): Preventative mental health screenings act as an early warning system, detecting potential problems so you can address them promptly.
• Critical Incident Stress Debriefing (CISD): To proactively manage stress after a difficult experience, CISD offers a structured discussion to help you understand your reactions and develop coping strategies.
• Sexual Abuse Therapy: Proactively address the emotional and psychological consequences of sexual abuse with specialized therapy designed to promote healing and prevent long-term mental health issues.

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. Theodora 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 proactively addressing potential triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient successfully managed their bipolar disorder, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
• A patient, through proactive guidance, learned strategies to address potential sexual pain early, reducing anxiety and fostering a positive sexual relationship. This early intervention prevented the development of avoidance behaviors and ensured a more fulfilling intimate life.

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. Theodora PHD:

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

Dr. Theodora is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides 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. Theodora, 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. Dr. Theodora offers preventive mental health services to help everyone manage stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges 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 generally less intense.

How can therapy help prevent my anxiety or depression from getting worse?

Dr. Theodora helps build a mental health toolkit by teaching specific coping skills to manage symptoms, identifying early warning signs of a relapse, and addressing the root causes of distress, preventing anxiety or depression from worsening.

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

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 important relationships—all vital for preventing relapse.

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.

146 2nd St N Ste 310
Saint Petersburg FL 33701
Phone: (727) 251-6874

Dr. Theodora Coffman, 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): 1922475599

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. Theodora 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.