Family Care Center welcomes Dr. Melanie Fuertes-Hunt, a Tennessee-licensed adult and geriatric psychiatrist, to its West Knoxville clinic. Dr. Fuertes-Hunt provides personalized psychiatric care to adults and older adults, with an approach that considers the many factors that can shape mental health throughout life.
Dr. Fuertes-Hunt completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Pennsylvania before earning her medical degree from the University of Santo Tomas Faculty of Medicine and Surgery in the Philippines. She completed her psychiatry residency at East Tennessee State University and a fellowship in geriatric psychiatry at Emory University. Her experience in adult and geriatric psychiatry allows her to care for patients navigating a range of mental health concerns, including those that may arise alongside medical conditions, cognitive changes, grief, changes in independence, and other life transitions.
“I want my patients to feel heard, supported, and empowered in their care,” said Dr. Fuertes-Hunt. “My goal is to create a space where people feel comfortable sharing their experiences and can work with me to make informed decisions about their treatment.”
Whole-person psychiatric care for adults and older adults
Dr. Fuertes-Hunt considers each patient’s overall health, daily functioning, values, and quality of life when developing an individualized treatment plan.
Depending on each patient’s needs, her care may include:
- Supportive psychotherapy and psychoeducation
- Behavioral strategies and problem-solving techniques
- Coordination with other Family Care Center behavioral health clinicians for cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), motivational interviewing, mindfulness-based techniques, or transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
Her special interest in geriatric psychiatry also informs her care of older adults, including those experiencing changes in health, cognition, relationships, or independence.
A collaborative approach to Knoxville mental health care
At Family Care Center West Knoxville, Dr. Fuertes-Hunt works with patients to understand their diagnoses and treatment options and develop care plans that reflect their individual needs. When appropriate, she may also coordinate with family members and other members of a patient’s healthcare team to support continuity of care.
Family Care Center West Knoxville offers psychiatric and therapy services in one location, giving patients access to different forms of behavioral health support as their needs change.
Schedule an appointment with Dr. Melanie Fuertes-Hunt
Adults and older adults in West Knoxville and surrounding communities can schedule psychiatric care with Dr. Fuertes-Hunt at Family Care Center West Knoxville. To learn more or request an appointment, call (888) 374-5066 or fill out the online form.
