PHYSICIAN SPOTLIGHT: Dr. Parker Mott, psychologist

Parker Mott recalls the moment psychology made its debut in his life. He was attending Lakeview Middle School in Winter Garden, and a teacher asked the students to write down the name of someone they could go to if they had a problem.

When the sheets were tallied, Mott’s name appeared multiple times; the teacher suggested he serve as a peer counselor.

“I remember going home and talking to my mom and she said, ‘Maybe one day you’ll become a psychologist,’” Mott said. “I’ve always had a desire … to help people and provide back to the community and to help others in need.

After graduating from West Orange High School in 1998, Mott earned success as a professional bass fisherman. But he sought a more stable career and changed his major to psychology while attending the University of Central Florida.

He obtained his bachelor’s, master’s and doctorate degrees and worked for a time in southwest Florida. A year ago, he moved back to Winter Garden and set up his own practice, Counseling & Psychological Services of Central Florida.

He is currently writing a book, which he calls a self-help guide to working through breakups. Relationship issues, as well as anxiety and depression, are the most common reasons for people seeking his counseling services, he said.

“I’ve always dreamed of coming back and opening a counseling center,” Mott said. “So it’s a dream come full circle.”

SERVICES

Dr. Mott has experience treating those who struggle with anxiety, depression, relationship difficulties, identity issues and adjustment to changes in life. He also has worked with children and adolescents with academic difficulties and mild behavioral issues.

Mott has patients of all ages and has worked with special populations such as older adults, college-age students and emergency first responders. His areas of interest include anxiety management for performance related anxiety, such as public speaking, test anxiety and anxiety reduction related to sports performance.

BACKGROUND

Dr. Mott completed his bachelor’s degree in psychology from UCF and his master’s degree and doctorate in clinical psychology from The American School of Professional Psychology at Argosy University in Tampa.

He recently was the associate director of a large group practice in Naples, Bonita Springs and Fort Myers; and he worked in the community providing psychological services to those in assisted-living facilities and at an ALS clinic.

Mott also has clinical experience with those who suffer from substance-related problems, addiction and co-occurring disorders.

He is a member of the American Psychological Association, Florida Psychological Association and Mental Health Counselors of Central Florida.

  Contact Amy Quesinberry Rhode at [email protected].