Matthew Fortino

Matthew Fortino is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is committed to helping all ages build resilience and achieve optimal mental well-being. 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 confirm Dr. Fortino's availability for new patients, please call (239) 343-3831.

Dr. Matthew Fortino is a psychologist in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He believes in creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. His approach emphasizes fostering resilience and utilizing proven therapeutic techniques to address potential mental health concerns proactively. He understands that a proactive approach is key to long-term well-being, and he is committed to working alongside each patient to achieve their health goals. Dr. Matthew Fortino provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Trichotillomania: Early identification of trichotillomania allows for timely intervention, preventing potential body image issues and emotional scarring associated with this habit.
• Substance Induced Delirium: Managing substance use effectively is key to preventing substance-induced delirium, a condition that can cause significant impairment and increase the risk of complications if left untreated.
• Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder: Preventing long-term consequences of Advanced Sleep Phase Disorder involves early identification of its symptoms like consistently early sleep and wake times, and implementing regular sleep hygiene strategies.
• Fear of Anger: Addressing your fear of anger early on can prevent it from escalating into more significant mental health challenges and improve your emotional regulation.
• Prescription Drug Abuse: Addressing any underlying mental health conditions that might lead to prescription drug misuse is a crucial preventive measure for maintaining well-being.
• Williams Syndrome: Understanding Williams syndrome's impact on cognitive and social development enables parents and caregivers to implement preventative strategies, such as tailored educational support and social skill training, to foster the child's growth and well-being.
• Cocaine Addiction: Addressing cocaine addiction early is crucial for preventing the development of serious health problems, including heart issues, stroke, and mental health 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. Matthew Fortino offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Integrated Yoga Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by exploring integrated yoga therapy, which can help you develop coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of anxiety and depression.
• Biofeedback: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by using biofeedback to identify and manage physical symptoms linked to stress and anxiety, before they escalate.
• Play Therapy: Play therapy provides a safe space for children to work through anxieties and build coping skills, acting as a proactive measure for emotional resilience.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a proactive technique to cultivate inner peace and reduce stress, helping you build resilience against future mental health challenges.
• Habit Control: Strengthen your self-management skills by mastering habit control techniques, fostering a positive mental health outlook.
• Anger Management Worksheet: Proactively manage your anger and build resilience by using this worksheet to identify patterns and develop personalized techniques for managing challenging emotions.

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. Matthew Fortino 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of trichotillomania, a patient proactively sought guidance from a clinical psychologist, significantly reducing the risk of long-term emotional distress and body image concerns.
• By understanding and proactively managing their substance use, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing substance-induced delirium, fostering a sense of control and well-being.

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. Matthew Fortino:

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, with PhDs or PsyDs, specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, with MDs or DOs, are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists 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. Fortino 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.

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 helps clarify diagnoses like ADHD or learning disabilities and create a personalized treatment plan.

How can therapy help prevent my anxiety or depression from getting worse?

Dr. Fortino helps build a mental health toolkit by teaching specific coping skills to manage symptoms, identifying early warning signs of a relapse, and addressing the root causes of distress. This proactive approach prevents anxiety or depression from worsening and equips you to navigate future challenges.

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.

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, preventing future relationship crises and promoting overall well-being.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Fortino provides a supportive space for children and teenagers to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills. He helps them develop coping mechanisms and tools to prevent these issues from affecting their long-term development.

8960 Colonial Center Dr Ste 300
Fort Myers FL 33905
Phone: (239) 343-3831

Matthew Fortino 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): 1396296968

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. Matthew Fortino 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.