Ashley Amar, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Waco, TX, dedicated to providing comprehensive Psychiatric care to all ages. She is registered with The Texas Medical Board and practices under the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Psychiatrists are medical doctors specializing in diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, managing psychiatric medications, and performing advanced treatments like TMS and ECT, often working collaboratively with primary care physicians to provide comprehensive patient care. Dr. Amar is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
Dr. Ashley Amar, MD is a psychiatrist in Waco, TX, serving a diverse patient population. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, ensuring the highest standards of care. Dr. Amar's approach emphasizes a thorough understanding of each patient's unique needs, utilizing evidence-based practices to develop personalized treatment plans. Prospective patients should call (254) 300-8139 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Ashley Amar provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Amar is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Amar's approach to patient care is deeply rooted in a collaborative and comprehensive model. She meticulously assesses each patient's unique needs, integrating psychiatric expertise with a focus on medication management and advanced therapies like TMS and ECT. Her practice prioritizes open communication and shared decision-making, empowering patients to actively participate in their treatment journey toward improved mental well-being.
By working together, you and Dr. Amar can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Amar offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Psychosis due to mental illness means a person is experiencing a break from reality, like hallucinations or delusions, caused by a condition like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, and a psychiatrist can help manage this with medication and therapy.
- Anxiolytic Dependence: Anxiolytic dependence is a condition where your body adjusts to anxiety medication, making it hard to function without it, even if you no longer need it for anxiety.
- Pathological Gambling: Compulsive gambling, or pathological gambling, is a serious condition affecting a person's ability to control their gambling behavior; a psychiatrist can diagnose this and create a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication and behavioral therapies.
- Marriage Break-Up: Going through a divorce or separation is emotionally difficult and may trigger mental health problems; a psychiatrist can diagnose and treat these conditions using medication and other therapies.
- Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): If you're intensely focused on a perceived flaw in your looks that others don't notice, you might have Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), treatable by a psychiatrist's expertise.
- Self-Esteem Problems: Struggling with low self-worth? A psychiatrist can assess if this is linked to a diagnosable condition and develop a treatment plan, potentially including medication.
- Fear of Fainting: If your fear of fainting is significantly impacting your life, a psychiatrist can assess if an anxiety disorder or other mental health condition is contributing.
This list represents some of the common conditions treated. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional.
To provide comprehensive and patient-centered care, Dr. Amar offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This screening helps determine if you have a problem with alcohol or drug use.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This involves an evaluation to identify cognitive decline (dementia) or persistent low mood and loss of interest (depression).
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation involves a thorough interview and sometimes includes medical tests to rule out physical causes of your symptoms.
- Psychological Evaluation: This assessment helps your psychiatrist determine the nature and severity of your mental health concerns, guiding the choice of appropriate treatment such as medication or therapy.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychiatrist conducts a psychological evaluation to determine if you're mentally and emotionally prepared for bariatric surgery and its potential effects.
- Marital Therapy: Marital therapy helps couples improve communication and resolve conflicts to strengthen their relationship.
- Psychiatric Medication Therapy: A psychiatrist will assess your needs and prescribe medication tailored to your specific condition, regularly monitoring its effectiveness and adjusting as necessary.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for their professional license in Texas.
Dr. Amar is dedicated to partnering with patients to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how proactive care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their psychosis, leading to a significant improvement in their daily functioning and overall well-being. They now felt more in control of their mental health and capable of navigating life's challenges.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, the patient successfully managed their anxiolytic dependence, regaining control over their well-being and daily life. They felt empowered to navigate their mental health journey with confidence and newfound independence.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
333 Londonderry Dr Ste 300, Waco, TX, 76712
Phone: (254) 300-8139
View on Map
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Psychiatric care with Dr. Amar:
- What is the main difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication, while a psychologist (PhD or PsyD) is a doctor who specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. They often collaborate to provide comprehensive care.
- Do I need a referral to see a psychiatrist?
- While a referral from your primary care doctor can be helpful, many insurance plans do not require one. It's always best to check with your specific insurance plan to confirm coverage details and any referral requirements before scheduling an appointment.
- Do all psychiatrists only prescribe medication? Do you also provide therapy?
- While a psychiatrist's primary expertise is medication management, many, including Dr. Amar, also incorporate psychotherapy into their sessions or offer therapy-only appointments. The treatment plan is personalized and may involve medication, therapy, or a combination of both, tailored to the individual's specific needs.
- Can you help with addiction or substance use problems?
- Yes, Dr. Amar is experienced in treating substance use disorders. Psychiatrists are specifically trained to diagnose and manage these issues. He can provide a comprehensive evaluation, manage withdrawal, and prescribe medications like Suboxone® to support recovery.
- What is the difference between anxiety and an anxiety disorder?
- Feeling anxious is a normal human response to stress. An anxiety disorder, however, involves excessive, persistent worry that's hard to control and interferes with daily life. Dr. Amar can help determine if your symptoms meet the criteria for a disorder and require treatment.
- Can a psychiatrist help with ADHD in adults?
- Yes, psychiatrists are experts in diagnosing and treating adult ADHD. Dr. Amar can perform a thorough evaluation to confirm the diagnosis and manage both medication (stimulant and non-stimulant options) and therapeutic strategies to help improve focus and daily functioning.
- What should I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation?
- Your first appointment with Dr. Amar will involve a comprehensive discussion of your symptoms, medical and family history, and life circumstances. The goal is to gain a complete picture to accurately diagnose your needs. This is a collaborative conversation, the first step toward developing a personalized treatment plan.
- What is TMS therapy and who is it for?
- TMS is a non-invasive treatment that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate underactive nerve cells in the brain, often associated with depression. It's an FDA-approved, medication-free option typically for adults with major depression who haven't responded to antidepressant medications.
333 Londonderry Dr Ste 300
Waco TX 76712
Phone: (254) 300-8139
Ashley Amar, MD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas Medical Board.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1952533325
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas Medical Board website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by kellysearch.com, is for informational purposes to help you connect with local healthcare providers. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Healthcare providers like Dr. Ashley Amar are trained to manage a wide range of health concerns. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.