Michael Downing, PhD is a Psychologist practicing Clinical Psychology at a clinic in Big Spring, TX. He is a registered provider with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists and adheres to the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act). Dr. Downing is dedicated to providing comprehensive care, recognizing that clinical psychologists are doctoral-level mental health professionals offering psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and diagnoses for a wide range of conditions, including depression and anxiety. He collaborates with primary care physicians when appropriate to ensure a coordinated approach to patient care. He serves all ages. Please call (432) 263-3868 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Michael Downing, PhD is a clinical psychologist in Big Spring, TX, committed to providing compassionate and effective care. His approach to treatment is collaborative and evidence-based, focusing on creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered to participate in their healthcare decisions. He understands the importance of a personalized approach to mental health, tailoring his strategies to meet the unique needs of each individual. Dr. Michael Downing provides consultations primarily in English.
A strong patient-provider partnership is the foundation of effective healthcare. Dr. Downing is committed to being a partner in your health journey, focusing on practical strategies to protect your health and well-being.
Dr. Downing's approach to care emphasizes a collaborative and patient-centered model. He provides comprehensive clinical psychology services, including psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and diagnoses for various mental health conditions. His practice integrates evidence-based treatments with a strong focus on clear communication and building trust, ultimately helping patients develop personalized strategies to address their mental health needs and achieve their well-being goals.
By working together, you and Dr. Downing can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Austin HMOx
- Baylor Scott & White Health Plan
- BestChoice PPO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas
- Blue Essentials HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- SureFit Houston
As your primary healthcare provider, Dr. Downing offers expert diagnosis and management for a wide range of common health conditions. Common areas of focus include:
- Prescription Drug Abuse: People can develop unhealthy relationships with prescription drugs, leading to abuse and addiction; a clinical psychologist works with individuals to understand and overcome these challenges through evidence-based therapies like CBT.
- Fear of the Dark: Clinical psychologists use various therapeutic approaches, including exposure therapy, to help individuals gradually reduce their fear of the dark and improve their quality of life.
- Frotteurism: If you struggle with frotteurism, a type of paraphilic disorder involving the act of rubbing against someone without their consent, a clinical psychologist can provide therapy to understand and change these behaviors.
- Burnout: Experiencing burnout means you're overwhelmed and depleted from work or life pressures, and a clinical psychologist can provide therapy to help you regain balance and reduce stress.
- Holiday Depression: Holiday depression involves experiencing sadness, anxiety, or other negative emotions intensified by the holiday period; a clinical psychologist can provide therapeutic interventions to alleviate these feelings.
- Primary Insomnia: A clinical psychologist can help you manage primary insomnia, a chronic sleep disorder characterized by difficulty initiating or maintaining sleep, by teaching you relaxation techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I), and stress management strategies.
- Sex Addiction: Sex addiction, or compulsive sexual behavior, involves engaging in sexual acts despite negative consequences, and a clinical psychologist can help manage it through therapy.
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. Downing offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and treat various health concerns:
- Cancer Counseling: Through talk therapy, cancer counseling aims to improve your quality of life by addressing the emotional and mental health impacts of cancer.
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This service provides a safe space to explore your relationship with alcohol or other substances and create a path toward healthier habits.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT teaches you techniques to pay attention to the present moment without judgment, which can reduce negative thoughts and feelings contributing to mental health challenges.
- Marital Therapy: Marital therapy helps couples improve communication and resolve conflicts to strengthen their relationship.
- Individual Therapy: It's a confidential space to explore your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors with a trained professional to work through challenges and develop coping skills.
- ADHD Testing: Through comprehensive testing, a clinical psychologist can diagnose ADHD, providing clarity and understanding of your challenges.
- Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Psychosocial rehabilitation provides structured support, including therapy and skill-building activities, to aid recovery and improve overall well-being.
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. Downing 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:
- By working with a clinical psychologist, a patient learned coping mechanisms and healthier ways to manage stress, ultimately reducing their reliance on prescription drugs and improving their overall well-being. They gained greater control over their health and a renewed sense of empowerment.
- After receiving a clear diagnosis and personalized treatment plan, a patient successfully managed their fear of the dark, leading to improved sleep and a greater sense of security in their home environment.
- By working with a clinical psychologist, a patient gained a deeper understanding of their behavior and developed coping mechanisms, effectively managing their condition and improving their overall well-being.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
707 E 3rd St Ste 109, Big Spring, TX, 79720
Phone: (432) 263-3868
View on Map
Here are answers to some common questions about receiving Clinical Psychology care with Dr. Downing:
- What is the main difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
- A psychologist, with a PhD or PsyD, specializes in psychotherapy and psychological testing. A psychiatrist, with an MD or DO, is a medical doctor who can prescribe medication. They often work together, with the psychologist providing therapy and the psychiatrist managing medication.
- What happens in a first therapy session?
- The first session with Dr. Downing is an intake, allowing us to connect and learn about what brought you to therapy, your history, and your goals. It's also an opportunity for you to see if Dr. Downing is the right fit. It's a collaborative conversation, not an interrogation.
- What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a type of talk therapy that helps people identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's a goal-oriented approach where patients learn practical skills to manage their symptoms and problems, often used for anxiety and depression.
- What is psychological testing used for?
- Psychological testing uses a series of standardized tests and interviews to gain a deeper understanding of cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning. Common reasons for testing include clarifying a complex diagnosis, or identifying conditions such as ADHD, learning disabilities, or autism spectrum disorder.
- Do I have to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?
- No. While psychologists treat mental illnesses, they also help people with everyday challenges like stress management, grief, relationship issues, and navigating life transitions.
- My primary doctor suggested I might have anxiety. Can a psychologist confirm this?
- Yes. A clinical psychologist, like Dr. Downing, is expertly trained to perform a comprehensive diagnostic evaluation. She will use interviews and potentially questionnaires to accurately diagnose an anxiety disorder and develop a non-medication treatment plan focused on therapy and coping skills.
- What is EMDR therapy?
- EMDR is a specialized therapy that helps people heal from trauma and difficult experiences. It uses bilateral stimulation, like eye movements or tapping, to help the brain process traumatic memories and lessen their emotional impact.
- Do you offer couples or family therapy?
- Yes, Dr. Downing offers couples and family therapy. This type of therapy focuses on improving communication and resolving conflicts within relationships. Dr. Downing helps all parties understand each other better and develop healthier ways of interacting to strengthen their family or partnership.
707 E 3rd St Ste 109
Big Spring TX 79720
Phone: (432) 263-3868
Michael Downing, PHD is regulated by the Texas Occupations Code, Title 3, Subtitle B (Medical Practice Act) in Texas and is licensed by The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1376633545
Registration can typically be verified through The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists 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. Michael Downing 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.