Dr. Howard Benensohn, MD

Dr. Howard Benensohn, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Miami Beach, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. He is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing in accordance with Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Benensohn understands that 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. Please call (305) 576-6831 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Howard Benensohn, MD is a psychiatrist in Miami Beach, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from the University of Chicago in 1966, earning his medical degree. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Benensohn is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He is dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and strives to understand each patient's unique needs. Dr. Benensohn provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorders: Understanding the nature of chronic tics and seeking professional help when needed aids in prevention of long-term disability and improved social integration.
• 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.
• Alzheimer's Disease With Early-Onset: Early detection of Alzheimer's disease is crucial; prompt diagnosis and treatment can help manage symptoms and improve the overall prognosis, preventing severe disability.
• Tourette's Syndrome: Early diagnosis and management of Tourette Syndrome are crucial for preventing social isolation and improving quality of life by minimizing tic-related challenges.
• AIDS Dementia Complex: Managing HIV effectively through regular testing and medication reduces the risk of developing AIDS Dementia Complex, a serious brain condition that can severely impact daily life.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Preventing binge eating disorder involves recognizing early warning signs like emotional eating or intense food preoccupation to seek timely help and prevent long-term health problems.
• Alzheimer's Disease Without Neurofibrillary Tangles: Even in the absence of typical Alzheimer's markers like neurofibrillary tangles, early diagnosis is crucial for managing the disease and preventing further cognitive decline.

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. Howard Benensohn 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: 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.
• 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: Take charge of your mental well-being with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a crucial step in early diagnosis and treatment of potential mental health disorders.
• 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: 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.
• Psychiatric Services: Invest in your mental health by utilizing psychiatric services to assess your symptoms, receive personalized treatment plans, and prevent future relapses.
• Couples Therapy: Proactively addressing relational conflicts through couples therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and improve your mental health outcomes.

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. Howard Benensohn 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:

• Recognizing the early signs of tics and working with a mental health professional allowed a young person to develop coping strategies, fostering a positive social environment and reducing the long-term impact of the condition.
• By consistently practicing relaxation techniques and attending regular therapy sessions, a patient effectively managed their anxiety, preventing panic attacks from escalating and improving their overall well-being.
• By actively participating in a personalized health plan, a family was able to significantly reduce their risk of early-onset Alzheimer's disease, gaining peace of mind about their future.

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. Howard Benensohn:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medication, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are PhD or PsyD-level experts in psychotherapy and testing, but cannot prescribe medication.

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

Your first visit with Dr. Benensohn will be a comprehensive evaluation, covering your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This assessment helps determine an accurate diagnosis and is the first step in developing a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

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

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 strategy, similar to managing other chronic health conditions. This is something we will discuss and adjust together with Dr. Benensohn.

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

Dr. Benensohn leads the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression with medication, and collaborating closely with therapists and dietitians to ensure a safe and effective recovery.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

TMS is a non-invasive, FDA-approved treatment for depression that doesn't use medication. It gently stimulates underactive nerve cells in the brain using magnetic pulses. It's a safe and effective option for those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Benensohn'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 potential life impairments.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Modern addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical approach. Dr. Benensohn utilizes FDA-approved medications, like Suboxone® or Vivitrol®, to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. He combines this with counseling and support to provide patients with the best possible chance of long-term recovery.

975 Arthur Godfrey Rd Ste 302
Miami Beach FL 33140
Phone: (305) 576-6831

Dr. Howard Benensohn, 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): 1437150521

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. Howard Benensohn 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.