Heidi Swanson, LCSW

Heidi Swanson, LCSW is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at AdventHealth Medical Group Psychiatry at Winter Park in Winter Park, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). She is committed to building resilience and utilizing evidence-based therapies to create long-term wellness plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and serving as a primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being. Dr. Heidi LCSW is dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She serves all ages. Currently, Dr. Heidi LCSW is not accepting new patients, but you can call (407) 896-8097 to inquire about waitlists or future openings.

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. Dr. Heidi LCSW understands the importance of preventative care, recognizing that proactive strategies are crucial for maintaining optimal mental health throughout life. Her approach emphasizes the development of coping mechanisms, stress management techniques, and strategies for navigating life's challenges. She is a psychologist in Winter Park, FL and is not accepting new patients. Dr. Heidi LCSW provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Proactive management of chronic depression, such as dysthymia, through consistent self-care, therapy, and medication if needed, is crucial for preventing the development of more severe mental health complications and improving overall health.
• Substance-Induced Mood Disorders: Managing substance use is crucial for preventing mood disorders, as substance abuse can significantly impact your emotional well-being and mental health.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Using marijuana regularly without being dependent can still negatively affect your mental health and well-being, making early intervention crucial for preventing more serious problems later.
• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Early identification of Autism Spectrum Disorder allows for timely interventions, improving communication skills and reducing future challenges.
• Attachment Disorders: Building secure attachments in childhood helps prevent the development of attachment disorders, promoting lifelong mental well-being and resilience.
• Postpartum Disorders: Protecting your mental wellbeing after delivery is crucial; recognizing the signs of postpartum disorders early allows for timely intervention and prevents severe complications.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Building resilience by learning to manage mild mood disturbances like dysthymia and cyclothymia is essential for preventing the development of more severe mood disorders, underscoring the value of preventive mental healthcare.

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

• Preventive Care (Mental health screening): A mental health screening helps identify potential issues early, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious problems down the line.
• Sexual Assault Exam (Psychological support): Take proactive steps to address the emotional impact of sexual assault with compassionate psychological support.
• Trauma and Critical Care (Psychological trauma): Invest in your mental health journey by identifying and addressing any unprocessed trauma to improve overall well-being.
• Habit Control: Proactively address problematic habits to enhance your emotional regulation skills and prevent future difficulties.
• Intellectual Management: Strengthen your mental fitness by developing techniques for managing information overload and enhancing cognitive flexibility, thereby reducing mental fatigue.
• Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT): Prevent relationship difficulties and foster stronger, healthier connections by participating in Dynamic Interpersonal Therapy (DIT), focusing on improving your interaction patterns.
• Marital and Family Psychotherapy: Enhance your family's resilience and improve overall well-being by proactively seeking support to build stronger, healthier relationships through therapy.

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. Heidi LCSW 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:

• By consistently practicing self-care strategies and engaging in therapy, a patient proactively managed their chronic depression, reducing the risk of developing more severe mental health conditions and improving their overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential substance use triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing substance-induced mood disorders, fostering a more stable and positive emotional outlook.

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. Heidi LCSW:

What is a Clinical Psychologist, and how can they help me?

Dr. Heidi is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent issues from becoming crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Heidi, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy, or "talk therapy," and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. They often collaborate as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

Do I need to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?

No. Seeing a psychologist like Dr. Heidi LCSW is beneficial for everyone, not just those with serious mental illness. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues from developing.

How do you help people cope with the stress of a chronic medical illness?

Dr. Heidi LCSW provides a supportive space to process the emotional impact of chronic illness and teaches practical coping strategies to manage pain, fatigue, and stress, helping to prevent the illness from leading to depression or anxiety.

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 anxious or depressive thought patterns.

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, reducing the distress associated with these events. EMDR, in particular, is a structured therapy that helps reprocess traumatic memories, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can absolutely help. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Heidi can teach strategies to restructure sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

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 approach ensures an accurate diagnosis.

AdventHealth Medical Group Psychiatry at Winter Park
1573 W Fairbanks Ave Ste 100
Winter Park FL 32789
Phone: (407) 896-8097

Heidi Swanson, LCSW 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): 1780347831

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. Heidi LCSW 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.