Teletherapy and Evening
Sessions are Available
Ask when you schedule your appointment
ABOUT ME
Welcome to my practice. I am a psychologist who is licensed in Florida (PY #6420). More details about my education and training can be viewed below on this site.
Early in my career in Boston, MA., I worked in both a private, psychiatric hospital and in a psychiatric emergency room. I have talked to a homeless man who was depressed about his life on the street, listened to a scared teenager whose brother was shot outside their home, and comforted an elderly gentleman with dementia because his family missed their regular visit. I believe these experiences allow me to better relate to people of all backgrounds.
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In graduate school, I developed an interest in being a psychologist in a medical setting. My time at
Bellevue Hospital and St. Luke’s-Roosevelt Hospital in New York City introduced me to the area of health psychology, which was a new specialty at the time. I then married a woman who disliked cold weather, so we moved to Florida, and I completed my training at the University of South Florida.
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Since 2002, I have maintained a private practice while also holding positions at Spectra Healthcare, a medical practice that emphasizes wellness and healthy weight management, and at Tampa General Hospital (TGH). At TGH, I was the primary burn psychologist, worked in the rehabilitation department, and counseled bariatric surgery patients immediately after their surgery. I was also one of the original psychologists in the TGH multidisciplinary bariatric surgery evaluation program and introduced many other psychologists to the area of pre-surgical evaluations.
Over the years, I developed an interest in pain management and biofeedback, which led me to accept a position at the James A. Haley Veterans’ Hospital. Through this position, I have become a headache specialist who provides non-medication-based treatment using cognitive-behavioral therapy. I am now the clinical director of a multidisciplinary headache program which helps individuals successfully cope with their headaches and improve their quality of life. Outside of work, I focus on supporting my wife and daughters along with being an avid sports fan, especially college football.
SERVICES
Bariatric Surgery Evaluations
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Prior to bariatric or weight loss surgery, most surgeons and insurance companies require a psychological evaluation. This evaluation will include an interview and the completion of some surveys that will ask about your eating habits and general well-being. The purpose is to determine if you are psychologically ready for weight loss surgery and the many changes that are needed after the surgery. Most importantly, I will provide information and guidance to ensure that you will meet your weight loss goals, improve your health, and consider your surgery a success.
Spinal Cord Stimulator Evaluations
Before receiving a spinal cord stimulator, most pain management surgeons ask their patients to undergo a psychological evaluation. This evaluation will include an interview and some surveys that ask about your pain and your general well-being. The purpose is to determine if you have been working with your providers to explore all possible pain management techniques. In addition, I will give you information to better understand the procedure and ensure that you have realistic expectations for your life after receiving the stimulator.
Headache Management
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Many individuals suffer with migraine and tension type headaches. A headache psychologist specializing in headache management can help you better manage your headaches without needing additional medications. Through the use of self-monitoring , cognitive-behavioral therapy, and a willingness to change, your day-to-day functioning will improve and you will be more satisfied with your life in general. Regular periods of paced breathing can further decrease the frequency, duration, or severity of your headaches and result in a better quality of life. For more information.
More than
20
Years in Practice
2,400
Pre-Surgical Evaluations Performed
More than
10
Referring Physicians
2,250
Headache Patients Treated
EDUCATION AND TRAINING
UNIVERISTY OF
NOTRE DAME
B.A.
Awarded: 1987
South Bend, IN
Major: Psychology
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BOSTON UNIVERSITY
M.Ed
Awarded: 1988
Boston, MA
Specialty: Counseling Psychology
FORDHAM UNIVERSITY
Ph.D.
Awarded: 2000
New York, NY
Specialty: Clinical Psychology
St. luke's roosevelt hospital
Pre-Doctoral Internship
Completed: 2000
Specialty: Clinical Psychology
University of
SOuth Florida
Post-Doctoral Fellowship
Completed: 2001
Specialty: Clinical Psychology
biofeedback certification international alliance
Board Certification: Biofeedback
2018
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Licensed Psychologist, Florida
Awarded: 2001
License Number: PY 0006420
EXPERIENCE
FROM
TO
2002
PRESENT
Tampa, Fl
Private Practice
Provide individual therapy and psychological evaluations with special interests in weight loss surgery, weight management, pain management, spinal cord stimulators, and headache management. Certified in biofeedback through the Biofeedback Certification International Alliance. Populations include adults and adolescents. Conduct workshops and make professional presentations (e.g., Gain Control Over Food, The Preparation and Management of the Weight Loss Surgery Patient, and Headache Treatment: A Starting Point for Clinicians).
