Motivational Interviewing in Florida: How Can It Help You Make Positive Changes?

By Luisa Garcia, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC
Co-Founder & Dual-Certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Sunset Behavioral Health LLC

What Is Motivational Interviewing?

Have you ever wanted to change something in your life but felt unsure where to start?

Maybe you want to build healthier habits, take better care of your mental health, or follow a treatment plan.

Part of you wants to make a change.

Another part of you feels nervous or unsure.

This is common.

Motivational interviewing (MI) is a way of talking that helps people explore their own reasons for change.

It is a respectful, supportive approach.

Instead of telling you what to do, a healthcare professional listens and helps you think about your goals.

At Sunset Behavioral Health, motivational interviewing techniques may be used as part of psychiatric care when appropriate.

How Does Motivational Interviewing Work?

Motivational interviewing focuses on understanding what matters to you.

Your provider may ask questions such as:

• What would you like to change?

• Why does this matter to you?

• What has made change difficult?

• What has helped you before?

• What small step feels possible right now?

You do not need to have every answer.

The goal is to help you understand your choices and build confidence.

Motivational interviewing does not force someone to change.

It helps people make informed decisions based on their own values and goals.

Why Do People Feel Stuck When Trying to Change?

People often have mixed feelings about change.

For example, someone may want to improve their sleep but enjoy staying up late.

Another person may want to start treatment but worry about medication side effects.

These mixed feelings are sometimes called ambivalence.

Ambivalence means wanting two different things at the same time.

Motivational interviewing helps people explore these feelings without shame or pressure.

What Are the Four Main Principles of Motivational Interviewing?

Motivational interviewing is guided by four important ideas.

Partnership: You and your provider work together.

Acceptance: Your thoughts, experiences, and choices are respected.

Compassion: Your provider focuses on your well-being.

Empowerment: You are encouraged to recognize your strengths and make informed choices.

These ideas help create a respectful conversation.

They also support shared decision-making in healthcare.

What Does OARS Mean in Motivational Interviewing?

OARS is a group of four communication skills often used in motivational interviewing.

O — Open-ended questions

These questions invite you to explain your thoughts.

For example:

"What would you like to be different in your life?"

A — Affirmations

Your provider recognizes your efforts, strengths, and values.

For example:

"You have been working hard to understand your symptoms."

R — Reflective listening

Your provider listens and checks that they understand what you mean.

For example:

"You want to feel better, but you're worried about making the wrong choice."

S — Summaries

Your provider reviews important parts of the conversation.

For example:

"You want to improve your sleep, but your work schedule makes it difficult. You're interested in starting with a bedtime routine."

These skills help people feel heard and understood.

Is Motivational Interviewing the Same as Counseling?

Not exactly.

Motivational interviewing is a communication and counseling approach.

It can be used within different healthcare services.

A therapist may use it during psychotherapy.

A psychiatric provider may use its techniques while discussing treatment goals, medication concerns, or healthy habits.

At Sunset Behavioral Health, supportive therapy and motivational interviewing techniques may be included during medication management visits when clinically appropriate.

We do not offer motivational interviewing as a separate, stand-alone psychotherapy program.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help With Anxiety?

It may help some people explore their goals and concerns about treatment.

For example, a person with anxiety may want help but feel nervous about starting medication or therapy.

Motivational interviewing may help them discuss:

• Treatment worries

• Personal goals

• Barriers to care

• Past experiences

• Reasons for seeking help

However, motivational interviewing is not a replacement for established anxiety treatments.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and certain medications are among the evidence-based treatment options for anxiety disorders.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help With Depression?

Motivational interviewing may help some people with depression explore their reasons for seeking treatment or making healthy changes.

Depression can affect:

• Energy

• Motivation

• Sleep

• Concentration

• Interest in activities

A supportive conversation may help someone identify manageable next steps.

However, depression is a medical condition.

Motivational interviewing alone is not a complete treatment for major depressive disorder.

Depending on the person's needs, treatment may include psychotherapy, medication, or both.

Learn more about the conditions we evaluate on our Symptoms We Treat page.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help With ADHD?

Motivational interviewing may help some people with ADHD identify goals and barriers to change.

For example, a teenager with ADHD may want to finish homework more often but struggle with organization.

A provider may help them explore:

• What they want to improve

• What makes schoolwork difficult

• Which strategies have helped

• What small change they want to try

ADHD treatment may also include behavioral support, school accommodations, parent training, and medication when appropriate.

