Dr. Gerald Balsam, MD

Dr. Gerald Balsam, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his Orlando, FL clinic. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under 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, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm new patient acceptance, please call (407) 423-7149.

Dr. Gerald Balsam, MD is a psychiatrist in Orlando, FL, with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from New York Medical College in 1973, and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is accepting telehealth appointments and offers consultations in Spanish. Dr. Balsam's commitment to preventive medicine, combined with his deep understanding of psychiatric care, positions him as a trusted partner in your journey towards optimal mental well-being.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Gerald Balsam 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. Gerald Balsam 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. Gerald Balsam 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: Regular monitoring and proactive management of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms can reduce the likelihood of relapses and improve overall long-term well-being.
• Anxiety: Recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking professional help promptly helps prevent long-term mental health challenges and improves your quality of life.
• 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.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Dysthymia, a type of chronic depression, often requires ongoing care to prevent debilitating symptoms and improve overall well-being, ensuring a better quality of life.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Addressing conduct and emotional problems in teens helps prevent escalation into more severe disorders, reducing the risk of future hospitalizations or long-term disability.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Untreated Major Depressive Disorder can have lasting consequences, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing care to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Understanding your risk factors for dysthymia and cyclothymia allows for proactive steps in prevention, ultimately reducing the likelihood of developing more severe and debilitating mood disorders.
• Phobia: Preventing the development of more severe anxiety issues, phobias should be addressed early on as they can interfere with work, relationships, and 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.
• Psychosis: Preventing future episodes of psychosis involves consistent medication adherence, regular check-ups with your psychiatrist, and stress management techniques to promote mental well-being.
• 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.
• Separation Anxiety: Recognizing and managing separation anxiety in children helps to build healthy coping mechanisms and reduce the risk of future mental health 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. Gerald Balsam 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Proactively address mental health concerns and build resilience by participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven method for managing symptoms.
• 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.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation is a proactive measure to detect early signs of mental health challenges, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery is a crucial step in optimizing your surgical outcome by addressing any mental health concerns that could hinder your progress.
• Couples Therapy: To prevent relationship stress from negatively impacting your mental wellbeing, consider couples therapy as a proactive step in your mental health journey.

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. Gerald Balsam 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 establishing a proactive management plan, a patient found improved focus and reduced disruptive symptoms, leading to greater overall well-being. Regular check-ins and adjustments to daily routines contributed to a positive, long-term impact on their life.
• Recognizing early signs of anxiety and developing coping mechanisms with a professional's guidance, a patient found relief from anxiety's impact on their daily life, fostering a sense of calm and improved well-being.
• By proactively engaging in consistent therapy and lifestyle adjustments, a patient significantly reduced their risk of bipolar disorder episodes, fostering a greater sense of stability and 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. Gerald Balsam:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, as well as provide therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but they do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Gerald Balsam?

Your first visit with Dr. Balsam 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. Balsam will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

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

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Balsam 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.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The duration of psychiatric medication is highly individualized, depending on your specific condition and response to treatment. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term management tool, similar to medication for chronic conditions. This is an ongoing discussion with Dr. Balsam.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Balsam's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

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. We also have expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

736 N Magnolia Ave
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 423-7149

Dr. Gerald Balsam, 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): 1487729059

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. Gerald Balsam 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.