Dr. Felix Widlacki, DO

Dr. Felix Widlacki, DO is a Psychiatrist practicing at our Tampa, FL clinic, 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 981-9005 to schedule.

Dr. Widlacki brings over 15 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, coupled with a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He earned his medical degree from Des Moines University College Of Osteopathic Medicine in 2007 and is double Board Certified in both Addiction Medicine and Psychiatry. 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. Previously a Senior Medical Director at large health organizations, Dr. Widlacki has been recognized for excellence in education and patient care. He is committed to understanding your unique needs and proactively working together to achieve your goals. Whether that may be to enhance your career, stop using substances, or just feel less depressed, Dr. Widlacki will partner with you to help you get where you want to be. He is here to be your advocate. Dr. Felix Widlacki provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Felix Widlacki 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. Felix Widlacki 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. Felix Widlacki 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: Schizoaffective disorder combines features of schizophrenia and mood disorders, so proactive monitoring and consistent treatment are crucial to prevent the worsening of symptoms and potential crises.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Persistent low mood (dysthymia) or fluctuating moods between highs and lows (cyclothymia) can significantly impact your life, but early detection and treatment can prevent these from worsening into more severe conditions.
• Depression: Addressing depression promptly helps prevent its impact on other aspects of your life, such as relationships, work, and overall quality of life, making preventive care crucial.
• 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.
• Developmental and Learning Disorders: Preventative care for developmental and learning disorders involves early diagnosis and personalized support, ensuring children can reach their full potential and avoid long-term difficulties.
• 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.
• Anxiety: Early detection and management of anxiety is crucial for preventing it from developing into more serious mental health issues and impacting your overall well-being.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious condition that can develop after a traumatic event, and early intervention with a mental health professional can significantly reduce long-term complications and improve your quality of life.
• Panic Disorder: Regular check-ups with your doctor and a proactive approach to managing stress can significantly help prevent panic disorder from worsening or leading to other mental health issues.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Managing ADD effectively through therapy and medication, if necessary, helps prevent potential long-term complications like low self-esteem, substance abuse, and unemployment.
• Panic Attack: Managing panic attacks effectively prevents them from disrupting daily life and worsening overall 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. Felix Widlacki offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• 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.
• Psychopharmacologic Treatment: Medication is a valuable tool for managing mental health conditions, enabling you to participate more fully in life.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity, helping to alleviate depression symptoms and prevent relapse.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a proactive step to identify and address any underlying mental health concerns, helping prevent future challenges.
• 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.
• Medication Management: Regular medication reviews are a key step in preventing relapse by optimizing your treatment plan and addressing any potential side effects or changes in your condition.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a procedure that uses brief electrical stimulation to the brain to help alleviate severe symptoms of depression or other mental health conditions when other treatments haven't been effective.
• Psychological Evaluation: This comprehensive assessment helps screen for various mental health disorders, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately minimizing potential long-term effects.
• 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.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: This therapy involves carefully selecting and adjusting medications to treat your mental health condition, helping you achieve better stability and well-being.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Empower yourself on your path to wellness with a screening for alcohol or substance misuse; this preventative measure helps detect and address issues before they escalate.
• Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy proactively addresses communication and relationship issues that can contribute to or worsen mental health challenges, helping prevent future 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. Felix Widlacki 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 consistently attending therapy sessions and adhering to a medication regimen, a patient effectively managed symptoms and reduced the risk of future crises, gaining a sense of control and stability.
• Recognizing subtle shifts in mood and proactively engaging in therapy, a patient found ways to manage their fluctuating emotional state, fostering a greater sense of well-being and preventing the conditions from escalating.
• By proactively addressing potential depressive symptoms, a patient gained valuable coping strategies and maintained a fulfilling life, avoiding the negative impacts depression can have on 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. Felix Widlacki:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing but are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Felix Widlacki?

Your first visit with Dr. Widlacki will be a comprehensive assessment of your medical and psychiatric history. We will discuss 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. Widlacki will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life.

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

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation of stability. This stability allows you to fully engage in therapy and use your coping skills effectively, significantly reducing the risk of future episodes. Consistent treatment is key to preventing relapses.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

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

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The duration of psychiatric medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific needs and condition. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term management strategy, similar to managing other chronic health conditions. This is something we will discuss thoroughly with you during your appointments.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized area focusing 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 doctors also have expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

What is the role of a psychiatrist in treating eating disorders?

Dr. Widlacki plays a crucial role in treating eating disorders by overseeing the medical aspects of care. He monitors physical health, manages co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborates closely with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and comprehensive recovery.

6601 Memorial Hwy
Tampa FL 33615
Phone: (813) 981-9005

Dr. Felix Widlacki, 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): 1356507008

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. Felix Widlacki 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.