At Cassidy Psychiatry, located in Lakeland, Florida, we are dedicated to putting patients first by providing compassionate, comprehensive mental health care. Our team of board-certified professionals offers a range of services, including psychiatric evaluations, medication management, psychotherapy, genetic testing, and innovative treatments like KetaMist® ketamine therapy. We also provide medically supervised weight loss programs, understanding the vital connection between physical and mental health. Serving individuals, families, children (age 5 and older), and senior adults, we tailor our care to meet the unique needs of each patient. Our commitment to direct access ensures that patients can reach their providers promptly, fostering a supportive and responsive therapeutic environment. At Cassidy Psychiatry, we strive to create a welcoming atmosphere where you can feel at ease and confident in your journey toward wellness.
Teens | Adults | Older Adults
Dr. Curtis Cassidy is a board-certified psychiatrist and founder of Cassidy Psychiatry in Lakeland, Florida. With extensive experience treating a broad range of psychiatric conditions, Dr. Cassidy provides individualized care for adolescents, adults, and older adults, including geriatric patients. He is particularly recognized for his expertise in complex and treatment-resistant psychiatric conditions, often receiving referrals from psychiatrists and medical providers throughout Central Florida for patients who have struggled to find effective treatment.
As founder and clinical leader of Cassidy Psychiatry, he has built a psychiatrist-led boutique practice centered on personalized attention, continuity of care, and lasting patient relationships. He works closely with the practice’s psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners to maintain a collaborative, patient-focused approach to treatment.
Dr. Cassidy believes in understanding the person, not just the diagnosis. His approach emphasizes careful listening, thorough evaluation, and a collaborative relationship that considers each patient’s medical history, previous treatments, lifestyle, and personal goals.
For patients who haven’t responded to traditional treatments, he takes a fresh look at their diagnosis and treatment history rather than simply continuing an ineffective approach. He believes patients deserve clear explanations, thoughtful recommendations, and an active voice in decisions about their care.
A pioneer in innovative psychiatric treatments, Dr. Cassidy combines established evidence-based practices with emerging therapies when appropriate, carefully evaluating the potential benefits and risks for each individual.
Dr. Cassidy earned his undergraduate degree from Davidson College in North Carolina and his Doctor of Medicine (MD) from the University of Florida College of Medicine. He completed his psychiatry internship and residency at the University of South Florida, where he served as Chief Resident of Psychiatry, followed by a Fellowship in Forensic Psychiatry at Yale University. He is board-certified in both Psychiatry and Forensic Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology.
Throughout his career, Dr. Cassidy has developed extensive expertise in clinical and forensic psychiatry. He has conducted more than 1,000 forensic psychiatric evaluations and provided expert testimony in over 150 state and federal court cases. He also works with law enforcement agencies throughout Central Florida, providing fitness-for-duty evaluations, critical incident assessments, debriefing counseling, and risk assessments.
Dr. Cassidy has been a pioneer in innovative psychiatric treatments in Florida, including early adoption of NeuroStar TMS in 2009, becoming a leading private practice provider of Spravato, and inventing and developing KetaMist® in 2021. His commitment to advancing psychiatric care continues to expand treatment options for patients.
A ninth-generation Floridian, Dr. Cassidy was born and raised in Lakeland and graduated from Lakeland Senior High School. His deep roots in the community reinforce his commitment to providing accessible, personalized psychiatric care to patients and families throughout Lakeland and Central Florida.
Children 5+ | Teens | Adults
Rachel Scanlan is a dual board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and provides care at Cassidy Psychiatry in Lakeland, Florida. With extensive experience in both medical and psychiatric care, Rachel provides comprehensive, evidence-based treatment for children, adolescents, and adults. Her unique clinical background allows her to consider how physical health, mental health, and lifestyle factors influence overall well-being.
Rachel believes in listening to the patient, treating the whole person, and working together toward a solution. Her approach is direct, supportive, and collaborative, emphasizing honest communication, individualized treatment plans, and long-term patient relationships.
As a dual board-certified practitioner, Rachel considers how medical conditions, medications, sleep, nutrition, and lifestyle factors may contribute to psychiatric symptoms. She combines thoughtful medication management with a comprehensive understanding of physical and emotional health, helping patients make informed decisions about their care.
When working with children and teenagers, Rachel prioritizes building trust and understanding the challenges facing both young patients and their families. She believes effective treatment should support not only symptom improvement but also confidence, relationships, and everyday functioning.
Rachel earned her Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) in 2020 and completed her post-graduate Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner education in 2018, both at Frontier Nursing University. She previously earned her Master of Science in Nursing (MSN), specializing as a Family Nurse Practitioner, from Frontier School of Nursing and Midwifery in 2007, following her Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from Pacific Lutheran University in Tacoma, Washington, in 2001.
