Michelle G. La Spata, PhD

Neuropsychologist

5575 Warren Parkway 120 Frisco TX, 75034 Show map

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About

Dr. Michelle La Spata is a psychologist practicing in Frisco, TX. Dr. La Spata specializes in the psychological and neuropsychological assessment of mental health problems, neurodevelopmental disorders such as autism or attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder (AD/HD), or neuropsychological effects associated with medical conditions such as epilepsy or traumatic brain injury. As a psychologist, Dr. La Spata evaluates and treats patients through a variety of methods. Patients usually visit Dr. La Spata because they have been experiencing depression, anxiety, stress or anger for a significant period of time and are seeking help. Psychologists may perform a variety of exams and assessments to diagnose a mental condition.

Education and Training

Texas Woman's University PhD 2018

Western Illinois University SSP 2003

Provider Details

FemaleEnglish

Michelle G. La Spata, PhD

Michelle G. La Spata, PhD's Expert Contributions

My Answers

Can anxiety be fixed?
Anxiety disorders can be treated, generally with psychotherapy and/or medication. It can never be "cured," as defined by it would without a doubt never emerge again. READ MORE
What is the leading treatment for depression?
The leading treatments for depression include cognitive-behavioral therapy as well as a psychotropic medication, typically an antidepressant. Ideally they would be prescribed concurrently. Antidepressants address the neurotransmitters that affect your mood (e.g., serotonin, norepinephrine) and change them to be at a more optimal level. Therapy addresses the negative thoughts that individuals with depression may face as well as provide coping skills that those can use when they experience those episodes. READ MORE
Can people with schizophrenia drive?
Legally, yes, and during a "well period" it should be fine. I would advise against driving in a period of psychosis because it can affect perception and safety on the road. READ MORE
How do you get rid of drug addiction?
It will likely help to set goals, such as changing the environment (i.e., removing things that remind you of the addiction from the home), come up with alternative activities that you can do when there is an urge to partake in the addiction, and create a support network of friends and family. Therapy with a substance abuse specialist may help as well, and there are also medications that can be taken to trigger unwanted symptoms whenever partaking in the addiction of choice (e.g., a medication that induces nausea when taking alcohol) which is a type of averse classical conditioning technique. Any type of relapse (which is common) can be viewed as a teachable experience - looking at what led to the relapse, what can you do differently, etc. READ MORE
Do antidepressants help with anger issues?
I feel like there are two different trains of thought here (i.e., anxiety, anger), although they can both be rooted in difficulties with emotional regulation. That said, a study completed by Fava and Rosenbaum in 1998 indicated that depressed individuals who experience anger attacks may experience physiological symptoms also seen in anxiety, particularly a panic attack, such as increased heart rate, sweating, and tightness of the chest. They also noted that antidepressants to treat anger are generally safe and effective and that anger attacks disappeared in 51 to 75% of individuals who took a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) such as fluoxetine (Prozac) or sertraline (Zoloft). READ MORE
Can panic disorder be cured?
Panic disorder is not typically cured per se, but it can be managed readily through a combination of therapy and medication. READ MORE
How can I prevent my daughter's obesity?
Some guidelines put forth by the Harvard School of Public Health: - Choosing healthier foods (whole grains, fruits and vegetables, healthy fats and protein sources) and beverages - Limiting unhealthy foods (refined grains and sweets, potatoes, red meat, processed meat) and beverages (sugary drinks) - Increasing physical activity - Limiting television time, screen time, and other sit time - Improving sleep - Reducing stress READ MORE
Can you treat panic attacks?
I don't directly, as I am a testing psychologist. There are plenty of other psychologists or mental health providers who may treat panic attacks. READ MORE
How long does it take for CBT to work for schizophrenia?
Oftentimes, people may be prescribed what is considered to be the "full" treatment of CBT which is about 16 sessions on average (but ranging between 12 and 20 sessions typically). However, this is not intended to "cure" schizophrenia, and it is typically advised that schizophrenia be treated with a combination of psychotropic medication (particularly an antipsychotic) as well as therapy. One caveat though: Some individuals with schizophrenia tend to exhibit more paranoid tendencies, so therapy can be tricky for these folks as it may be difficult to build a therapeutic alliance. READ MORE
Are essential oils good for anxiety?
They might, but research on its effectiveness has been mixed. I've included a link from Johns Hopkins that talks more about aromatherapy. In general, with any treatment, always do your research and consult with professionals about their efficacy. https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/wellness-and-prevention/aromatherapy-do-essential-oils-really-work READ MORE
Should I see a doctor for panic attacks?
I would recommend that. Panic attacks tend to be accompanied by physical symptoms such as heart racing, sweating, and so forth, and it would be important to rule out any physical causes. A medical doctor may be able to do that through checking heart health and so on. READ MORE
Should I go to a psychiatrist for alcohol addiction?
A psychiatrist is a medical doctor, so they may be able to help with some aspects of treating alcohol addiction, such as medication. Medications prescribed for alcohol addiction may be designed to rebalance the chemicals in the brain, stop cravings, or create unwanted side effects (e.g., nausea) that may be experienced when consuming alcohol. However, an approach that includes psychotherapy and/or support groups, which would typically not be provided by a psychiatrist, is also recommended in addition to medication. Some types of therapies that utilize an aversive conditioning approach (i.e., creating a negative association with the source of addiction) may be implemented to treat alcohol addiction. READ MORE

Areas of expertise and specialization

School PsychologyNeuropsychologyNeurodivergenceTraumatic Brain InjuryEpilepsyLearning DisordersAutism Spectrum DisorderAttention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder