Therapy for Mental Health Disorders in West Palm Beach, Florida

Counseling for Mental Health Disorders with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, a Licensed Therapist in West Palm Beach, Florida with Over Twenty Years of Experience

Are you struggling with mental health challenges and seeking professional help in West Palm Beach? It is fairly common for people to experience different types of mental health problems and disorders. In fact, it is estimated that about 17.5 million Americans over the age of 18 (or 8 percent of the adult population) had a serious mental health disorder in the past year. While these illnesses and disorders range greatly in severity and type, they affect the lives of everyone they touch, creating a maelstrom of conflict and stress. If you believe you may be dealing with anxiety, depression, or one of many recognized mental health care challenges, therapy can help.

I am Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT, a licensed therapist with over 20 years of experience helping individuals and families in West Palm Beach, Florida and surrounding Palm Beach County. I can help you to understand the signs and symptoms of various types of mental illness and disorders, guiding you through practical and effective solutions to improve your life.

Millions of Americans live their lives every day with various types of mental illnesses, mental health disorders, or conditions. There are effective strategies and treatment modalities we can use to help you master yourselves and achieve better mental well-being. My approach integrates Behavior Therapy, Psychotherapy, and Evidence-Based Treatments.

I tailor these treatment modalities to help you master yourself and achieve better mental well-being, providing a supportive environment where we can explore your concerns and work towards lasting positive change. My goal is to empower you with the tools and insights you need to overcome obstacles and improve your overall quality of life. If you or someone you know is affected by a mental health disorder, I am here to help.

Call (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or complete my online form to request a free introductory call. Through our sessions, we’ll work together to address your unique challenges and develop effective coping strategies.

Key Takeaways

• Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT offers comprehensive counseling for various mental health disorders in West Palm Beach, providing personalized treatment for mental health disorders such as anxiety, depression, and psychosis
• With the help of a licensed psychotherapist, you can better understand your experiences and challenges while gaining from professional guidance to make progress that benefits many facets of your life
• Dr. Christiansen tailors treatment modalities to help clients master themselves and achieve better mental well-being
• Early recognition of warning signs is invaluable for effective treatment of mental health issues
• Dr. Christiansen adapts therapy approaches for different age groups, including adults, young adults, and children
• Dr. Christiansen offers both online and in-person therapy services based in West Palm Beach, Florida
• As a licensed psychotherapist, Dr. Christiansen emphasizes long-term emotional resilience and symptom reduction in her confidential care treatments
• Dr. Christiansen maintains a supportive environment that encourages trust and healing
• Easily request a free introductory call with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT by phone at (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or through the online form

Providing Counseling and Services for a Variety Types of Mental Health Disorders in West Palm Beach, Florida

I can provide tailored therapy sessions to help you work through the challenges of the following mental health disorders:

• Anger Management
• Anxiety Disorders
• Depression (including Major Depressive Disorder)
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder
• Bipolar Disorder
• Trauma and PTSD (Post Traumatic Stress Disorder)
• Schizoid Personality Disorder
• Dissociative Disorders (including Dissociative Identity Disorder, formerly Multiple Identity Disorder)
• Paranoid Personality Disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Psychosis
• Delusional Disorders
• Borderline Personality Disorder
• Antisocial Personality Disorder
• Psychopathy
• Sociopathy
• Adjustment Disorder
• Somatoform Disorder
• Histrionic Personality Disorder (HPD)
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Other Personality Disorders
• Other conditions

As a licensed mental health professional, I work closely with physicians to maintain a holistic approach to treatment. While I do not prescribe drugs, I do often assess whether a client’s condition could benefit from medication in addition to psychotherapy. This collaboration allows us to address both the psychological and physiological aspects of mental health disorders, particularly when medication management is necessary.

My expertise extends to various forms of behavior therapy, and I tailor these approaches to each client’s unique needs and circumstances. I utilize evidence-based psychotherapy techniques in both individual therapy and group settings to help clients manage symptoms, improve coping skills, and work towards long-term stability and well-being.

What is Therapy for Mental Health Disorders?

Therapy for mental health disorders refers to structured, professional counseling designed to help individuals manage and overcome emotional, psychological, or behavioral issues. This therapeutic approach focuses on diagnosing, understanding, and treating conditions such as Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Schizophrenia, and other mental disorders.

Mental health treatment is not one-size-fits-all. It takes into account each person’s history, experiences, and current struggles. By engaging in consistent therapy sessions, clients can uncover underlying causes of their distress, develop coping mechanisms, and improve their quality of life. I offer therapy grounded in widely respected modalities such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Narrative Therapy, Systems Therapy, and Mindfulness-based practices.