FROM
TO
2009
PRESENT
Tampa, Fl
James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital
Developed a program to treat veterans suffering with headaches, chronic pain, anxiety, and stress. Perform individual psychotherapy, assessment, and psychoeducation for patients in the Headache and Biofeedback Clinic. Clinical director for the Chronic Headache Management Program (CHAMP) which is a multidisciplinary, 5-week, outpatient program that provides non-pharmaceutical treatment for patients with severe, daily headaches.
FROM
TO
2002
2009
Tampa, Fl
Tampa General Hospital
Burn Unit: Provided individual and family counseling for all burn patients admitted to the regional burn center. Bariatric Surgery Service: Offered psychotherapy to individuals after their bariatric surgery to aid recovery and promote healthy change. Rehabilitation Department: Conducted psychological assessments with brain and spinal cord injured patients.
FROM
TO
2002
2009
Tampa, Fl
Spectra Health Care
Provided psychotherapy to assist individuals with problematic eating, weight management, biofeedback training, stress management, and pain management. Performed psychological evaluations for patients seeking gastric bypass and gastric banding surgery. Counseled bariatric patients pre- and post-surgery to address issues such as destructive eating and body image distortion. Led sessions to increase motivation, promote compliance, and decrease emotional eating. Collaborated with a physician, nutritionist, and exercise physiologist to furnish a comprehensive regimen of care.
FROM
TO
2001
2002
Tampa, Fl
University of South Florida
Interim Assistant Director of Employee Assistance Program: Offered personal, group, career, and couple counseling to university employees. Conducted workshops on job stress and anger management. Postdoctoral Resident at the Counseling Center for Human Development: Provided personal and career counseling. Conducted group therapy and supervised practicum students. Performed outreach, offered workshops (e.g., stress management), and participated in committees devoted to diversity and cultural issues.
FROM
TO
1999
2000
New York, NYC
St. Luke's-Roosevelt Hospital Center
Psychology Intern. Performed two clinical rotations and served in the Adult Outpatient Psychiatry Clinic. Provided individual, group, and couple counseling with psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral supervision. Comprehensive Addictions Program for Adolescents: Provided individual therapy with dually diagnosed adolescents in a day treatment setting. Adult Inpatient Psychiatry Unit: Served as primary clinician for adults diagnosed with severe Axis I disorders on a locked, inpatient unit.
FROM
TO
1995
1997
New York, NYC
Bellevue Hospital
Fourth Year Extern. Behavioral Medicine Clinic: Conducted consultations and psychotherapy with clients suffering from anxiety, somatoform, sexual, sleep, and mood disorders. Third Year Extern. Rehabilitation Medicine: Performed psychotherapy and neuropsychological assessments on an inpatient, rehabilitation unit. Alcohol Outpatient Services: Performed assessments and provided therapy on an outpatient, alcohol unit.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS
CURRENT
American Headache Society
Member
Association for Applied Psychophysiology and Biofeedback, Inc.
Member
Florida Biofeedback Society
President
Board Member
PAST
American Pain Society
Member
American Society of Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery
Associate Member
Florida Psychological Association
President
Secretary
RECOMMENDATIONS
"I was extremely happy with my service with Dr. Takagishi. He's patient, professional and understanding. He addressed my mental needs and I'm grateful to him. I'm healthier mentally due to his treatment. 5 star rating."
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Bariatric Client
"Working with Dr. Takagishi was one of the best and easiest processes I think I've ever experienced. He was genuinely interested in what I had to say and gave me great feedback on me being successful in my weight-loss journey. He was very communicative on what to expect and gave adequate timelines on completing my review for my doctors. Although our time was short-lived, I would work with him in the future."
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Bariatric Client
"I was looking for something that did not involve medications. I now feel like I have more options when I have a headache. I feel more in control of my life. I am glad I tried this because my headaches are definitely better."
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Headache Client
"My experience with
Dr. Takagishi was all positive. He provided information about my procedure that was not given to me by the staff... He gave a realistic expectation of the results."
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Spinal Cord Stimulator Client
"Dr. Takagishi was amazing. He focused on the important things about my diet rather than making me feel like I was taking the easy way out. He was very nice and listened to everything I said. I would highly recommend him to anyone."
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Bariatric Client
"The meeting was pleasant, informative, and he put me at ease within the first few minutes. He was easy to talk to, non-judgemental, and offered a few great suggestions on how to succeed on my journey"
Bariatric Client
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PAYMENT OPTIONS
I also accept debit, cash, and personal checks.
LOCATION
My Address:
S. Curtis Takagishi, Ph.D.
14448 Bruce B. Downs Blvd.
Tampa, FL 33613
(813) 819-8895
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