Dr. Gilbert Smith, DO

Dr. Gilbert Smith, DO is a Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Miami, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), he is a trusted partner in preventive mental healthcare. 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.

Dr. Gilbert A. Smith is a child and adolescent psychiatrist with a deep commitment to child and adolescent mental health advocacy. He brings extensive experience to his practice, having completed a residency in psychiatry at Larkin Community Hospital in Miami, followed by a fellowship in child and adolescent psychiatry at Larkin Community Hospital and Nicklaus Children's Hospital. He is Board Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatry by the American Osteopathic Board of Neurology & Psychiatry and is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association and Association of LGBTQ Psychiatrists. His clinical interests include gender identity, gender sensitivity, sexual identity, substance abuse, anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and trauma. Dr. Smith is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and they should call (305) 663-8439 to schedule. He bases his philosophy on the Osteopathic Principles, emphasizing the unity of structure and function, the body's capacity for self-regulation, and the importance of considering the mind and spirit in patient care. Dr. Gilbert Smith provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Prolonged Grief Disorder: By addressing prolonged grief disorder promptly, you can prevent its negative impact on your relationships, work, and overall well-being, making proactive management a valuable preventative strategy.
• 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.
• Conduct Disorder: Early detection and treatment of conduct disorder significantly reduces the risk of incarceration and involvement in the criminal justice system.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): By actively monitoring your moods and seeking professional help when necessary, you can prevent mild mood disorders like dysthymia and cyclothymia from escalating into more severe and chronic conditions.
• Opioid Dependence: Early detection of opioid dependence is crucial for preventing chronic pain, overdose, and other dangerous health complications.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Early intervention for nondependent marijuana abuse can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and prevent reliance on marijuana to manage stress or other challenges.
• Paranoid Personality Disorder: By addressing the core symptoms of Paranoid Personality Disorder through professional guidance, individuals can take proactive steps to mitigate potential risks of heightened anxiety, depression, and interpersonal conflict.
• Depersonalization Disorder: Understanding the warning signs of depersonalization disorder and promptly seeking professional care can prevent the condition from becoming chronic and debilitating.
• Anxiety: Preventative care for anxiety involves regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment as needed, ultimately reducing the chance of relapse.
• 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.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Early detection and treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can significantly reduce its impact on daily life and prevent the development of more severe symptoms.
• Transient Tic Disorder: Catching transient tics early and managing any underlying stress can help prevent them from developing into more persistent tic disorders.

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. Gilbert Smith 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.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge about your brain health through a simple screening for dementia and depression, facilitating early diagnosis and management.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychological Evaluation: Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing with a psychological evaluation; it's a thorough assessment that helps uncover underlying mental health conditions, paving the way for effective treatment.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: To ensure your success with bariatric surgery, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps assess your mental readiness and identifies any underlying conditions requiring treatment.
• Smoking Cessation Treatment: Quitting smoking is a proactive step towards improving your overall mental and physical well-being, reducing your risk of various health complications.
• 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. Gilbert Smith 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 proactively addressing potential grief challenges, a patient gained valuable coping strategies and significantly reduced the risk of developing prolonged grief disorder, promoting emotional well-being and a stronger sense of resilience.
• By proactively working with a mental health professional, a patient identified early warning signs of bipolar disorder, significantly reducing their risk of future episodes and gaining a sense of control over their well-being.
• By attending regular therapy sessions and implementing strategies learned from a mental health professional, a family proactively addressed potential conduct disorder issues, significantly reducing their risk of future challenges. This proactive approach fostered a sense of calm and empowerment, allowing the family to focus on positive development.

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. Gilbert Smith:

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, as well as provide therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Gilbert Smith?

Your first visit with Dr. Smith 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Smith will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it is the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve quality of life.

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, medication may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to manage symptoms and prevent relapse, similar to managing chronic conditions. This is an ongoing conversation with Dr. Gilbert Smith.

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 haven't worked, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Smith offers psychotherapy in addition to medication management. His approach emphasizes a collaborative model, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Smith is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. We 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 are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Smith's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are often prescribed daily to lessen the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. For acute episodes, fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be used as needed.

3100 SW 62nd Ave
Miami FL 33155
Phone: (305) 663-8439

Dr. Gilbert Smith, 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): 1508235359

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. Gilbert Smith 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.