Dr. Victor Santos, MD

Dr. Victor Santos, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Jacksonville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands that general psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare. This involves 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. He serves individuals of all ages, and patients should call (904) 638-8164 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Victor Santos, MD is a psychiatrist in Jacksonville, FL, accepting telehealth appointments. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and his approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He strives to create a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to helping patients understand their mental health needs and develop strategies for ongoing well-being. Dr. Victor Santos provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• ADHD and-or ADD: Addressing ADHD and/or ADD symptoms early can significantly reduce the risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety proactively through therapy or medication can significantly reduce the risk of future anxiety attacks and related complications like depression.
• Autism: Addressing autism's challenges through behavioral therapies and support systems can lessen the risk of co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Untreated Major Depressive Disorder can have lasting consequences, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing care to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): OCD, if left untreated, can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being; proactive diagnosis and treatment are essential for preventing these negative consequences.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders, if left unmanaged, can increase your risk of mental health crises; however, proactive therapy and support can significantly reduce this risk.
• Phobia: Preventing the development of more severe anxiety issues, phobias should be addressed early on as they can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recognizing the signs of PTSD after a trauma is crucial for preventative care. Seeking professional help early allows for prompt treatment and reduces the likelihood of developing severe, long-term symptoms.

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

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by learning coping skills and thought patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• 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.
• Other Psychiatric Medication Therapy (Inpatient Only): Taking proactive steps towards mental wellness, this inpatient-only program provides specialized medication therapies to address severe mental health conditions and help you get back on your feet.
• Integrated Yoga Therapy: Proactively enhance your mental resilience and reduce the risk of relapse by integrating yoga therapy into your treatment plan; it complements medication and therapy effectively.
• Antipsychotic Medication Therapy (Inpatient Only): This inpatient program offers close monitoring and medication adjustments to effectively manage acute psychotic episodes and prevent worsening symptoms.
• Psychoanalysis: To proactively address underlying emotional patterns and improve mental wellbeing, consider psychoanalysis, a type of therapy that explores unconscious thoughts and behaviors.
• Aftercare for Substance Abuse: Aftercare programs offer essential support to identify and address triggers, helping you manage cravings and stay on the path to recovery.

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. Victor Santos 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 addressing potential ADHD and/or ADD symptoms early, a family found ways to proactively support their child's development, fostering a more positive and stable home environment. This early intervention significantly reduced the risk of future challenges and promoted a stronger sense of well-being for everyone.
• By proactively addressing anxiety through therapy, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future anxiety attacks and related complications, gaining a greater sense of calm and well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential challenges through early intervention and support, a family felt empowered to lessen the risk of future developmental concerns and foster a positive, supportive environment for their child. This approach provided them with the peace of mind to focus on their child's overall well-being and development.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He 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. Victor Santos:

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

Dr. Santos is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists are PhD/PsyD-level experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Victor Santos?

Your first visit with Dr. Santos will be a comprehensive evaluation of your medical and psychiatric history. We will discuss your symptoms, medical history, 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. Santos will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, to help you. Medication is a collaborative decision, considered when it best supports symptom improvement and quality of life.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Santos's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), aim to reduce the overall frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for use as needed during acute episodes.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Santos offers both medication management and psychotherapy. His approach is collaborative, working closely with a patient's therapist to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A "dual diagnosis" means having both a substance use disorder, like alcohol addiction, and another mental health condition, like depression, at the same time. Dr. Santos is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used to treat severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it 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.

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

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a stable foundation for therapy and the use of coping skills. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes.

8823 San Jose Blvd Ste 301
Jacksonville FL 32217
Phone: (904) 638-8164

Dr. Victor Santos, 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): 1033503503

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. Victor Santos 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.