Martin Health Addresses Growing Need for Mental Health Services

In an effort to address the growing need for mental health expertise and treatment in the Treasure Coast region, Martin Health welcomed Gerardo Olivera, M.D., psychiatrist, to its medical staff this spring. In a relatively short time, Dr. Olivera has become an asset and a resource in addressing this community need.

Due to the high percentage of retirees in Florida, Dr. Olivera works most frequently with the older population. He is a specialist in memory loss and psychiatric disorders, having served as medical director of Inpatient Geriatric Psychiatry at Riverside Behavioral Care Center in Punta Gorda and medical director of the Inpatient Psychiatry Unit at Florida Hospital Heartland Division in Lake Placid.

“In later life, individuals experience many significant life changes,” Dr. Olivera said. “These changes, coupled with health issues, can contribute to mental health concerns. Depression, anxiety, loneliness and grief are all very common in this population.”

In addition to his private practice in Stuart, Dr. Olivera works closely with two service lines within the Martin Health System: the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center and the Center for Bariatric and Metabolic Surgery.

At the cancer center, Dr. Olivera meets monthly with associates to discuss the mental health needs of patients. “Medical conditions can trigger mental health issues,” Dr. Olivera said. “For patients who are undergoing cancer treatment and chemotherapy, it is not unusual for them to experience depression and/or anxiety. I also see changes in mood or personality and suicidal ideation.”

“A cancer diagnosis brings a wide range of emotions,” said Marisa Baskin, MSW, clinical oncology social worker. “Dr. Olivera addresses the “whole patient” and works closely with other services at the Robert and Carol Weissman Cancer Center to deliver comprehensive and collaborative care for our patients.”

At the center for bariatric and metabolic surgery, Dr. Olivera conducts the required psychological evaluation for each patient considering bariatric surgery. “We want to ensure these patients don’t have a psychiatric disorder,” he said. “Just as important, we want to be sure they understand the procedures and expectations, and that they are motivated to follow through with the lifestyle changes required for their success.”