Dr. Howard Layman, MD

Dr. Howard Layman, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Fort Myers, FL. 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 patients should call (877) 855-3470 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Howard Layman, MD is a psychiatrist in Fort Myers, FL and has over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Autonomous University Of Guadalajara School Of Medicine in 1977. With over 45 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Layman provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Early detection and treatment of psychosis, often linked to other mental illnesses, are crucial to prevent debilitating complications and improve long-term well-being.
• Cocaine Addiction: Recognizing the signs of cocaine addiction early and seeking professional help can prevent a worsening of symptoms and improve chances of successful recovery.
• 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.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Managing amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence through treatment helps reduce the risk of relapse and avoids potentially life-threatening complications.
• 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.
• Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is crucial for early intervention, preventing severe mood episodes and associated complications like job loss or relationship difficulties.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Preventing relapse in chronic depression involves a comprehensive approach including medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, significantly enhancing your overall health outcomes.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: By proactively addressing tobacco use, you're taking vital steps to improve your overall mental and physical well-being and prevent future health issues.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: If you're struggling with amphetamine abuse, seeking professional help can prevent serious health issues and improve your overall well-being.
• 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.
• Opioid Dependence: Preventive measures for opioid dependence focus on safe opioid use, proper pain management, and readily available addiction treatment, improving health outcomes.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Regular health check-ups and early intervention strategies can help prevent drug and alcohol dependence from escalating into more serious issues.

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 Layman 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term 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.
• Group Psychotherapy: Take a proactive step toward better mental health by participating in group therapy, a valuable tool for identifying early signs of mental illness and developing effective coping mechanisms.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a vital step towards a healthier you, offering a comprehensive assessment to guide personalized treatment plans and prevent relapses.
• 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: 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.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Improve your mental health by participating in psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy; these techniques can help you manage stress, learn coping skills, and 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. Howard Layman 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:

• A patient, through consistent therapy and medication management, significantly reduced the risk of psychosis, regaining a sense of stability and hope for a fulfilling future. Early intervention allowed them to proactively manage their mental health, preventing potential long-term complications.
• Recognizing early warning signs of cocaine use and seeking professional support empowered a patient to develop coping mechanisms, significantly reducing the risk of addiction and promoting a healthier future. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and well-being.
• By understanding their anxiety triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient proactively reduced their risk of future anxiety episodes, enjoying greater peace of mind and improved 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. Howard Layman:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) who specializes in mental health. They are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medication, 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. Howard Layman?

Your first visit with Dr. Layman will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances. This thorough evaluation 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Layman 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.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Layman offers telepsychiatry appointments. This convenient option allows for secure video sessions, providing expert psychiatric care and medication management from the comfort of your home.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder, like alcohol addiction, and another mental health condition, such as depression, at the same time. Dr. Layman is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term 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 may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to manage the condition and prevent relapse, much like managing high blood pressure. This is something we will discuss further with Dr. Layman.

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.

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

Dr. Layman leads the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to support a safe recovery.

1870 Colonial Blvd
Fort Myers FL 33907
Phone: (877) 855-3470

Dr. Howard Layman, 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): 1720095912

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 Layman 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.