expert type icon EXPERT

Dr. Susan Mendelsohn, PSY.D.

Psychologist

I am Dr. Susie and I am a clinical and forensic psychologist currently holding a professional license in Florida.
As a clinical investigator I conducted Field Trials in Routine Clinical Practice Settings.for the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth edition.) My book, "It's Not About the Weight: Attacking Eating Disorders From the Inside Out", was published in March, 2007. I also contributed an entire chapter, "Let's Talk" to 101 Interventions in Group Therapy, by Scott Simon Fehr in 2008.
I have been a psychological consultant for MDLive, the nations largest medical and behavioral tele-health company; the psychological consultant for eDiets.com, Inc., a worldwide weight management and wellness program since 1998 and an Associate Professor of psychology since 1992 educating college and graduate students.
I have also been featured in various national magazines, radio, and television including: 12 on Health Times - Connecticut, HealthRadio.Net, WFNY 92.3 -Talk That Rocks with Bob Salter, The Wall Street Journal, Girls Life Magazine, Low Carb Woman, Glamour, First for Women, The Daily Mirror(UK), The Business Courier, the Cincinnati Enquirer, the Cincinnati Post, Hyde Park Living, Cincy Jewish Living, Style and Leisure, WORK-TV-13 (Rochester, NY), WVXU, WXIX, NKY Magazine, WCPO, WMUB, WBOB talk radio, AOL, and many others. Please see, In the Media for some of my live interviews.
I was honored by the Presidential Who's Who Among Business and Professional Achievers as a VIP for 2008-2009. I have been named as the Professional of the Year in Clinical Psychology of 2007-2008 by Cambridge Who's Who. Further, I have been chosen as the 2004 Businesswoman of the Year in Ohio by the NRCC. In addition, I was chosen as the 2007 Alumni of the Year at Carlos Albizu University (previously known as Miami Institute of Psychology).
My areas of expertise are eating disorders, disordered eating, body image, relationship counseling (Gottman trained - Gottman.com) substance abuse, adjustment disorders, and stress management. Being a specialist in eating disorders allows me the extensive experience to serve clients with most mental illnesses, such as mood and anxiety disorders, relational and abuse (sexual, physical, emotional ) issues and many more challenges that are often underlying the manifested eating disordered diagnosis.
I provide my clients with a peaceful, homey, safe and supportive office environment. No matter what their challenges, my patients are always provided with unconditional positive regard and utmost respect. I gladly collaborate with other experts providing a multi-faceted treatment approach for each patient as needed.
I provide the following services:

Individual psychotherapy   
Relationship counseling (marriage, pre-marital, co-habitation, divorce, engagement, siblings, parenting, GLBTQ partners, business partners)
 

 
Dr. Susie’s Philosophy
At its core, Dr. Susie has a belief in the human capacity to grow and change. She understands the complex and unique nature of mental illness, underscoring the need for flexibility in treatment approaches. Further, Dr. Susie recognizes that changes can only occur one step at a time.
Dr. Susie approaches the treatment of mental illness in a holistic and scientific manner, utilizing every tool at her disposal to facilitate a healthy and satisfying lifestyle.  Our brains guide our thoughts, feelings and behaviors, and is functionally affected by stressful circumstances in our environment.
Dr. Susie’s clients will learn to manage their lives in non-compulsive, normalized way, and develop a healthy, positive relationship their environment.  As crucial as the physical body is to a healthy balanced life, there are other significant treatment aspects as well. During the treatment process, clients will learn to deal with difficult emotions and self-destructive urges. They will gain insights, more positive thinking styles, skills for coping effectively with stress, and an appreciation for the development of the human spirit.
Dr. Susie is a practical, interactive and solution-focused psychotherapist. Her treatment approach is to provide support and practical feedback to help her patients resolve current challenges as well as long standing maladaptive patterns of thoughts and behaviors. Dr. Susie incorporates a blend of therapeutic approaches, drawing upon a variety of styles and techniques to incorporate what will be most beneficial for each client - hence customizing the treatment plan and therapeutic intervention for each specific client.
 
30 years Experience
Dr. Susan Mendelsohn, PSY.D.
  • Fort Lauderdale, FL
  • Albizu University
  • Accepting new patients

What helps with both anxiety and depression?

Psychotherapy helps with both anxiety and depression. The most effective therapy technique is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy).

Can anxiety be cured?

There is essentially no "cure" for anxiety; however, when you learn the skills/tools to manage it, you can live your life without the worry of the anxiety paralyzing you. You may READ MORE
There is essentially no "cure" for anxiety; however, when you learn the skills/tools to manage it, you can live your life without the worry of the anxiety paralyzing you. You may want to get a consultation with a psychologist to help you learn to manage your anxiety more effectively,

Can alcohol addiction be cured without medications?

Yes, addiction treatment does not necessarily require medication. You can learn the skills to recover from a clinical psychologist. The most effective treatment would be cognitive READ MORE
Yes, addiction treatment does not necessarily require medication. You can learn the skills to recover from a clinical psychologist. The most effective treatment would be cognitive behavioral therapy. (CBT)

How long is therapy for panic attacks?

There is really no set length of time for therapy for panic disorder. It will depend upon how well you implement the tools that your therapist teaches you. If you are following READ MORE
There is really no set length of time for therapy for panic disorder. It will depend upon how well you implement the tools that your therapist teaches you. If you are following recommendations regularly, it shouldn't take more than a couple of months

Do I have social anxiety disorder?

It certainly sounds like you have done your research. In order to be properly diagnosed, it's best for you to seek a psychologist for a consultation

Can anxiety be controlled without medications?

Yes, using cognitive behavioral therapy can help manage anxiety. Your psychologist will know if/when you need a referral for medication.

What is the leading treatment for depression?

The best treatment for the treatment of depression is CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy)

Should I go to a psychiatrist for depression?

You can try psychotherapy before getting medications. Your psychologist will know if/when to refer you for a medication consult