Dr. Valentina Libra, PHD

Dr. Valentina Libra, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care at her clinic in South Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she partners with individuals of all ages to build resilience and achieve lasting well-being. 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. Her approach emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health.

Dr. Valentina Libra, PhD is a psychologist in South Miami, FL, committed to preventive mental health care. She understands that proactive measures are crucial for maintaining optimal mental well-being across the lifespan. She is dedicated to helping patients develop personalized strategies for stress management, improve coping mechanisms, and foster a positive outlook. Her practice is designed to serve all ages, and patients should call (954) 873-3550 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Valentina PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• 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.
• Fear of Theft: Proactively managing your fear of theft through relaxation techniques and security measures can prevent it from negatively impacting your relationships, work, and overall mental health.
• Cocaine Addiction: Cocaine addiction is a serious condition, but proactive steps like stress management and building strong social support networks can significantly lower your risk of developing this devastating habit.
• Substance-Induced Psychotic Disorders: Substance-induced psychotic disorders highlight the critical importance of early intervention in substance use, as untreated addiction can severely impact mental health and lead to debilitating psychotic symptoms.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Addressing tobacco use disorder proactively prevents the long-term physical and mental health problems associated with nicotine addiction, enabling you to live a healthier and more fulfilling life.
• Fear of Phobias: Understanding and managing your fear of phobias can be a key step in promoting proactive mental health, allowing you to live a fuller life without undue anxiety.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of Bipolar II disorder are crucial for preventing the progression of the illness and reducing the impact on relationships and work.

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

• Sexual Assault Exam (Psychological support): Prioritize your mental well-being after a sexual assault by accessing specialized psychological care designed to aid healing.
• Cognitive Rehabilitation: Strengthen your cognitive abilities and build resilience against future cognitive decline by participating in cognitive rehabilitation exercises tailored to your needs.
• Coping Strategy: By developing effective coping strategies, you can prevent minor stressors from becoming major mental health issues, fostering a positive and balanced life.
• Sex Therapy: Sex therapy offers a safe space to explore and address sexual difficulties, preventing long-term relationship problems and emotional distress.
• Behavior Management: Behavior management helps identify triggers and patterns of challenging behaviors, promoting early intervention and preventing future problems.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps ensure you're mentally prepared for the significant lifestyle changes involved, promoting long-term success.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental health by learning CBT techniques to manage stress and negative thought patterns, preventing future anxiety and depression.

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. Valentina 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 warning signs of excessive sleepiness, a patient proactively addressed potential idiopathic hypersomnia, leading to a significant improvement in their energy levels and overall well-being. This early intervention helped them maintain a fulfilling lifestyle, free from the disruptive impacts of uncontrolled sleepiness.
• By implementing a proactive plan of relaxation techniques and enhanced home security measures, a patient significantly reduced their fear of theft, improving their overall sense of safety and well-being. This allowed them to enjoy their life more fully, without the constant anxiety.

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. Valentina 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. Valentina, 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. Dr. Valentina offers preventive mental health services beneficial for everyone. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

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 helps ensure an accurate diagnosis.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can significantly improve sleep. Dr. Valentina can teach you Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a highly effective, drug-free treatment. She'll help you restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

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

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 unhelpful thoughts from taking over.

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.

7210 SW 57th Ave Ste 218
South Miami FL 33143
Phone: (954) 873-3550

Dr. Valentina Libra, 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): 1215333828

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. Valentina 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.