Find a Psychiatrist in Florida

I earned my medical degree from Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and completed my general psychiatry residency and fellowship in behavioral neurology and neuropsychiatry at the University of Illinois at Chicago. Throughout my career, I have practiced in a variety of outpatient and inpatient settings, which has given me experience working with patients across a range of clinical needs.

I use up-to-date neuroscience to inform my approach to diagnosing and treating psychopathology, while recognizing that each patient’s experience is unique. I value patient autonomy and shared decision-making and strive to create an environment where patients feel comfortable communicating openly, asking questions, and actively participating in their care.

I work with each patient to develop a personalized, time-sensitive treatment plan that reflects their individual needs and goals. I aim to make each plan specific, measurable, actionable, and relevant so that we can establish clear priorities, monitor progress, and adjust treatment as needed.

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I utilize a non-paternalistic approach respecting the autonomy of my patients while helping them gain insight into their presenting problems, utilizing a collaborative shared decision making approach to help reduce symptoms and optimize functioning. My practice combines evidence-based medication management with psychotherapy utilizing elements of supportive, cognitive behavior, and insight-oriented therapy. I utilize a patient, caring approach, meeting patients where they are to empower them with making changes that lead toward improvement and optimization of their wellness. I am experienced and comfortable treating a wide variety of psychiatric conditions including PTSD, mood disorders such as major depression and bipolar disorder, and all anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety disorder, social phobia, panic disorder, and OCD. I enjoy sharing knowledge with patients to help them better understand the origins of their symptoms and a range of strategies to manage them.

I am a board certified adult psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 25 years. I have always been fascinated by how the brain works, especially in the setting of stress, anxiety, and trauma. I completed my training at the Pennsylvania State University College of Medicine MD/PhD program and earned my PhD in Neuroscience. I subsequently completed a Residency in Adult Psychiatry including an Anxiety Disorder Research Fellowship at the University of Florida. I had a private practice for over 10 years with a focus on providing psychotherapy integrated with pharmacological management. I worked for 25 years with adult and geriatric Veterans at the Department of Veterans Affairs with a focus on treating PTSD, as well as a full range of anxiety and mood disorders, including 7 years of providing care through telehealth treatment. I also have 10 years of experience working with adolescents in the juvenile justice system.

I am a Board-certified psychiatrist who completed medical training at Duke University Psychiatry Program. My practice combines medication management with insight-oriented therapy during every visit, promoting a comprehensive approach to mental health care. I advocate for my patients to engage in therapy alongside medication management, as I believe this integrated approach leads to better outcomes and sustained improvement. My practice is rooted in a collaborative, team-based approach, working closely with my patients to achieve long-term mental wellness.

I earned my medical degree from the Universidad Central del Caribe School of Medicine in Bayamon, PR. Afterward, I moved to North Carolina, where I completed my residency at Duke University Hospital. During my training, I was nominated for a fellowship in psychodynamic practice by the Psychoanalytic Center of the Carolinas. I am also a dedicated advocate against childhood sexual trauma. My diverse training includes significant experience in jail and forensic psychiatry, as well as the treatment of military veterans under the veteran affairs health care system. I have experience in medically assisted treatments (MAT) for substance use disorders, Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT), and family therapy, enabling me to care for patients with complex needs. I treat patients across a wide age range, from young adults to the elderly.

Originally from Puerto Rico, I am fluent in both English and Spanish, which allows me to connect deeply with a diverse patient population. Passionate about improving access to mental health care, I joined Talkiatry to help patients facing time or transportation challenges receive the care they need. In addition to my clinical practice, I remain involved with my alma mater's Behavioral Health Department, contributing to academic education and maintaining a connection with the next generation of medical professionals. I continue to seek ongoing improvement in my field, remaining engaged with medical associations including the North Carolina Psychiatric Association, American Psychiatric Association, and Alpha Omega Alpha national medical honor society.