Dr. Christopher Michaelson, DO

Dr. Christopher Michaelson, DO is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Panama City, FL. 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, and a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and a supportive environment are central to his approach. To confirm if Dr. Michaelson is currently accepting new patients, please call (850) 763-0017.

Dr. Christopher Michaelson, DO is a psychiatrist in Panama City, FL, Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He understands the importance of proactive mental health strategies and is committed to providing individualized care plans that address the unique needs of each patient. His approach prioritizes empowering patients to take an active role in their long-term health, fostering a partnership based on trust, open communication, and shared decision-making. Dr. Michaelson provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Schizoaffective Disorder: Recognizing the signs and symptoms of schizoaffective disorder early is key to starting treatment promptly, which helps prevent the development of severe complications and improve long-term outcomes.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Proactive strategies such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) can prevent relapses and improve the quality of life for individuals with borderline personality disorder.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Early detection and management of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse can prevent it from escalating into a more serious addiction, significantly improving your overall health and well-being.
• Nightmare Disorder: Nightmare disorder, when left unmanaged, can interfere with daily functioning and increase your risk of developing or worsening depression or anxiety; preventive care focuses on identifying and treating these nightmares to protect your mental wellness.
• Dementia: While there's no cure for dementia, managing risk factors like heart disease and diabetes and engaging in cognitive stimulation can potentially slow its progression and maintain independence for longer.
• ADHD and-or ADD: By preventing the escalation of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms, we can safeguard the individual's potential for success and happiness in the future.
• Anxiety: Recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking professional help promptly helps prevent long-term mental health challenges and improves your quality of life.
• Personality Disorders: Understanding your personality traits and seeking professional help when needed can prevent escalation of challenges in personal relationships and work life associated with personality disorders.
• 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.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Understanding and managing schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders helps prevent negative consequences, such as job loss or strained relationships, through proactive care.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life by minimizing the risk of chronic symptoms.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the signs of Major Depressive Disorder early and seeking professional help can prevent its progression and greatly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.

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

• Psychiatric Evaluation: Take charge of your mental well-being with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a crucial step in early diagnosis and treatment of potential mental health disorders.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that can help you develop skills to manage intense emotions and improve your relationships, proactively preventing future emotional distress.
• Grief Therapy: By addressing grief through therapy, you can prevent the development of more serious mental health issues like depression or anxiety that may stem from unresolved loss.
• Behavior Management: Proactive behavior management strategies can help identify early warning signs of mental health problems, allowing for timely intervention.
• Evaluation and Management Services: Taking charge of your mental wellbeing starts here: this assessment helps identify potential problems early, allowing for timely intervention.
• Cognitive Function Testing: Enhance your mental wellness journey with cognitive function testing; it's a valuable tool for assessing your thinking skills and memory, aiding in early diagnosis and intervention.
• Violence Risk Assessment: This assessment helps professionals understand your risk of violent behavior, enabling them to develop a personalized safety plan and access necessary resources.

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. Christopher Michaelson 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 the early warning signs of schizoaffective disorder allowed a patient to quickly access support and develop a proactive management plan, significantly reducing the risk of future complications. This proactive approach gave the patient peace of mind and empowered them to take control of their well-being.
• Through consistent DBT therapy, a patient developed coping mechanisms to manage challenging emotions, significantly reducing the risk of future relapses and improving overall well-being. This proactive approach empowered them to live a fulfilling life.
• By attending regular counseling sessions and implementing coping strategies, a patient successfully managed their substance use concerns, preventing potential escalation into a more serious addiction and improving their overall well-being.

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. Christopher Michaelson:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health, able to prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Christopher Michaelson?

Your first visit with Dr. Michaelson will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to help 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. Michaelson will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it best helps prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, we are experts in sleep-wake disorders. Dr. Michaelson will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies (like CBT-I) and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

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. A key aspect is expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

How does Dr. Christopher Michaelson manage medication side effects?

Dr. Michaelson takes a proactive and careful approach to managing medication side effects. His goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects. He will start with low doses, monitor you closely, and is an expert at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit for you.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

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

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Michaelson offers psychotherapy in addition to medication management. His therapeutic approach focuses on a collaborative model, working closely with patients' therapists to create a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.

1940 Harrison Ave
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 763-0017

Dr. Christopher Michaelson, 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): 1508326919

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. Christopher Michaelson 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.