New Smyrna Beach · South Daytona · DeLand, FL
Schizophrenia Treatment in New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona & DeLand, FL
Hearing or seeing things others don't, holding beliefs that feel completely real but others question, or finding it hard to organize your thoughts or express them clearly — these experiences can be frightening and isolating. They're also treatable. We provide compassionate, judgment-free schizophrenia evaluation and treatment for adolescents age 16 and older and adults across New Smyrna Beach, South Daytona, and DeLand, Florida.
Understanding Schizophrenia
Schizophrenia is a serious mental health condition, and it's also one of the most misunderstood — popular media often gets it wrong. It doesn't mean a "split personality," and most people living with schizophrenia are not violent. With consistent treatment, many people can manage their symptoms and build stable, meaningful lives. Schizophrenia often requires ongoing care, which is exactly why having a steady, trusted provider matters.
Signs and Symptoms of Schizophrenia
Symptoms generally fall into three groups: experiences that are added (like hallucinations or fixed beliefs), experiences that are reduced (like motivation or expression), and difficulty with thinking and organization. Symptoms vary from person to person, and having one of them doesn't by itself mean someone has schizophrenia.
Hearing or seeing things others don't
Beliefs others find hard to understand
Disorganized thinking or speech
Withdrawal from people or activities
Change in motivation or expression
Difficulty telling what's real
Trouble concentrating or remembering
Declining self-care or daily functioning
Read more on our blog: thought disorders.
Who We Treat
We tailor the evaluation and treatment approach to the age and life stage of the person in front of us.
Including ongoing, long-term care
Adults
Adolescents, age 16+
With caregiver involvement
Involved when appropriate
Families & caregivers
We currently provide schizophrenia evaluation and treatment for adolescents age 16 and older and adults. Contact our team to discuss whether our services are appropriate for your needs.
Schizophrenia vs. Bipolar Disorder and Depression: How can you tell? Psychotic symptoms, such as hallucinations or fixed beliefs, can also occur in mood disorders. A careful evaluation looks at the full pattern over time to understand what's driving them. See Bipolar Disorder Treatment and Depression Treatment.
How Schizophrenia is Diagnosed
Evaluation starts with listening — to you, and to family members involved in your care when appropriate.
Full symptom history
What you're experiencing, when it began, and how it has changed over time
Input from family or caregivers, when appropriate
Another perspective on changes in thinking, behavior, and daily life
Evaluation for other explanations
Considers mood disorders, substance use, medical conditions, and other causes of similar symptoms
Clear treatment recommendation
Discussed and decided on together
Our Approach to Schizophrenia Care
Thorough evaluation
Considers other conditions with overlapping symptoms
Ongoing, collaborative care
Follow-up and a plan built around your symptoms, needs, and response to care
Medication management
Provided by our clinic, including antipsychotic medication when appropriate, with regular follow-up while it's started or adjusted
Wraparound support referrals
We can help connect you with therapy or case management through other providers when helpful
Schizophrenia can occur alongside conditions such as depression or anxiety. Treatment can help manage symptoms, but we don't promise a particular outcome — your provider will talk with you honestly about what to expect.
Tell us a bit about what you're experiencing
01
Inquire
In-person appointments available, along with virtual options. A $100 deposit is required to book a self-pay/out-of-network initial evaluation, applied toward your total appointment cost.
What to Expect
Intake paperwork
Including insurance info, ahead of your first visit
02
Initial evaluation
Comprehensive in-person psychiatric evaluation
03
Treatment plan
Personalized, with close early follow-up
04
Meet Your Provider
Sandra MacSweeney, MHA, FNP-C, PMHNP-C
Holds a Master's degree in Advanced Practice Nursing with a specialization in psychiatric mental health from Nova Southeastern University. Florida board-certified to treat patients across the lifespan, with a focus on evidence-based, whole-person care.