Dr. Vanessa Padilla Davila, MD

Dr. Vanessa Padilla Davila, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the crucial role of 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, and while she is not currently accepting new patients, you can call (787) 315-3022 to inquire about waitlists or future openings. Dr. Davila is Board Certified in Psychiatry and Psychosomatic Medicine by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She earned her medical degree from the University of Puerto Rico, Mayaguez Campus, completed her psychiatric training at the University of Puerto Rico, and further honed her expertise through a Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship at the University of Miami (UM). Her extensive experience, including an Electroconvulsive Therapy Visiting Fellowship, and her current role as an Assistant Professor and Consultation-Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship Program Director at the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, underscore her commitment to comprehensive, evidence-based care. Dr. Davila offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Hallucinogen Dependence: Hallucinogen dependence, if left untreated, can significantly increase your risk of experiencing serious mental and physical health problems, highlighting the importance of early intervention and preventive care.
• Binge Eating Disorder: By managing binge eating disorder through therapy and potentially medication, individuals can prevent relapses and significantly improve their quality of life, fostering healthier eating habits and self-image.
• Dementia: Dementia is a decline in thinking skills that affects daily life, and early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and prevent further decline.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Preventing the progression of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse to addiction is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health and avoiding devastating consequences.
• Major Depressive Disorder: By addressing Major Depressive Disorder promptly through a combination of therapies and medication, individuals can reduce their risk of developing chronic mental health problems and improve their long-term outlook.
• Bipolar Disorder: Managing bipolar disorder effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent debilitating mood swings and minimizes disruptions to daily life, promoting long-term well-being.
• Cocaine Addiction: Preventive care for cocaine addiction involves regular check-ups and support systems to help individuals stay on the path to recovery and avoid relapse.
• Eating Disorders: Addressing eating disorders promptly reduces the likelihood of relapse and helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Addressing nondependent marijuana abuse early can prevent it from escalating into a more serious substance use disorder, protecting your long-term mental and physical health.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Because schizoaffective disorder can lead to significant challenges in daily functioning, early intervention and ongoing care are vital for preventing complications and promoting recovery.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Understanding and managing schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders helps prevent negative consequences, such as job loss or strained relationships, through proactive care.
• Psychosis: Managing psychosis effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent relapses and promotes a better quality of life, reducing the potential for significant life disruptions.

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

• Behavior Therapy: Taking a proactive step with behavior therapy can help you develop healthier ways of responding to stress and difficult situations, preventing escalation into mental health episodes.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is a powerful treatment option for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, offering rapid symptom relief when other methods haven't provided adequate results.
• 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.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Psychiatric medication therapy helps you find the right medication to manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Proactively manage your mental health journey with psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and teach you effective self-management strategies.
• Psychotherapy for Crisis: Prioritize your well-being and seek crisis psychotherapy to address immediate mental health challenges and learn coping strategies to prevent future crises.

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. Vanessa Davila 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 proactively addressing potential risks and developing a personalized prevention plan, a patient significantly reduced their vulnerability to hallucinogen dependence, fostering a sense of well-being and control over their health.
• By addressing underlying emotional triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their risk of binge eating episodes, leading to increased self-esteem and a more positive relationship with food.
• By proactively scheduling regular cognitive screenings, a patient gained valuable insights into their brain health, allowing them to make informed decisions to potentially reduce their risk of dementia-related challenges. This proactive approach provided the patient with significant 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. Vanessa Davila:

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

Dr. Davila is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. She can provide therapy and prescribe medications, unlike psychologists who are experts in psychotherapy and testing but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Vanessa Davila?

Your first visit with Dr. Davila will be a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is 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. Davila will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Davila's comprehensive evaluation for adult ADHD goes beyond a simple checklist. It includes a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and standardized rating scales. This thorough process ensures an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for creating an effective treatment plan to prevent life impairment.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Davila offers both medication management and psychotherapy. She employs a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Davila plays a crucial role as the medical leader of your treatment team. She will monitor your physical health, manage any co-occurring conditions with medication, and work closely with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Davila offers telepsychiatry appointments. This allows for convenient and accessible care, including medication management, through secure video sessions from the comfort of your home.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Dr. Davila's medication approach helps correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating stability. This allows you to engage fully in therapy and use your coping skills, significantly reducing the risk of relapse. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes.

1695 NW 9th Ave
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (787) 315-3022

Dr. Vanessa Padilla Davila, 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): 1316199516

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. Vanessa Davila 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.