Dr. James Pfeifer, MD

Dr. James Pfeifer, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center in Tallahassee, FL. He is a dedicated partner in preventive mental healthcare, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). His approach focuses on empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care, recognizing 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.

Dr. Pfeifer serves individuals of all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, and has extensive experience in Psychotic Disorders. He is affiliated with Tallahassee Memorial Healthcare and accepts new patients, including telehealth appointments. Dr. Pfeifer 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. To schedule an appointment, please call (850) 431-5105. Dr. James Pfeifer provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Developmental and Learning Disorders: Proactive identification and management of developmental and learning disorders minimizes the risk of emotional distress, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems, creating a brighter future for the child.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Binge eating disorder can be effectively managed with professional guidance, preventing the cycle of emotional distress and overeating, thus safeguarding overall mental and physical well-being.
• Combination Drug Dependence: To prevent long-term health issues, it's crucial to address the use of multiple substances; early identification and appropriate treatment are essential in managing this complex issue.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Preventing the progression of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse to addiction is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health and avoiding devastating consequences.
• Schizophrenia: Managing schizophrenia effectively through medication and therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and associated complications.
• Eating Disorders: Preventive care for eating disorders involves identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to promote healthy eating habits and body image.
• Dementia: Because dementia can significantly impact quality of life, proactive steps like regular cognitive assessments and addressing risk factors like high blood pressure can help prevent or delay its onset.
• Dissociative Disorder: By addressing dissociative symptoms promptly, individuals can improve their emotional regulation, decrease distress, and prevent disruptions in their daily life.
• Depersonalization Disorder: Understanding the warning signs of depersonalization disorder and promptly seeking professional care can prevent the condition from becoming chronic and debilitating.
• Psychosis: Psychosis is a serious mental health condition where a person loses touch with reality, and early intervention with treatment can significantly reduce the risk of long-term disability.
• Suicidal Ideation: Suicidal thoughts are a warning sign that your mental health needs support. Early intervention and treatment can help prevent further mental health complications, including suicide attempts.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Addressing nondependent marijuana abuse early can prevent it from escalating into a more serious substance use disorder, protecting your long-term mental and physical health.

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. James Pfeifer 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): CBT helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors, empowering you to prevent future mental health challenges.
• 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: 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.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) is a non-invasive procedure that uses magnetic pulses to stimulate brain activity, helping to alleviate depression symptoms 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. James Pfeifer 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 family proactively sought guidance on developmental milestones, leading to early intervention strategies and a reduced risk of potential learning challenges, fostering a supportive environment for the child's growth. This proactive approach ensured the child's emotional well-being and minimized the potential for future difficulties.
• By understanding the triggers and developing healthy coping mechanisms, a patient successfully reduced the frequency of binge eating episodes, fostering a sense of control and well-being.
• Recognizing potential risks early, a patient developed a proactive plan with the support of a mental health professional, significantly reducing the possibility of future combination drug dependence and fostering a healthier lifestyle.

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. James Pfeifer:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. James Pfeifer?

Your first visit with Dr. Pfeifer will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current 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. Pfeifer 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.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, work to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation of stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and use your coping skills, significantly reducing the risk of future episodes. Consistent treatment is key to preventing relapses.

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 the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our expertise includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Pfeifer's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical one, utilizing FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. This is combined with counseling and support to provide the most effective path to long-term recovery.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition, such as depression. Dr. Pfeifer is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, which is crucial for successful and lasting 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 preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

Tallahassee Memorial Behavioral Health Center
1616 Physicians Dr
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 431-5105

Dr. James Pfeifer, 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): 1073900841

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. James Pfeifer 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.