About Me
I’m Dr. Lydia R. Malcolm, a Licensed Clinical Psychologist (PY10094). After 22 years in the Title Insurance Industry, working at Lennar Homes, Inc. and Commonwealth Land Title Insurance Company, I decided to make a major career change. First I became a licensed massage therapist for 5 years,returned to school to complete my bachelors degree, and continue on to graduate with a PhD in Clinical Psychology with a concentration in Health Psychology.
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I am currently in private practice and a Corporate Wellness Program Trainer. My life, educational, and research experiences provide me a unique opportunity to provide psychological services using Mindfulness-Based and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for health promotion and maintenance, to individual and corporate clients.
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I am a Ph.D. graduate of the Nova Southeastern University’s Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program with a concentration in Health Psychology. My clinical experiences at Nova Southeastern included using motivational interviewing assisting clients in making behavioral changes at the Guided Self-Change clinic and the Anxiety Disorders clinic. I have also worked with veterans with a variety of mental health issues at the Miami VA Inpatient Acute Psychiatric Unit.
My predoctoral fellowship was completed at the Yale Stress Center, Yale School of Medicine, working in an interdisciplinary team (including endocrinologist, nutritionist, sports physiologist, naturopathic doctor, and mindfulness coach) treating client’s with a variety of psychological and physical health concerns. I worked as a postdoctoral research assistant at the University of Miami, Department of Neurology, Division of Neuropsychology performing neuropsychological evaluations for patients with various forms of dementia and other neurological conditions, and pre-surgical evaluations for Parkinson’s and Epilepsy patients. I completed my postdoctoral training in private practice at Coastal Behavioral Health, LLC. working with clients with a variety of concerns, including anxiety, depression, life transitions, interpersonal conflicts, and stress management.
The primary focus of my research has been examining cardiovascular stress reactivity in women with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder, health management for trauma survivors (e.g. diet, sleep, stress), Mindfulness for Hispanic Older adults, and examining cultural values and protective factors in at risk Hispanic Adolescents.
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I am an approved CIGNA Wellness Provider and have delivered service to several municipalities and corporate clients. I have worked closely with the City of Hialeah’s Parks and Recreation Department to deliver psychoeducational classes for stress management, nutrition and increasing physical activity, for Hispanic adults and older adults, and a stress management program for parents of at risk youth.
I am available for individual therapy and for corporate clients who wish to provide wellness education for their employees and/or customers.
Specializing in Anxiety, Depression, Stress Management, Sleep difficulties,and Health Psychology.
Anxiety
The Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA) reports that Anxiety disorders affect 40 million adults (age 18+) in the United States (18.1% of the population). Although Anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness, only 36.9% of of those experiencing an anxiety disorder, receive treatment. The National Institute of Mental Health suggests Cognitive Behavioral Therapy as an effective treatment for Anxiety Disorders (https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/anxiety-disorders/index.shtml)
Depression
According to ADAA, 16.1 million adults (18+) experienced at least 1 episode of Major Depression during the last year (2015). Although Major Depression is not as prevalent as Anxiety Disorders (6.7% vs. 18.1%), it is the leading cause of disability in the United States (people ages 15-44). A recent article published by PubMed reported that "Given their similar efficacy, CBT and antidepressants are both viable choices for initial treatment of MDD". (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26857743).
Stress Management
Stress is a natural and necessary part of life. However, when our biological/psychological stress mechanisms are consistently challenged, we are at risk for losing our balance, acquiring illnesses or exasperating pre-existing conditions, and draining our mental and emotional resources. Developing tools to manage stress can help you be healthier, mentally resilient, productive at work, and more effective in your professional and personal relationships.
Sleep Difficulties
The benefits of appropriate sleep are many. Better mood, better health, and increased productivity. Yet, for many difficulty falling asleep, staying asleep, or waking up in the night or too early in the morning, can have a negative impact. The American Academy of Sleep Medicine recommends that treatments for insomnia should include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for insomnia (CBT-I).
Health Psychology
Most of us have experience a period of high stress in our lives during which we found ourselves more prone to illnesses. We can probably also attest to the feelings of anxiety and depression which are the result of being sick. There is little doubt in the mind of the average American that there exists a strong relationship between our minds and bodies. Health Psychology and Mindfulness-Based interventions focus on this relationship in order to improve both mental and physical health and functioning by developing healthier behaviors, saying goodbye to unhealthy lifestyle habits, and managing stress.