About the Doctor

“The good physician treats the disease; the best physician treats the patient who has the disease.”
- William Osler

"One of the essential qualities of the clinician is interest in humanity; for the secret in the care of the patient is caring for the patient."
- Francis Weld Peabody

Dr. Prendes-Alvarez received her Medical Degree, with research distinction, and Masters in Public Health from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She completed her adult psychiatry residency & child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship at the University of Miami/Jackson Behavioral Health Hospital. She is a double board-certified diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (general psychiatry and child/adolescent psychiatry).  

Dr. Prendes-Alvarez completed her psychoanalytic training at the Florida Psychoanalytic Institute.

She has been recognized throughout her career for her teaching, outstanding leadership, scholarly achievements, excellence in psychotherapy and her compassion. She is a member of Alpha Omega Alpha – a national medical honor society. Her clinical and academic interests include: psychoanalysis, psychodynamic psychotherapy, mood and anxiety disorders, college mental health, supervision and medical education. She has published work in peer-reviewed journals and medical textbooks.

She is an Adjunct Professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine, where she teaches and supervises medical students and psychiatrists in training. She previously worked at the University of Miami Counseling Center, where she treated UM undergraduate and graduate students.

Additionally, Dr. Prendes-Alvarez is a member of the American Psychoanalytic Association and the International Association of Relational Psychoanalysis. She is a psychoanalyst member of the Florida Psychoanalytic Institute, where she is Curriculum Chair of Analytic Training .

Rooted in relational psychoanalytic thought, Dr. Prendes-Alvarez believes that true healing unfolds not in isolation, but in the space between two people…where real connection meets deep self discovery. She brings her whole self to the therapeutic relationship, creating a space where patients feel truly seen, deeply understood and never alone on their journey.