Dr. Wendy Somerset, MD

Dr. Wendy Somerset, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Tallahassee, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. She is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), and is committed to helping individuals of all ages achieve and maintain optimal mental well-being. 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. Please call (850) 766-8965 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Wendy Somerset, MD is a psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Florida in 2000 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With over two decades of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Somerset is deeply committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Wendy Somerset 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. Wendy Somerset 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. Wendy Somerset 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 I Disorder: Bipolar I disorder involves intense mood shifts, but proactive treatment and lifestyle adjustments can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of these episodes, protecting your mental and physical health.
• Marriage Break-Up: Experiencing a marriage break-up can significantly impact mental well-being, highlighting the importance of seeking support to prevent the development of depression or anxiety.
• Major Depressive Episode: Recognizing the symptoms of a major depressive episode is key to preventing its progression into a more severe and chronic mental health problem, potentially improving long-term quality of life.
• Grief: Understanding and managing your grief proactively can help prevent it from escalating into a more severe mental health condition, improving your overall well-being.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Understanding the potential triggers for dissociative amnesia is key for preventing future episodes and maintaining overall mental well-being.
• Williams Syndrome: Regular check-ups and specialized care are vital for individuals with Williams syndrome to prevent cardiovascular disease and optimize their cognitive and developmental potential.
• Cognitive Disorders: Regular cognitive health checkups are key to preventing serious issues later in life, as early interventions can slow the progression of many cognitive disorders.

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

• Psychopharmacology Management: By carefully monitoring your medications and adjusting them as needed, we can prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your overall well-being.
• Detoxification: Detoxification offers a structured environment to address substance withdrawal, allowing you to focus on recovery and preventing relapse.
• Personality Testing: A personality test can offer insights into your personal strengths and weaknesses, helping you build resilience and prevent future mental health issues.
• Military Counseling: Taking advantage of military counseling helps screen for PTSD, depression, and anxiety, allowing for prompt treatment and preventing long-term consequences.
• LGBT Affirmative Psychotherapy: For LGBTQ+ individuals, LGBT Affirmative Psychotherapy offers a supportive environment to discuss any mental health concerns and develop coping strategies, leading to better overall mental health.
• Cognitive Assessment: A cognitive assessment is a valuable tool in identifying subtle cognitive changes, leading to timely diagnosis and appropriate management of conditions like dementia or other cognitive disorders, promoting better quality of life.
• Psychological Testing: As part of your ongoing mental wellness, psychological testing can help monitor your progress and identify any potential warning signs of 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. Wendy Somerset 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 understanding their bipolar I disorder triggers and developing a personalized wellness plan, a patient experienced fewer mood swings and greater overall stability, fostering a more fulfilling life.
• Recognizing early warning signs of strain in their marriage, a couple proactively sought guidance from a mental health professional, fostering open communication and strengthening their bond, preventing a potential break-up.
• Recognizing early warning signs of a potential major depressive episode and working with a mental health professional allowed a patient to develop coping strategies, significantly reducing the risk of a future episode and improving overall well-being.

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. Wendy Somerset:

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

Dr. Somerset is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medication, as well as provide therapy. Psychologists, while trained in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Wendy Somerset?

Your first visit with Dr. Somerset will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric evaluation. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to create 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. Somerset will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it best addresses symptom management and improves your overall well-being.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Somerset's comprehensive evaluation process for adult ADHD involves a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and standardized rating scales. This thorough assessment, rather than a simple checklist, ensures an accurate diagnosis crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to prevent life impairment.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition, such as depression. Dr. Somerset is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

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

How does Dr. Wendy Somerset manage medication side effects?

Dr. Somerset is skilled at managing medication side effects. Her approach is proactive and careful, focusing on finding the medication that provides the most benefit with the fewest side effects. She starts with low doses, closely monitors patients, and is experienced at adjusting dosages or changing medications to achieve the best possible outcome.

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

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain. They create a foundation of stability, allowing you to fully engage in therapy and utilize your coping skills. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes.

2509 Barrington Cir Ste 111
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 766-8965

Dr. Wendy Somerset, 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): 1942403977

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. Wendy Somerset 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.