Dr. John Petitto, MD

Dr. John Petitto, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. He practices at his clinic in Gainesville, FL, and is a registered provider with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing 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. Please call (352) 955-5500 to confirm if Dr. Petitto is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. John Petitto, MD is a psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL, with over 35 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, having earned his medical degree from University Of North Carolina At Charlotte in 1987. 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. Petitto provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Acquired Brain Injuries (Neuropsychological aspects): Preventing worsening mental health after a brain injury requires timely diagnosis of neuropsychological impairments, which allows for early interventions and better outcomes.
• Attention Problems: Persistent attention difficulties can impact various aspects of life, but with appropriate support and strategies, many individuals can significantly improve their focus and reduce negative consequences.
• Compulsions: If left unaddressed, compulsions can worsen over time and interfere with various aspects of your life; proactive management can help you prevent these complications.
• Intellectual Functioning Disabilities: Preventative care focused on individuals with intellectual functioning disabilities can minimize potential complications and support their participation in community life.
• Physical Abuse of Child: Preventing relapse in individuals with mental health disorders stemming from childhood physical abuse requires comprehensive care that includes trauma-informed therapy and ongoing support.
• Codependency: Codependency, a pattern of unhealthy reliance on others, can be prevented by building strong self-esteem and healthy relationship boundaries early on, minimizing the risk of future mental health complications.
• Pedophilia: Addressing underlying psychological issues associated with pedophilia through therapy can help prevent future harmful behavior and improve the individual's overall well-being.

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

• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): For those struggling with debilitating mental health conditions, ECT offers a chance to regain control over their lives by effectively targeting severe symptoms and enabling a return to daily function.
• Independent Educational Evaluation: By getting an independent educational evaluation, you can gain valuable insights into your child's learning style and needs, potentially preventing future frustration and helping them reach their full potential.
• Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS): Consider TMS as a tool to enhance your mental wellness journey; it's a non-invasive procedure that may help prevent relapse and improve your quality of life by stimulating specific brain regions.
• Integrated Yoga Therapy: Integrated yoga therapy offers a proactive, mind-body approach to mental wellness, helping you build inner strength and manage symptoms of various mental health conditions.
• Suicide Intervention: Suicide intervention is a proactive step to assess your risk of self-harm and connect you with immediate support to prevent suicide attempts.
• Detoxification: To begin your recovery from substance abuse, detoxification provides a crucial first step in addressing physical dependence and setting the stage for lasting change.
• Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy helps you understand how past experiences influence your current emotions and behaviors, promoting healthier coping mechanisms and preventing future mental health challenges.

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. John Petitto 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 neuropsychological impairments, a patient was empowered to create a personalized plan for managing risk, fostering a sense of control and peace of mind regarding their future well-being.
• By implementing strategies learned through guidance, a patient experienced significant improvements in focus and attention, leading to a more fulfilling daily life. The proactive approach allowed them to manage challenges effectively and confidently navigate daily tasks.
• By understanding and addressing their compulsions early, a patient experienced a significant reduction in their intensity and frequency, leading to improved daily life and emotional 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. John Petitto:

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

Dr. Petitto is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. He can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. John Petitto?

Your first visit with Dr. Petitto 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. Petitto will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it best helps prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Petitto's comprehensive evaluation for adult ADHD goes beyond a checklist. It includes a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and standardized rating scales. This thorough process ensures an accurate diagnosis, crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to prevent life impairment.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it 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.

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

Psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation for stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and utilize your coping skills effectively. Consistent treatment is key to preventing future episodes.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Petitto offers telepsychiatry appointments. This allows for convenient and accessible care, including medication management, from the comfort of your home via secure video.

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

Dr. Petitto plays a key role as the medical leader of the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to support a safe and effective recovery.

1621 NE Waldo Rd
Gainesville FL 32609
Phone: (352) 955-5500

Dr. John Petitto, 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): 1346284247

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. John Petitto 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.