Tara Philcox

Tara Philcox is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Ocoee, FL, and dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the critical role of preventative mental healthcare. 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. She serves individuals of all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (855) 501-1004 to schedule.

Dr. Philcox, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, specializes in supporting adults with a range of conditions, including addiction, anxiety, depression, and PTSD. She also provides LGBTQIA+-related care and offers same-day initial evaluations. Her modalities include cognitive and dialectical behavioral therapies, and motivational interviewing. With a deep commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, she fosters a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Recognizing the importance of personal connection, Dr. Philcox is dedicated to understanding each patient's unique needs and preferences. Her personal experience with untreated mental health challenges fuels her passion to help others avoid similar struggles. She is adept at treating opioid and alcohol use disorders with Suboxone and other evidenced-based practice methods, aiming to achieve current and future sobriety, a return to health and wellness, and improved daily life. Dr. Tara Philcox provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anxiety: Recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking professional help promptly helps prevent long-term mental health challenges and improves your quality of life.
• Compulsive Gambling: Preventative care for compulsive gambling involves seeking professional help to develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage urges, minimizing the risk of significant harm.
• Depressive Disorders: Proactive care for depressive disorders, including regular check-ups and adherence to treatment plans, significantly reduces the likelihood of relapses and promotes sustained mental wellness.
• Eating Disorders: Early detection and treatment of eating disorders are crucial for preventing long-term health complications and improving overall well-being.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Proactive management of Major Depressive Disorder, including medication and therapy, is crucial to prevent debilitating symptoms and potential future episodes.
• Personality Disorders: Early diagnosis and management of personality disorders are crucial to prevent significant impairments in personal, social, and occupational functioning.
• Psychotic Disorders: Preventing relapse in psychotic disorders requires a comprehensive approach involving medication adherence, therapy, and strong social support.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder combines features of schizophrenia and mood disorders, so proactive monitoring and consistent treatment are crucial to prevent the worsening of symptoms and potential crises.
• Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, but proactive management, including consistent medication and support, helps prevent worsening symptoms and promotes stability.

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

• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Adoption Services: To ensure a smooth transition and long-term well-being, consider adoption services; they can aid in early detection of mental health conditions in adopted children.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy provides a safe space to share experiences, improve communication skills, and reduce the risk of relapse by learning from others.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Proactively manage your mental health journey with psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and teach you effective self-management strategies.
• Eating Disorder Treatment: Eating disorder treatment provides personalized care, helping diagnose and manage symptoms, and preventing relapses and long-term health risks associated with disordered eating.
• Educational Therapy: By learning healthy coping mechanisms through educational therapy, you can take a proactive step towards preventing future mental health episodes.
• Military Counseling: To maintain mental well-being, military counseling provides a supportive space to discuss challenges and develop strategies for preventing 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. Tara Philcox 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:

• Recognizing early warning signs of anxiety and engaging in a proactive treatment plan empowered a patient to manage their anxiety effectively, leading to a more peaceful and fulfilling life.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing coping strategies with professional guidance, a patient successfully managed gambling urges, significantly reducing the risk of future problems and regaining control over their life.
• By consistently attending check-ups and diligently following a treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of depressive episodes, fostering a sense of lasting 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. Tara Philcox:

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

Dr. Philcox and her team are medical doctors (MDs) specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy, unlike psychologists, who are experts in psychotherapy and testing but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Tara Philcox?

Your first visit with Dr. Philcox will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to accurately diagnose your needs. 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. Philcox will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, only recommended when it is the most effective tool for preventing symptoms from worsening and improving quality of life.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

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

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A "dual diagnosis" means having both a substance use disorder, like alcohol addiction, and another mental health condition, such as depression, at the same time. Dr. Philcox is trained to treat both conditions together, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Philcox's practice uses a comprehensive medical approach to addiction treatment, including FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. This is combined with counseling and support to provide patients with the best possible chance of long-term recovery.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Philcox's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn't use medication. It gently stimulates underactive nerve cells in the brain using magnetic pulses. It's a safe and effective option for those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

1540 Citrus Medical Ct
Ocoee FL 34761
Phone: (855) 501-1004

Tara Philcox 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): 1982288171

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. Tara Philcox 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.