Rachel holds national board certifications as a Family Nurse Practitioner (FNP-C) through the American Academy of Nurse Practitioners Certification Board and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) through the American Nurses Credentialing Center.
Her clinical career has included experience in military hospitals, trauma centers, emergency medicine, hospital medicine, internal medicine, obesity management, and psychiatric mental health care. Having practiced throughout the United States and overseas, Rachel brings a broad medical perspective to psychiatric evaluations, medication management, and individualized treatment planning.
Her doctoral research focused on the metabolic side effects of psychotropic medications, reinforcing her commitment to monitoring patients’ physical health throughout psychiatric treatment. She continues her professional education in psychiatric medicine, metabolic health, obesity management, and evidence-based approaches to patient care.
A Polk County native and mother of five, Rachel enjoys the connections she has built within her community. Her personal experience raising a family gives her a practical understanding of the challenges patients face at different stages of life and reinforces her commitment to providing compassionate, accessible care for local families.
Children 5+ | Teens | Adults
Luke Houser is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner who holds a Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) degree and provides care at Cassidy Psychiatry in Lakeland, Florida. With more than 15 years of behavioral health experience, Luke provides compassionate, evidence-based psychiatric care for children ages 5 and older, adolescents, and adults.
Luke believes in treating the person, not just the diagnosis. His approach is conversational, direct, and collaborative, helping patients feel heard, understand their treatment options, and take an active role in their mental health.
He combines individualized medication management with therapeutic strategies, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-informed techniques, supportive therapy, behavioral interventions, and practical lifestyle recommendations. Whether working with children, teenagers, or adults, Luke focuses on developing realistic treatment plans that support long-term well-being and improved daily functioning.
Luke earned his Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP), specializing in Psychiatric-Mental Health Nursing, from the University of Louisville in 2020. He also earned his Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) from the University of Louisville in 2017, following an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) in 2014 and a Practical Nursing Diploma in 2013, both from Galen College of Nursing.
Luke’s career in behavioral health began in 2011, progressing from mental health technician to licensed practical nurse, registered nurse, and charge nurse in inpatient psychiatric settings. This foundation provided extensive experience in direct patient care, crisis intervention, interdisciplinary collaboration, and the treatment of complex psychiatric conditions.
Since 2021, Luke has provided advanced practice psychiatric care, including comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, psychopharmacology, medication management, individual psychotherapy, and collaborative treatment planning in outpatient and telehealth settings. Luke joined Cassidy Psychiatry in 2024 and continues to expand his clinical expertise through ongoing education in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and evidence-based mental health treatment.
Luke enjoys spending time with his wife and children, traveling, watching sports, and participating in family activities. His experience as a father reinforces his appreciation for the challenges families face and the importance of practical, personalized care.
Emily Corl has been the Office Manager at Cassidy Psychiatry since the beginning of 2014. She was born and raised in Northwest Ohio and moved to Lakeland in 1995. Emily has worked with numerous community groups in leadership positions and was the local advisor for a sorority house for over nine years. Emily is married to a local church organist and they have one child. She is very active in her church community serving on multiple committees, planning events, and being an active member of the sound and video team.
Claudia has worked for Dr. Cassidy since 2009. Claudia is married and has four children and four grandchildren. She was hired as the lead TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation) Operator. Prior to joining Dr. Cassidy, Claudia worked at a local assisted living facility. Claudia wears many hats as a Medical Assistant and loves to learn. She enjoys serving others and helping every patient feel comfortable and at ease. Currently, Claudia is the primary caregiver during KetaMist® treatment at Cassidy Psychiatry.
Kimberly has worked for Cassidy Psychiatry since 2023. She is a graduate of Santa Fe Catholic High School in Lakeland, FL. Kimberly graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science in Marketing Communications and a Bachelor of Art in English Literature. Before working at Cassidy Psychiatry, Kimberly worked in Pharmaceutical Sales as well as serving as Marketing Director for several medical facilities in Polk County. Having children at both FSU and UF, Kimberly spends her free time cheering on the Gators and the Seminoles as well as playing pickleball with her husband and participating in various community groups.
Taylor was born and raised in Bartow, Florida, and joined Cassidy Psychiatry in August 2025. She is a proud graduate of Bartow High School and went on to earn her Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts from Polk State College, followed by a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.
Before joining our team, Taylor gained experience working as a daycare instructor at First Methodist and as a shift manager in the food service industry. Her background reflects both her leadership skills and her dedication to supporting others.
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