Key Benefits of Therapy for Mental Health Disorders

Benefits of mental health disorder counseling can include the following:

• Symptom Reduction: With consistent therapy, many clients experience a decrease in anxiety, reduced depressive symptoms, or lower distress associated with psychosis.
• Improved Emotional Regulation: Therapy teaches strategies for managing intense emotions and responding to triggers in healthy ways.
• Stronger Self-Awareness: Clients gain a better understanding of their thought patterns, behaviors, and emotional needs.
• Healthier Relationships: By addressing interpersonal challenges and improving communication, therapy often enhances relationships.
• Personal Empowerment: Therapy promotes a sense of control over one’s mental and emotional life, encouraging long-term wellness.

How Therapy for Mental Health Disorders Works

At my West Palm Beach office, therapy follows a thoughtful, collaborative process:

1. Initial Consultation: The first session involves a thorough assessment of symptoms, concerns, and goals for therapy.
2. Custom Treatment Plan: Based on the assessment, a unique plan is developed to guide your therapeutic journey.
3. Regular Therapy Sessions: Typically held weekly, these sessions offer a consistent space for exploration, support, and growth.
4. Evidence-Based Techniques: I utilize methods such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical-Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Talk Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Family Systems Theory, and Psychoeducation.
5. Ongoing Monitoring and Adjustment: Therapy evolves based on client feedback and progress, encouraging a flexible and responsive process.

Who Needs Therapy for Mental Health Disorders?

Therapy is beneficial for anyone facing ongoing psychological distress or significant changes in mood, behavior, or functioning. You may benefit from therapy if you:

• Struggle with persistent anxiety, depression, or mood instability
• Experience hallucinations, delusions, or symptoms of psychosis
• Have difficulty maintaining relationships or holding a job
• Are coping with past trauma or unresolved grief
• Feel emotionally overwhelmed or unable to cope
• Want to improve your mental wellness and emotional resilience

Whether your condition is newly diagnosed or something you’ve lived with for years, therapy offers tools and guidance for a better and more functional life.

Warning Signs and Symptoms of Mental Health Disorders

As a licensed therapist in West Palm Beach, I’ve observed various warning signs of mental health disorders. These can manifest differently in adults, young adults, children, and pre-adolescents. Recognizing these signs early is helpful when pursuing effective treatment. It is important to pay attention to sudden changes in thoughts and behaviors of loved ones. Common indicators include changes in mood, behavior, and cognition, often accompanied by anxiety, panic, or stress.

Keep in mind that the onset of a combination of several of the symptoms I address below (not only a single change, and without influence of recent substance use or another medical condition) may indicate a problem that needs to be assessed. Your loved one experiencing such symptoms may need to speak to a mental health professional.

Warning Signs of Mental Health Disorders in Adults, Young Adults, and Adolescents

Adults, young adults, and adolescents suffering from or at risk of mental health disorders will often tend to show some of the following warning signs:

• Confused thinking
• Prolonged depression (sadness or irritability)
• Feelings of extreme highs and lows
• Excessive fears, worries, and anxieties
• Social withdrawal
• Dramatic changes in eating or sleeping habits
• Strong feelings of anger
• Strange thoughts (delusions)
• Seeing or hearing things that aren’t there (hallucinations)
• Growing inability to cope with daily problems and activities
• Suicidal thoughts
• Numerous unexplained physical ailments
• Substance abuse

As a therapist in West Palm Beach, I’ve observed that adults and young adults with mental disorders often exhibit symptoms listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders. These may include persistent feelings of fear, unexplained physical symptoms, or sudden panic attacks. It’s important to recognize these signs early for effective treatment.

Many adults struggling with mental health issues may benefit from antidepressants or other medications. However, it’s important to combine medical treatment with therapy to seek optimal results.

The following is a breakdown of common warning signs I encounter in my adult clients:

Warning Sign in Adults	Potential Indication
Persistent sadness or anxiety	Depression or anxiety disorder
Sudden panic attacks	Panic disorder
Extreme mood swings	Bipolar disorder
Excessive fears or worries	Generalized anxiety disorder

Mental Health Disorder Warning Signs in Older Children and Pre-Adolescents

Warning signs among older children and pre-adolescents tend toward the following:

• Substance abuse
• Inability to cope with problems and daily activities
• Excessive worry
• Difficulty concentrating in school
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Excessive complaints of physical ailments
• Changes in ability to manage responsibilities – at home and/or at school
• Defiance of authority, truancy, theft, and/or vandalism
• Intense fear
• Prolonged negative mood, often accompanied by poor appetite or thoughts of death
• Frequent outbursts of anger

In my experience as a mental health professional in West Palm Beach, I’ve observed that children and pre-adolescents often exhibit different warning signs of mental health disorders, as compared to adults. These symptoms may point to conditions like Social Anxiety Disorder (i. e., bullying, victimization) or specific phobias, which can benefit from exposure therapy and other tailored interventions.

