Dr. Wanda Sanz, MD

Dr. Wanda Sanz, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in 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 is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (813) 971-6204 to schedule.

Dr. Wanda Sanz, MD is a psychiatrist in Tampa, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. Her extensive experience, coupled with her compassionate care, makes her a valuable resource for patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from University Of Puerto Rico School Of Medicine in 1982, followed by an internship at Vah/U Dist Hosp-U Pr and residency training in Psychiatrists at Vah/U Dist/U Children's Hosps, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of Individuals of all ages. Further specializing, she pursued fellowship training in Mclean Hosp-Harvard, deepening her expertise in a specific area of patient health. She is Board Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Sanz's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She offers consultations in Spanish.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Wanda Sanz 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. Wanda Sanz 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. Wanda Sanz 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: Regular monitoring and proactive management of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms can reduce the likelihood of relapses and improve overall long-term well-being.
• Anxiety: Preventative care for anxiety involves regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment as needed, ultimately reducing the chance of relapse.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, and early diagnosis with consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of future episodes and improve overall quality of life.
• 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.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Managing mood swings characteristic of dysthymia and cyclothymia is crucial to avoid serious complications such as major depressive disorder or bipolar disorder, promoting a healthier and more stable life.
• 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.
• Phobia: Managing your phobia through therapy and, sometimes, medication can help you regain control of your life and prevent the escalation of anxiety symptoms.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Early detection and treatment of psychosis, often linked to other mental illnesses, are crucial to prevent debilitating complications and improve long-term well-being.

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

• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT): By focusing on the connection between social interactions, daily routines, and your mental health, ISRT empowers you to manage your condition and reduce relapses.
• Sexual Assault Therapy: This specialized therapy helps assess the impact of sexual assault on your mental health, facilitating early diagnosis and intervention to prevent chronic conditions.
• Crisis Intervention: Proactively utilizing crisis intervention can help identify underlying mental health conditions early on, leading to timely treatment and preventing long-term consequences.
• Concussion Treatment (Neuropsychological evaluation): Taking proactive steps like a neuropsychological evaluation after a concussion can identify any cognitive impairments, helping you recover fully and avoid lasting issues.
• Sexual Abuse Therapy: Sexual abuse therapy provides specialized support to help you cope with the emotional and psychological consequences of sexual trauma, preventing relapse into unhealthy coping mechanisms.
• Faith Based Counseling: As part of a holistic approach to mental health, faith-based counseling can offer spiritual resources to aid in managing symptoms and preventing relapse.

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. Wanda Sanz 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 consistently attending appointments and following a proactive management plan, a family found increased peace of mind knowing strategies were in place to address potential ADHD and/or ADD challenges. This proactive approach helped them focus on positive development and reduced the likelihood of future difficulties.
• By consistently attending appointments and openly discussing their feelings, a patient proactively managed their anxiety, reducing the risk of future episodes and gaining a greater sense of control over their well-being.
• By proactively seeking professional support and adhering to a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future bipolar disorder episodes and experienced improved emotional stability.

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. Wanda Sanz:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, and uniquely prescribe and manage medication, in addition to providing therapy. A psychologist, while also skilled in therapy, is not a medical doctor and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Wanda Sanz?

Your first visit with Dr. Sanz will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover 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. Sanz will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, to determine the best approach for you. Medication is a collaborative decision, considered when it is the most effective way to improve your symptoms and quality of life.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Sanz's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Sanz is experienced in sleep-wake disorders. She will first evaluate for any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

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. Sanz is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn't use medication. It gently stimulates underactive nerve cells in the brain using magnetic pulses, offering a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team has expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, often taking multiple medications.

3258 Cove Bend Dr
Tampa FL 33613
Phone: (813) 971-6204

Dr. Wanda Sanz, 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): 1811047376

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. Wanda Sanz 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.