Dr. Armando Alonso, DO

Dr. Armando Alonso, DO is a Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). General Psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare, diagnosing and managing mental health disorders through medication and therapy, preventing relapse through proactive long-term care plans, coordinating crucial screenings, and fostering overall wellness to empower your journey to lasting mental health. He serves individuals of all ages.

Dr. Armando Alonso, DO is a psychiatrist in Fort Myers, FL. He is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is accepting telehealth appointments. Please call (305) 301-1205 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients. Dr. Armando Alonso provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Armando Alonso is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Armando Alonso can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Armando Alonso provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Panic Disorder: Preventing the debilitating effects of panic disorder begins with recognizing the symptoms and seeking professional help, as timely intervention can reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early intervention for tobacco use disorder can help prevent relapse and long-term health problems associated with smoking and nicotine addiction.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse can still contribute to various health concerns, including liver damage and increased risk of accidents; taking steps to moderate your drinking protects your overall well-being.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Dysthymia, a type of chronic depression, often requires ongoing care to prevent debilitating symptoms and improve overall well-being, ensuring a better quality of life.
• Nondependent Antidepressant Abuse: Preventing problems with antidepressants requires understanding that even non-addictive medications can be misused, potentially delaying your progress towards better mental wellness. Early detection is key.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Addressing non-dependent drug and alcohol use early minimizes the risk of developing dependence and experiencing the associated long-term health complications.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Managing nondependent marijuana abuse helps prevent the development of other mental health issues and reduces the risk of serious complications down the road.
• Dementia: Dementia is a serious condition affecting brain function; however, lifestyle changes and early intervention can help mitigate its effects and improve the overall quality of life for those affected.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Understanding your risk factors for dysthymia and cyclothymia allows for proactive steps in prevention, ultimately reducing the likelihood of developing more severe and debilitating mood disorders.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recognizing the signs of PTSD after a trauma is crucial for preventative care. Seeking professional help early allows for prompt treatment and reduces the likelihood of developing severe, long-term symptoms.
• Phobia: Preventing the development of more severe anxiety issues, phobias should be addressed early on as they can interfere with work, relationships, and overall well-being.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Recognizing and addressing the root mental illness causing psychosis is vital for preventing future episodes and promoting sustained mental health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Armando Alonso offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by getting screened for alcohol or substance misuse; early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors, empowering you to prevent future mental health challenges.
• Cognitive Function Testing: As part of your commitment to holistic wellness, cognitive function testing offers a comprehensive evaluation of your cognitive abilities, facilitating early detection and effective management of potential problems.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Schedule a screening to assess your risk for depression and dementia—early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps proactively identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the road.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Taking a proactive step towards a healthier you, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps screen for potential mental health issues that may impact your surgery and recovery.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Prevent mental health issues from escalating by seeking psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy; these approaches identify stressors and provide tools to build resilience and prevent relapses.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Psychiatrists in Florida.

Dr. Armando Alonso is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• Recognizing early warning signs of panic attacks and working with a mental health professional allowed a patient to develop coping strategies, significantly reducing the frequency and intensity of episodes. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of control and well-being.
• Recognizing the potential for tobacco use disorder, a patient proactively sought guidance and developed a personalized plan to minimize future risks. This proactive approach instilled confidence and peace of mind, empowering them to make informed choices about their health.
• Recognizing the potential health risks of nondependent alcohol abuse, a patient developed a personalized plan with the support of a mental health professional, leading to a reduction in alcohol consumption and improved overall well-being. This proactive approach helped the patient feel empowered and in control of their health choices.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Psychiatric care with Dr. Armando Alonso:

What is a Psychiatrist, and how are they different from a Psychologist?

Dr. Alonso is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. This means he can provide both therapy and prescribe medications to manage your condition. Psychologists, while also trained in therapy, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Armando Alonso?

Your first visit with Dr. Alonso will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is the first step in developing a holistic treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

Dr. Alonso will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for preventing symptoms from worsening and improving quality of life.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure for severe mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments have failed, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Alonso's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Alonso's approach to panic attacks often involves a two-pronged strategy. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are used to reduce the overall frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may also be prescribed for use as needed during acute episodes.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, work to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a stable foundation for therapy and coping skill development. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes of depression or bipolar disorder.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team has extensive experience in safely prescribing medications for seniors, considering their complex medication profiles.

2090 W First St Apt 3106
Fort Myers FL 33901
Phone: (305) 301-1205

Dr. Armando Alonso, DO is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.

National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1144335563

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Psychiatrists like Dr. Armando Alonso are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your psychiatrist about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.