Dr. Benjamin Spurling, MD

Dr. Benjamin Spurling, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive psychiatric care at his clinic in Tampa, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he understands that general psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare. His focus is on 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, and patients should call (813) 972-2000 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Benjamin Spurling, MD is a psychiatrist in Tampa, FL, accepting telehealth appointments. He is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Spurling's approach to care emphasizes collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is committed to helping you achieve and maintain optimal mental well-being, and his consultations are primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Benjamin Spurling 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. Benjamin Spurling 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. Benjamin Spurling 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:

• Cocaine Addiction: Early intervention for cocaine addiction is crucial to prevent serious health complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: By addressing non-dependent substance use, you can proactively protect your mental and physical health and avoid future problems related to addiction.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, and early diagnosis with consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of future episodes and improve overall quality of life.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Addressing amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence early on can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and a healthier future.
• Anxiety: Taking steps to manage anxiety, such as lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques, can prevent it from escalating and disrupting your daily life.
• 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.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD, if left untreated, can lead to chronic mental health challenges. Early diagnosis and treatment, including therapy and medication, helps prevent these complications and promotes recovery.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious condition that can be effectively managed with early detection and treatment, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications and preventing relapse.
• Opioid Dependence: Early detection of opioid dependence is crucial for preventing chronic pain, overdose, and other dangerous health complications.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Amphetamine abuse significantly increases the risk of mental health problems and addiction; proactive help-seeking can prevent severe consequences.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Addressing drug and alcohol dependence promptly can prevent relapse and the associated physical and mental health risks.

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. Benjamin Spurling offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): As part of your proactive mental healthcare plan, consider CBT to learn techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, reducing the risk of relapse.
• Group Psychotherapy: Take a proactive step toward better mental health by participating in group therapy, a valuable tool for identifying early signs of mental illness and developing effective coping mechanisms.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Proactively manage your mental health journey with psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and teach you effective self-management strategies.
• Sexual Counseling: Sexual counseling proactively addresses sexual health concerns that can impact mental wellbeing, helping you identify and manage challenges.
• Mindfulness Technique: Mindfulness can act as a proactive step to improve emotional regulation and reduce the likelihood of developing or worsening mental health conditions.
• Individual Adult Psychotherapy: Proactively address mental health concerns and prevent relapse through personalized sessions in individual adult psychotherapy designed to uncover root causes.

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. Benjamin Spurling 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 and developing a proactive coping strategy, a patient successfully avoided the pitfalls of cocaine addiction, ensuring a healthier future. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential substance use concerns, a patient gained valuable insights into healthy coping mechanisms, significantly reducing their risk of future issues. This proactive approach fostered a sense of empowerment and peace of mind.
• By proactively addressing potential symptoms and developing a personalized management plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of bipolar disorder episodes, fostering a more stable and fulfilling life.

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. Benjamin Spurling:

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

Dr. Spurling's practice specializes in psychiatry, a medical branch of medicine focused on the diagnosis and treatment of mental health conditions. Psychiatrists are medical doctors who can prescribe medication and manage treatment plans, including therapy, while psychologists are PhD or PsyD-level experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Benjamin Spurling?

Your first visit with Dr. Spurling will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Spurling will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, to determine the best approach for you. Medication is a collaborative decision, considered when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Spurling's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. We utilize FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. This medical approach is combined with counseling and support to maximize the chance of long-term recovery.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Spurling offers psychotherapy as part of comprehensive care. He utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that does not involve medication. It uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate nerve cells in the brain that are underactive in depression. This can be a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and treating conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team has extensive experience in safe medication management for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Spurling is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. We will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

13000 Bruce B Downs Blvd
Tampa FL 33612
Phone: (813) 972-2000

Dr. Benjamin Spurling, MD 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): 1962999730

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. Benjamin Spurling 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.