Mark Ruffalo

Mark Ruffalo is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), Dr. Ruffalo is committed to fostering long-term mental well-being. He understands that preventive mental health is a collaborative journey, and his practice reflects this partnership.

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. Ruffalo's approach emphasizes a collaborative, evidence-based model, ensuring a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your long-term health. He serves all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (727) 266-0270 to schedule.

Dr. Mark Ruffalo is a psychologist in Tampa, FL, accepting new patients. His commitment to preventive mental health care extends beyond diagnosis and treatment; it is about fostering resilience and empowering individuals to take control of their mental well-being. He strives to create a supportive environment where you feel heard, understood, and empowered to make informed decisions about your health. Dr. Ruffalo provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Difficulty Concentrating: Difficulty concentrating might indicate stress or anxiety, making proactive management crucial for maintaining your overall well-being and preventing burnout.
• Nightmare Disorder: Addressing nightmare disorder through preventive measures like cognitive behavioral therapy can help break the cycle of fear and improve sleep quality, promoting better mental health.
• Amphetamine Withdrawal: Stopping amphetamine use can cause serious withdrawal symptoms, so early intervention and professional support are crucial for preventing dangerous complications and promoting long-term well-being.
• Sexual Abuse: Early identification and treatment of sexual abuse significantly reduces the risk of long-term mental health challenges and fosters resilience.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Preventive mental healthcare for teens includes recognizing and managing conduct and emotional problems to build resilience and avoid future difficulties.
• Neurodevelopmental Disorders: Proactive care for neurodevelopmental disorders, including therapy and support services, helps build resilience and reduces the risk of future complications.
• Attachment Disorders: Building secure attachments in childhood helps prevent the development of attachment disorders, promoting lifelong mental well-being and resilience.

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

• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Empower yourself to live a healthier life free from the harmful effects of smoking with personalized guidance and support through cessation counseling.
• Exposure Therapy: As a proactive approach to mental health, exposure therapy helps you overcome avoidance behaviors and build confidence, preventing future anxiety and depression.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: An independent forensic evaluation is a thorough assessment that helps determine your mental state's impact on legal matters, proactively protecting your rights and well-being.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram) (as a diagnostic tool): As a proactive step in maintaining your mental well-being, an EEG can detect unusual brainwave patterns that might indicate underlying conditions, enabling timely treatment.
• Mind-Body Focused Therapy: Take proactive steps towards better mental well-being by exploring Mind-Body Focused Therapy, which helps you understand the connection between your thoughts, feelings, and physical sensations to manage stress and improve overall health.
• Family Psychotherapy: Improve family dynamics and prevent mental health challenges by proactively participating in family therapy; it helps uncover and resolve underlying issues affecting everyone.
• Evaluation and Management Services: Take a proactive step towards better mental health with an assessment that identifies your strengths and weaknesses, helping us tailor support to your needs.

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 Ruffalo 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 understanding the root causes of their difficulty concentrating and implementing coping strategies, a patient felt empowered to manage stress and anxiety, ultimately preventing burnout and maintaining focus.
• By addressing potential triggers and practicing relaxation techniques, a patient significantly reduced the frequency and intensity of their nightmares, improving their overall sleep quality and promoting a sense of calm.

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 Ruffalo:

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. Ruffalo, 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. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work collaboratively 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. Ruffalo is beneficial for everyone. Therapy can help manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues.

How can couples counseling or family therapy help prevent problems?

Couples and family therapy provides a safe space to improve communication, learn conflict resolution, and navigate life transitions together. This investment strengthens bonds and helps prevent future relationship crises.

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 unhelpful thoughts from dominating.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's proven effective in preventing the worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

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. EMDR, a structured therapy, helps reduce the distress associated with traumatic events, preventing the long-term effects of PTSD.

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 usually less intense.

10335 Cross Creek Blvd Ste 15
Tampa FL 33647
Phone: (727) 266-0270

Mark Ruffalo 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): 1104160241

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 Ruffalo 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.