Dr. Damian McGovern, MD

Dr. Damian McGovern, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Naples, 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their well-being. Please call (239) 436-5529 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Damian McGovern, MD is a psychiatrist in Naples, FL with over 15 years of experience in the medical field. He has extensive experience in Addiction & Substance Abuse and Psychotic Disorders. He earned his medical degree from United Hungarian University Medical School in 2007 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, Dr. McGovern brings a strong foundation to his practice, and is affiliated with medical facilities such as Cape Coral Hospital and Naples Community Hospital. He is accepting telehealth appointments. Dr. McGovern is committed to providing the best possible care for his patients and their families, recognizing the importance of proactive health management.

He understands the vital role of prevention in maintaining long-term mental well-being. Dr. McGovern's approach to care emphasizes collaboration and evidence-based practices, creating a supportive environment for patients. He is committed to assisting his patients in understanding their mental health conditions and empowering them to take an active role in their health journey. Dr. Damian McGovern provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Preventative care for amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence involves regular monitoring and proactive intervention to minimize health risks and support recovery.
• Nondependent Opioid Abuse: Misusing opioid pain relievers without developing physical dependence can still be harmful and increase your risk of addiction, so early intervention is key for preventing more serious problems.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Preventing the progression of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse to addiction is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health and avoiding devastating consequences.
• Dementia: Dementia is a decline in thinking skills that affects daily life, and early detection through regular checkups can help manage symptoms and prevent further decline.
• Personality Disorders: Learning coping mechanisms and practicing self-awareness, especially with a therapist's guidance, can help prevent the negative consequences associated with personality disorders.
• Psychosis: Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality, and early intervention with treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Managing psychosis effectively, which frequently arises from an underlying mental health condition, is essential for preventing relapses and improving overall quality of life.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Understanding the risk factors for antisocial personality disorder helps in early intervention, potentially mitigating the severity of symptoms and improving quality of life.
• Delusional Disorder: Preventative care for delusional disorder focuses on early diagnosis and treatment to minimize the potential for worsening symptoms and related distress.
• Cocaine Addiction: Managing cocaine addiction effectively reduces the risk of relapse and associated health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
• Nondependent Cocaine Abuse: Early intervention for cocaine abuse is crucial to prevent the development of serious health problems and addiction.
• Developmental and Learning Disorders: Early identification of developmental and learning disorders is crucial for implementing timely interventions that can significantly improve a child's life trajectory and prevent future challenges.

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. Damian McGovern 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: Invest in your mental health journey by undergoing alcohol and substance misuse screening; this assessment helps uncover hidden issues that may be affecting your overall health.
• Behavior Therapy: By identifying and changing unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors, behavior therapy proactively helps prevent relapses and improves your overall mental well-being.
• Cognitive Function Testing: Protect your brain health by scheduling cognitive function testing – a simple yet powerful assessment that can detect subtle cognitive changes and support personalized prevention strategies.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening that helps detect early signs of dementia or depression.
• Family Psychotherapy: As a proactive step in maintaining your mental well-being, family psychotherapy helps improve communication and support within the family to create a more supportive environment.
• 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: A psychiatric evaluation is a proactive step to identify and address any underlying mental health concerns, helping prevent future challenges.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Psychiatric medication therapy helps you find the right medication to manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• 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: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps identify any mental health conditions that could affect your recovery and ensures you're well-supported throughout the process.
• Psychological Testing: Proactive psychological testing helps you and your doctor collaborate in developing a tailored strategy to manage your mental health and promote long-term well-being.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Enhance your mental wellness by engaging in psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to learn strategies for managing symptoms, preventing future episodes, and improving your overall quality of life.

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. Damian McGovern 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:

• By actively participating in regular check-ups and developing coping strategies, a patient significantly reduced the risk of amphetamine dependence, fostering a healthier and more fulfilling life.
• By understanding the risks of opioid misuse and developing a proactive plan, a patient significantly reduced their chances of developing problematic opioid use, gaining valuable peace of mind.
• A young adult, recognizing early warning signs of substance use, sought guidance from a mental health professional. Through proactive strategies and support, they successfully managed their substance use patterns and avoided the progression to addiction.

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. Damian McGovern:

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

Dr. McGovern is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. This means he can provide both therapy and prescribe medications to help 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. Damian McGovern?

Your first visit with Dr. McGovern 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?

Dr. McGovern will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. It's performed under general anesthesia and involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments haven't worked, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

How does Dr. Damian McGovern manage medication side effects?

Dr. McGovern carefully manages medication side effects by prioritizing a medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects. He starts with low doses, closely monitors patients, and is skilled at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit for each individual.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. McGovern's comprehensive evaluation process for adult ADHD goes beyond a simple checklist. It includes a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and standardized rating scales. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis, which is crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to prevent life impairment.

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

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain. They create a stable foundation, allowing you to fully engage in therapy and use your coping skills effectively. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. McGovern is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. He 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.

350 7th St N
Naples FL 34102
Phone: (239) 436-5529

Dr. Damian McGovern, 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): 1881893220

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. Damian McGovern 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.