Motivational interviewing does not replace a full ADHD evaluation or established treatment.

Read more about ADHD and Autism Care in Florida.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help Teenagers?

Yes. Motivational interviewing techniques may be useful when working with adolescents.

Teenagers often want more independence.

They may not respond well when adults simply tell them what to do.

Motivational interviewing encourages teens to take part in conversations about their health and goals.

It may help them explore:

• School habits

• Sleep routines

• Treatment concerns

• Emotional health

• Healthy decision-making

Parents and providers still have important roles in keeping children safe and supporting treatment.

The approach should match the teen's age, needs, and ability to participate.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help Parents?

Parents may also benefit from supportive conversations about change.

For example, a parent may want to improve family routines but feel overwhelmed.

A provider may help them explore:

• Family goals

• Daily challenges

• Parenting stress

• Treatment decisions

• Ways to support a child's care

Motivational interviewing can help parents consider practical steps without feeling judged.

It is not a replacement for structured parent training or family therapy when those services are needed.

Is Motivational Interviewing Used for Substance Use Problems?

Yes. Motivational interviewing is commonly used in substance use treatment.

It may help people explore their feelings about alcohol or drug use and their reasons for change.

However, motivational interviewing is only one part of care.

Some people need specialized addiction treatment, medical monitoring, medication, or a higher level of care.

Sunset Behavioral Health does not provide detoxification, withdrawal management, or a dedicated substance use disorder treatment program.

People seeking treatment for substance use disorders may need referral to an appropriate addiction specialist.

Alcohol or certain drug withdrawal can be medically dangerous. Do not stop heavy or dependent use suddenly without appropriate medical advice.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help With Medication Concerns?

Yes. It can support conversations about treatment choices.

Some people worry about:

• Medication side effects

• Taking medicine every day

• Whether treatment will help

• Past medication experiences

• Long-term treatment needs

A psychiatric provider can listen to these concerns and explain the benefits, risks, and alternatives.

You and your provider can then work toward a treatment plan that fits your clinical needs and preferences.

Never stop or change prescribed psychiatric medication without discussing it with your prescribing clinician.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help With Sleep and Healthy Habits?

Motivational interviewing may help people identify realistic goals for healthier routines.

For example:

• Going to bed at a more regular time

• Reducing late-night screen use

• Building an exercise routine

• Following up on medical appointments

• Taking prescribed medication consistently

The goal is to choose manageable steps.

However, some sleep problems require medical evaluation and specific treatment.

Motivational interviewing does not replace treatment for conditions such as sleep apnea or chronic insomnia.

Can Motivational Interviewing Be Used During Telehealth Visits?

Yes. Motivational interviewing techniques can be used during appropriate virtual healthcare visits.

A provider can ask questions, listen, reflect, and discuss goals through video appointments.

Telehealth may make it easier for some patients to attend visits.

However, the quality of care depends on the patient's needs, the provider's skills, and the type of service.

Not every condition or treatment is appropriate for telehealth.

Sunset Behavioral Health provides virtual psychiatric care for eligible patients throughout Florida.

Is Online Motivational Interviewing as Effective as In-Person Care?

Research supports the use of motivational interviewing in several healthcare settings.

It can also be delivered through remote formats.

However, results vary by condition, treatment goal, and how the approach is used.

It would not be accurate to say that online motivational interviewing is always as effective as in-person care for every patient.

A healthcare provider can help determine which services are appropriate.

What Happens During a Psychiatric Visit That Uses Motivational Interviewing?

Your provider may begin by asking about your symptoms and concerns.

You may discuss:

• What brought you to care

• Your treatment goals

• What has helped before

• What has been difficult

• Your concerns about treatment

• Possible next steps

Motivational interviewing techniques may be used during these conversations when helpful.

A psychiatric evaluation also includes clinical assessment and treatment planning.

Medication is prescribed only when clinically appropriate.

Learn more about what to expect from treatment.

How Can I Tell if Motivational Interviewing Might Help Me?

You may find this approach useful if you:

• Feel unsure about making a change

• Have mixed feelings about treatment

• Want to understand your personal goals

• Struggle to follow a health plan

• Feel overwhelmed by too many choices

• Want to discuss concerns without feeling pressured

Not everyone needs motivational interviewing.

Your provider can discuss whether its techniques may be useful as part of your care.

How Is Motivational Interviewing Different From Being Told What to Do?

