Mark Porter, CAP

Mark Porter, CAP is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. He practices at his clinic in Sarasota, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His commitment to preventive care extends to all ages, recognizing that mental well-being is a lifelong journey. 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. To inquire about new patient appointments, please call (941) 951-2916.

Dr. Mark CAP, a psychologist in Sarasota, FL, is deeply committed to a collaborative and evidence-based approach to care. He fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His practice is centered on building resilience and promoting mental wellness through proactive strategies, with a focus on preventing future mental health challenges. He believes that mental health is an essential component of overall well-being and works with patients of all ages to develop personalized strategies for long-term wellness. Dr. Mark CAP provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alzheimer's Disease With Early-Onset: Understanding your family history and adopting a brain-healthy lifestyle can be crucial in reducing your risk of developing early-onset Alzheimer's and maintaining cognitive function for longer.
• Auditory Processing Disorders: Untreated auditory processing disorder can contribute to anxiety and depression; therefore, early intervention is a vital preventative measure for improving overall mental health.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Early intervention for antisocial personality disorder can reduce the risk of long-term social and legal problems, improving quality of life and promoting healthier interpersonal interactions.
• Stress-Induced Disorders: Understanding your stress triggers and employing preventative strategies can safeguard your mental well-being and avoid serious health complications.
• Chat Room Addiction: Understanding the signs of chat room addiction allows for early intervention, preventing potential damage to your mental health and overall well-being.
• Impaired Cognition: Experiencing difficulties with thinking, remembering, or concentrating can be a sign of a larger issue, so seeking help early can prevent more serious problems down the line.
• Early Childhood Trauma: Experiences of abuse, neglect, or violence during childhood can significantly impact mental health later in life, making early identification and intervention crucial for preventing long-term complications.

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

• Child Abuse Assessment: This assessment is a crucial tool for identifying and addressing potential child abuse, helping us provide the necessary care and prevent further harm.
• Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Begin your journey to recovery with outpatient addiction treatment, a crucial step in preventing the harmful effects of substance abuse on your physical and mental health.
• Memory Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health with a memory evaluation; it's a helpful assessment to detect early signs of memory issues and support strategies for prevention.
• Sexual Abuse Therapy: Sexual abuse therapy offers a safe space to explore the effects of past abuse, fostering emotional healing and preventing the development of related mental health conditions.
• Anger Management Worksheet: This worksheet helps you understand your anger triggers and develop healthier coping strategies, preventing future outbursts and fostering emotional well-being.
• Parenting Classes: Empower yourself with evidence-based parenting techniques to create a nurturing environment and reduce the risk of mental health issues in your children.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Invest in your future by getting support to quit smoking; counseling helps you develop strategies to manage cravings and avoid 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 Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) in Florida.

Dr. Mark CAP 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:

• A family, after learning about their genetic predisposition to early-onset Alzheimer's, implemented a brain-healthy lifestyle plan, significantly reducing their risk and gaining peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing potential auditory processing challenges, a family found relief from anxiety and improved communication, fostering a stronger, more connected home environment.

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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Mark CAP:

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

A clinical psychologist is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. They provide evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent life's challenges from becoming mental health crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Cap, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy 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. Dr. CAP's practice emphasizes preventive mental health, helping everyone manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, are typically a gradual build-up of worry in response to a specific stressor, and are generally less intense.

What is psychological testing and why might I need it?

Psychological testing uses standardized tests and interviews to assess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. It can help diagnose conditions like ADHD or learning disabilities, and create a personalized treatment plan.

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

Dr. CAP helps patients navigate the emotional challenges of chronic illness. He provides a supportive space to process feelings and teaches practical coping strategies to manage pain, fatigue, and stress, preventing the illness from impacting mental well-being.

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provide a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict-resolution skills, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens bonds, preventing future relationship crises and promoting overall well-being.

How can therapy support someone in recovery from a substance use disorder?

Therapy is a vital part of long-term recovery from substance use disorder. It helps you understand the root causes of your addiction, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild relationships, all crucial for preventing relapse.

1 S School Ave
Sarasota FL 34237
Phone: (941) 951-2916

Mark Porter, CAP 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): 1821267063

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. Mark CAP 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.