Psychological Associates of Central Florida

04/25/2026

📣📣📣Please 🎉WELCOME🎉 to the PACFlorida Family, Ms. Kristen Heristchi, MPH, PA-C, CAQ-Psychiatry.

Ms. Kristen is a board-certified Physician Assistant who holds an additional board certification in Psychiatry. She has practiced in the Lakeland area for over 20 years across several specialty areas, including Internal Medicine, Primary Care, and most recently, Psychiatry. She currently treats patients in both outpatient and residential rehabilitation settings for general psychiatry and addiction medicine. She is also trained via the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to treat alcohol and opioid use disorders.

Ms. Kristen is currently accepting NEW PATIENTS 18 and over under Cigna, Curative Insurance or Private Pay. Additional insurances will be available at a later date.

☎️☎️ Call our office to schedule at (863) 644-8470.

04/24/2026

V.J.Markham - Author

04/22/2026

04/17/2026

A huge Chamber Welcome is also in store for Cheryl Roberson - Administrative Assistant at Psychological Associates of Central Florida located right here in Lake Wales at 1 Scenic Central,
Suite 102... (863) 644-8470

04/03/2026

Did you know....

National Trends (Latest Available Data): Recent analysis shows a 3% decline in the rate of substantiated child abuse cases in the U.S. comparing 2023 to 2024, despite a rise in referrals.

High-Risk Demographic: Data released in February 2026 indicates that children aged three and younger make up over 60% of child abuse fatalities.

Prevalence of Neglect: Neglect remains the most common form of child maltreatment, comprising approximately 74-75% of cases.

Fatality Data: Roughly 80% of child fatalities from abuse involve at least one parent.

Economic Impact: The total lifetime economic burden of child abuse and neglect in the U.S. is estimated at roughly $592 billion.