Traditional advice often focuses on giving instructions.

Motivational interviewing focuses on listening, understanding, and helping a person explore their own reasons for change.

For example, instead of saying:

"You need to start exercising."

A provider might ask:

"What kind of physical activity do you enjoy, and what would make it easier to get started?"

The second approach encourages the person to take part in the decision.

Medical guidance and safety recommendations still matter.

Motivational interviewing does not mean a provider ignores medical risks.

Can Motivational Interviewing Help With Major Life Changes?

It may help people explore goals during changes such as:

• Starting a new job

• Adjusting to a new routine

• Managing a chronic health condition

• Making treatment decisions

• Building healthier habits

However, grief, trauma, anxiety, and depression may require other forms of treatment.

A psychiatric evaluation can help determine what type of support is needed.

How Does Sunset Behavioral Health Use Motivational Interviewing?

At Sunset Behavioral Health, Luisa Garcia uses a patient-centered approach to psychiatric care.

When appropriate, motivational interviewing techniques may help patients discuss their goals, concerns, and treatment choices.

Services include:

• Psychiatric evaluations

• Medication management

• Supportive therapy during medication visits

• Collaboration with therapists

• Referrals to other specialists when needed

Sunset Behavioral Health does not offer a separate motivational interviewing therapy program.

Who Provides Psychiatric Care at Sunset Behavioral Health?

Luisa Garcia, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is the Co-Founder and psychiatric provider at Sunset Behavioral Health.

She is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 14 years of clinical experience.

Luisa provides bilingual psychiatric care in English and Spanish for eligible children ages 3 and older, teens, adults, and seniors throughout Florida.

Her clinical focus includes bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, and mental health concerns related to chronic pain.

Can I Receive Virtual Psychiatric Care Anywhere in Florida?

Yes. Eligible patients can receive virtual psychiatric care throughout Florida.

We serve patients in areas such as:

• Miami

• Fort Lauderdale

• West Palm Beach

• Orlando

• Tampa

• Jacksonville

• Naples

• Fort Myers

• Sarasota

• Pensacola

Patients must be physically located in Florida during their telehealth appointments.

Does Sunset Behavioral Health Accept Insurance?

Yes. Sunset Behavioral Health accepts select insurance plans through direct billing and Grow Therapy.

Coverage depends on your plan, benefits, and eligibility.

Self-pay options are available.

Visit our Accepted Insurance Plans page for current information.

How Soon Can I Get an Appointment?

New patient appointments are often available within 48 hours, depending on scheduling and clinical eligibility.

We also offer a free 15-minute discovery call.

This call allows you to ask general questions and learn about our services.

It is not a psychiatric evaluation or treatment appointment.

Does Sunset Behavioral Health Offer Care in Spanish?

Yes. Luisa Garcia provides psychiatric care in English and Spanish.

Ofrecemos atención psiquiátrica virtual en español para pacientes elegibles en todo el estado de Florida.

How Can I Get Started With Sunset Behavioral Health?

If you are struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, mood changes, or another mental health concern, a psychiatric evaluation may help identify appropriate next steps.

Free 15-Minute Discovery Call:
https://link.sbhmind.com/widget/bookings/sunset-behavioral-health-discovery-call

Accepted Insurance and Booking Options:
https://sbhmind.com/insurance

Call or Text: 239-790-8822

Website: https://sbhmind.com

Sunset Behavioral Health — A Place for Your Mind

Virtual Psychiatry Across Florida | Se habla español

Who Wrote This Article?

Luisa Garcia, APRN, FNP-C, PMHNP-BC, is the Co-Founder and psychiatric provider at Sunset Behavioral Health LLC.

She is a dual-certified Family and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with more than 14 years of clinical experience.

Luisa provides bilingual virtual psychiatric care for children ages 3 and older, teenagers, adults, and seniors throughout Florida. Her clinical focus includes bipolar disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, trauma, sleep disorders, and mental health concerns related to chronic pain.

What Research Supports This Article?

This article draws on established research and guidance from:

• Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT)

• SAMHSA — Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration

• National Institute of Mental Health

• National Institute on Drug Abuse

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Medical Disclaimer: This article is for educational purposes only. It does not replace an individual medical evaluation, diagnosis, or treatment. Motivational interviewing may be used as part of psychiatric care but is not a substitute for appropriate medical or psychological treatment. Sunset Behavioral Health does not provide detoxification, withdrawal management, or a dedicated addiction treatment program.