I’ve found that early intervention is very beneficial for children showing signs of mental health issues. As a therapist, I work closely with parents and educators to identify and address these concerns promptly. By creating a supportive environment and implementing appropriate treatment strategies, we can help young individuals develop healthy coping mechanisms and improve their overall mental well-being.

Mental Health Disorder Warning Signs in Younger Children

Younger children may exhibit unique warning signs of mental health disorders. Signs that a younger child may be at risk for a mental health disorder may manifest through some combination of the following:

• Changes in school performance
• Poor grades despite strong efforts
• Changes in sleeping and/or eating habits
• Sudden changes in mood
• Difficulty with social interactions
• Unexplained physical complaints
• Excessive worry or anxiety (i.e. refusing to go to bed or school)
• Hyperactivity
• Persistent nightmares
• Persistent disobedience or aggression
• Frequent temper tantrums

I often use Psychodynamic Psychotherapy to help young children express their emotions and understand their experiences. This approach can be particularly effective for addressing Anxiety or Depression in children, which might manifest as irritability or social withdrawal.

We Can Address Anxiety Issues Together in a Safe and Supportive Atmosphere to Help You Pursue Your Best Life

In my West Palm Beach practice, I address various forms of anxiety, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder and Panic Disorder through tailored mental health services. We work together in a safe, supportive environment to help you manage symptoms and pursue your best life. My approach sometimes integrates couples therapy when relationship issues contribute to anxiety.

Understanding and Treating Mood Disorders in West Palm Beach

As a therapist in West Palm Beach, I often encounter various mental health disorders, including Mood Disorders like Depression and Bipolar Disorder. These conditions can significantly impact a person’s emotional state and daily functioning, requiring tailored treatment approaches.

I use evidence-based techniques to help clients overcome both anxiety symptoms and persistent sadness, low energy, or other depressive symptoms. My approach includes Interpersonal Psychotherapy and counseling for Depression, tailored to your unique needs. I incorporate effective relaxation techniques to help manage stress and anxiety.

Some mental health disorders can affect sleep patterns, acting as a depressant on the central nervous system. For instance, Depression often disrupts sleep cycles, while Anxiety can lead to insomnia. Addressing these sleep issues can greatly benefit one’s overall mental health improvement.

Symptoms associated with Bipolar Disorder often involve alternating between anxious and depressed states. By addressing both anxiety and depression with targeted psychotherapy, we can work to stabilize mood swings and work towards a more balanced and fulfilling life.

Emotionally Detached Behavior and Difficulty Connecting May Be Signs of Schizoid Personality Disorder

Schizoid Personality Disorder (SPD) is a personality disorder characterized by a long-term pattern of detachment from social relationships and a limited range of emotional expression. Sufferers of SPD may face a difficulty or inability expressing warmth or empathy, causing them to perhaps appear emotionally cold or indifferent. These emotional and behavioral challenges can affect the person with this condition and those around them.

SPD may cause someone to be neglectful of building strong bonds with friends or family, as they may not pursue or engage in social interaction in their daily life. Through therapy, I can help you or your loved one to explore your experience and build communication skills for more effective and satisfying social functioning with family members and others in your life.

Although they sound very much alike, Schizoid Personality Disorder and Schizophrenia are very distinct mental health conditions. Schizophrenia is a severe mental illness characterized by psychosis, including hallucinations and delusions.

Psychosis Symptoms Often Associated with Schizophrenia and Related Conditions

As a licensed therapist in West Palm Beach, I provide counseling for a wide range of mental health conditions. When appropriate, I collaborate closely with psychiatrists and other medical professionals to ensure comprehensive care.

For conditions such as schizoid or schizotypal personality disorder, and particularly when schizophrenia is diagnosed, treatment may involve psychotropic medication prescribed by a psychiatrist. Schizophrenia often involves hallucinations and delusions, and typically requires comprehensive treatment for psychosis.

