Dr. Frances Howard, MD

Dr. Frances Howard, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Tallahassee, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands that general psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare. This involves 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. She serves individuals of all ages, and patients should call (800) 997-6196 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Frances Howard, MD is a psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL, accepting telehealth appointments. She earned her medical degree from Autonomous University Of Guadalajara School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Her approach to care is centered on collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Howard offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• ADHD and-or ADD: Addressing ADHD and/or ADD symptoms early can significantly reduce the risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use disorders.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders, if left unmanaged, can increase your risk of mental health crises; however, proactive therapy and support can significantly reduce this risk.
• 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.
• Anxiety: Addressing anxiety proactively through therapy or medication can significantly reduce the risk of future anxiety attacks and related complications like depression.
• 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: Managing your phobia through therapy and, sometimes, medication can help you regain control of your life and prevent the escalation of anxiety symptoms.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Even if you don't think you have a drinking problem, excessive alcohol use can negatively impact your mental and physical health; recognizing and addressing nondependent alcohol abuse early can prevent long-term health issues.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Managing chronic depression through proactive strategies like therapy and medication helps prevent its worsening and reduces the risk of developing more severe mental health conditions.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Managing OCD effectively through therapy and medication helps prevent debilitating obsessions and compulsions, improving overall quality of life and reducing the risk of long-term complications.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Managing borderline personality disorder through therapy and, when necessary, medication, helps prevent escalating emotional distress and relationship problems.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Taking steps to manage non-dependent drug and alcohol use helps safeguard against developing more serious substance use disorders that may impact many aspects of your life.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Preventive care for drug and alcohol dependence involves early intervention strategies to stop substance abuse before it causes irreversible damage.

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. Frances Howard 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: Protecting your well-being starts with knowing your risks: a simple screening for alcohol or substance misuse can help identify potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• 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: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychological Evaluation: This comprehensive assessment helps screen for various mental health disorders, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately minimizing potential long-term effects.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: For a safer and more effective bariatric surgery experience, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps identify and manage mental health challenges, promoting successful weight loss and overall well-being.
• Psychotherapy Services: Take a proactive step towards better mental well-being by exploring psychotherapy; it can help identify underlying issues and prevent future mental health challenges.
• Marital Counseling: Strengthen your mental health resilience by addressing relationship concerns through marital counseling; it can help improve overall well-being and prevent relapse.

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. Frances Howard 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 addressing potential ADHD and/or ADD symptoms early, a family gained valuable insights into proactive strategies, significantly reducing the risk of future challenges and fostering a more peaceful home environment.
• By proactively engaging in therapy and support, a patient learned coping mechanisms to manage potential triggers, significantly reducing the risk of future mental health crises. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of well-being and personal empowerment.
• By proactively addressing potential warning signs and developing a personalized management plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing Major Depressive Disorder, fostering a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Frances Howard:

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

Dr. Howard is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can diagnose and treat mental health conditions, including prescribing and managing medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while skilled therapists, do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Frances Howard?

Your first visit with Dr. Howard will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. 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. Howard will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

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

Dr. Howard, as the medical leader, will monitor your physical health, manage any co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression with medication, and work closely with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe recovery.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The length of time you need psychiatric medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition. For some, it might be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to manage the condition and prevent future issues, similar to managing high blood pressure. This is something we'll discuss together with Dr. Howard.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and dementia-related behaviors. Our expertise includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Howard's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. We use FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to help reduce cravings and prevent relapse. This is combined with counseling and support to provide the best chance for long-term recovery.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Howard'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 the use of standardized rating scales. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan that can prevent life impairment.

1201 Hays St
Tallahassee FL 32301
Phone: (800) 997-6196

Dr. Frances Howard, 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): 1255733390

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. Frances Howard 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.