Dr. Joel Klass, MD

Dr. Joel Klass, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at Behavioral Health Group in Hollywood, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. 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 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. Patients should call (954) 961-1500 to confirm if the doctor is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Joel Klass, MD is a psychiatrist in Hollywood, FL and has over 55 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from University of Miami Miller School of Medicine in 1969. With over 55 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. His extensive training includes an internship at Kansas Medical Center, followed by residency training in Psychiatrists at New York Medical College, NYU Langone Medical Center, and Bellevue Hospital Center. To further specialize, he pursued fellowship training in NYU Langone Medical Center, deepening his expertise in a specific area of patient health. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Klass's commitment to patient well-being extends to providing consultations primarily in English.

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

• Learning Disabilities: Addressing learning disabilities early can significantly reduce the risk of future social, emotional, and academic difficulties, improving long-term mental health outcomes.
• Bipolar I Disorder: Understanding and actively managing bipolar I disorder through medication adherence and therapy helps prevent relapses and maintains stability in your life.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Catching dissociative amnesia early and addressing underlying trauma can prevent its progression and reduce the risk of related mental health complications.
• Eating Disorders: Addressing eating disorders promptly reduces the likelihood of relapse and helps individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
• IBS Associated With Psychological Disorders: By actively addressing mental health alongside IBS, you can effectively prevent symptom flares, improve digestive health, and maintain a better overall sense of well-being.
• Postpartum Disorders: Preventive strategies, such as support groups and open communication with healthcare providers, play a critical role in managing and mitigating the risk of developing postpartum disorders.
• Nondependent Sedative, Hypnotic, or Anxiolytic Abuse: Protecting your mental health means recognizing the signs of sedative, hypnotic, or anxiolytic misuse and getting support to prevent worsening issues and potential addiction.

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. Joel Klass offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Antipsychotic Medication Therapy (Inpatient Only): Inpatient antipsychotic medication therapy helps manage severe mental illness, ensuring close supervision and targeted medication adjustments to prevent relapse.
• Psychiatric Evaluation - Child and Adolescent: Take a proactive step in your child's mental health journey with a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation designed to detect potential problems and guide treatment planning.
• Intervention: Intervention is a crucial step in improving your mental wellbeing, involving a collaborative approach with your doctor to develop and maintain a treatment plan.
• Psychoanalysis: Psychoanalysis can help you understand the root causes of your mental health challenges, enabling early intervention and preventing future issues.
• Anger Management Worksheet: This worksheet is a tool to help you track your anger, understand its causes, and learn healthier ways to respond, thereby preventing future difficulties.
• Lithium Therapy (Inpatient Only): Inpatient lithium therapy is a specialized treatment option for managing severe mental health conditions, offering close monitoring and support to help you stabilize and prevent future episodes.
• Transgender Care (Psychological support): Take a proactive step towards your mental well-being by accessing psychological support tailored to transgender individuals, addressing unique challenges and promoting overall mental health.

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. Joel Klass 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 learning challenges early, a family gained valuable insights and strategies, significantly reducing future academic and social anxieties. This proactive approach fostered a supportive environment, empowering the child to thrive.
• By consistently taking medication and attending therapy sessions, a patient successfully managed their bipolar I disorder, preventing relapses and maintaining a stable, fulfilling life. This proactive approach allowed the patient to focus on personal goals and enjoy a greater sense of well-being.
• By understanding and addressing potential triggers, a patient proactively managed their mental well-being, significantly reducing the risk of developing dissociative amnesia and related challenges.

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. Joel Klass:

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

Dr. Klass is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. He can prescribe and manage medications, as well as provide therapy. This differs from a psychologist, who is a PhD/PsyD expert in psychotherapy and testing, but does not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Joel Klass?

Your first visit with Dr. Klass will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review 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. Klass will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective tool for improving your quality of life.

How does Dr. Joel Klass manage medication side effects?

Dr. Klass takes a proactive approach to managing medication side effects. His goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects. He will start with low doses, closely monitor your response, and is an expert at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit for you.

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 behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our psychiatrists have extensive experience with safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

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

Dr. Klass plays a key role as the medical leader of your treatment team. He will monitor your physical health, manage any co-occurring conditions with medication, and work 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 does not involve medication. It uses magnetic pulses to gently stimulate nerve cells in the brain that are underactive in depression, offering a safe and effective option for preventing symptoms in those who haven't found relief with antidepressants.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Klass's approach to panic attacks involves a two-pronged medication strategy. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), aim to reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be used as needed to manage acute episodes.

Behavioral Health Group
3700 Washington St
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 961-1500

Dr. Joel Klass, 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): 1982904629

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. Joel Klass 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.