Signs and symptoms of Psychosis can include:

• Hallucinations: A person may see, hear, smell, taste, or feel things that don’t exist outside their mind. For example, hearing voices, seeing vivid images, or feeling a physical touch when no one is nearby.
  • Auditory hallucination (hearing sounds that are not there)
  • Visual hallucination (seeing objects or people that are not there)
• Delusions: Strong beliefs that are untrue or irrational and not aligned with reality. Examples include thinking you have special powers, believing someone is controlling your thoughts, or feeling persecuted without reason.
• Confused and Disorganized Thinking: Trouble with logical and coherent thoughts. This might show up as rapid speech, jumping between unrelated topics, or losing track of a conversation.
• Difficulty Distinguishing Reality: A person might have trouble telling what’s real and what isn’t, often resulting in disconnection from the environment and people around them.
• Paranoia: Feeling suspicious or fearful of others, often without basis. This might make someone feel watched or targeted.
• Social Withdrawal: Avoiding family and friends, preferring to spend more time alone, and withdrawing from social activities or relationships.
• Extreme Emotional Responses: Showing emotions that don’t fit the situation, such as laughing during a serious event or having no emotional response at all.
• Neglect of Personal Care: A noticeable decline in hygiene or self-care, such as not bathing, eating poorly, or wearing dirty clothes.
• Changes in Sleep Patterns: Difficulty falling asleep, inconsistent sleep schedules, or spending too much or too little time in bed.
• Decline in Functioning: Sudden difficulty at work, school, or managing daily responsibilities, leading to a struggle to keep up with life tasks.

The American Psychiatric Association’s DSM-5 has a section “Schizophrenia Spectrum and Other Psychotic Disorders” that lists the following:

• Schizophrenia
• Schizoaffective Disorder
• Schizophreniform Disorder
• Schizotypal Disorder (Personality Disorder)
• Brief Psychotic Disorder
• Substance/medication-induced psychotic disorder
• Psychotic disorder due to another medical condition

Some Mood Disorders, such as Bipolar Disorder and Major Depression, can also involve psychosis signs and symptoms.

Exploring The Role of Narcissism and Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD)

Narcissism plays a role in many mental health conditions. Narcissists may show exaggerated self-importance and a lack of empathy, which can make life difficult for the narcissist and the people who live or work with them. Some types of narcissists may be passive-aggressive with a tendency to withdraw, while others may be prone to outright aggressive manipulation and exploitative behaviors. At its core, Narcissism is an attempt to protect a fragile sense of self.

These behaviors often stem from defense mechanisms shaped by early experiences like emotional neglect or unrealistic expectations. Therapy can help individuals explore the roots of these behaviors, challenge harmful patterns, and build a more authentic identity.

Narcissism exists on a spectrum. Narcissistic Personality Disorder (NPD) is marked by persistent grandiosity, an intense need for admiration, and a lack of empathy. People with NPD often view themselves as the center of attention in every situation. Some meet all the clinical criteria for NPD, while others show subtler but significant narcissistic traits.

Why Choose Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT for Therapy?

Experience & Qualifications: Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D., LMFT has extensive clinical experience treating a wide spectrum of mental health disorders, licensure as a Marriage and Family Therapist in Florida, and a practice that is grounded in ongoing learning and compassionate care.

Proven Success: Individuals throughout West Palm Beach and Palm Beach County have found relief, insight, and empowerment through therapy with Dr. Christiansen, whose client-centered process focuses on meaningful progress, emotional stability, and better life satisfaction.

Unique Approach: Dr. Christiansen believes that no two therapeutic journeys are alike. Treatment combines clinical training with individualized care, drawing from a wide range of therapeutic frameworks to address each client’s unique circumstances.

Comprehensive Support: Mental health disorders often affect multiple areas of life, and may require coordinated care that can involve a mix of psychiatrists, primary care doctors, and community resources.

The Path Forward to Improved Mental Health

Mental health disorders affect how individuals think, feel, and act — and when left unaddressed, they can create significant barriers to leading a fulfilling life. If you or someone you care about in West Palm Beach is facing Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, or another mental health challenge, therapy can offer a supportive path toward healing.

I understand how isolating and overwhelming mental health disorders can be. With decades of experience as a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) and a Ph.D. in Humanities and Social Sciences, I provide individualized therapy rooted in empathy, understanding, and clinical knowledge. My goal is to help you manage symptoms, explore the roots of distress, and build a life of improved emotional and psychological balance.

How to get Help for Mental Health Issues West Palm Beach, FL: Explore Personalized Mental Health Counseling and Therapy with Dr. Susan Christiansen, Ph.D. in West Palm Beach, Florida

Don’t let mental health challenges hold you back. I offer comprehensive mental health counseling and therapy services in West Palm Beach, Florida. Whether you’re dealing with Anxiety, Depression, Psychosis, or emotional overwhelm, therapy can help.

You don’t have to face mental health challenges alone. Let’s start your journey towards better mental well-being together. We’ll work together to address your mental health concerns. My West Palm Beach practice offers a space of understanding, growth, and renewed hope.

Call (561) 688-8787(561) 688-8787 or complete my online form to request a free introductory call. Your healing journey begins here. Take the first step today.

Helping Palm Beach County clients achieve peace and harmony since 2000