Dr. Justin Chou, MD

Dr. Justin Chou, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Panama City, 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 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. Please call (850) 763-0017 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Justin Chou, MD is a psychiatrist in Panama City, FL with over 10 years of experience in the medical field. He brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Chou has extensive experience in Psychotic Disorders and Personality Disorders. He earned his medical degree from University Of Pittsburgh School Of Medicine in 2010 and is Board Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, and Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He is committed to empowering his patients with the tools and knowledge needed to manage their mental health effectively. His practice prioritizes preventative care and comprehensive treatment plans, helping patients achieve lasting mental well-being. Dr. Justin Chou provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders are crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving quality of life by minimizing the risk of chronic symptoms.
• Conduct Disorder: By recognizing and treating conduct disorder promptly, we can help children build positive relationships and avoid long-term social and emotional difficulties.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Addressing drug and alcohol dependence promptly can prevent relapse and the associated physical and mental health risks.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Preventing PTSD involves recognizing and managing the risk factors associated with trauma exposure and seeking help promptly if symptoms such as nightmares, flashbacks, or anxiety develop after a distressing experience.
• Eating Disorders: Regular monitoring and intervention for eating disorders can significantly improve mental and physical health outcomes, preventing future crises.
• 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.
• Delusional Disorder: Managing delusional disorder involves identifying and addressing the false beliefs to reduce the risk of social isolation and other complications, improving overall well-being.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Early intervention for tobacco use disorder can help prevent relapse and long-term health problems associated with smoking and nicotine addiction.
• Nondependent Opioid Abuse: Even without physical dependence, using opioids improperly can escalate into addiction, emphasizing the need for preventive strategies like early detection and responsible medication use.
• Nightmare Disorder: If you're struggling with recurring nightmares that disrupt your sleep, seeking professional help is important to prevent the development of more serious sleep-related problems and negative mental health outcomes.
• Dissociative Disorder: Catching dissociative disorders early through therapy and support can help manage symptoms and avoid the development of more severe mental health issues.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): If left untreated, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) can lead to significant impairment in social and occupational functioning; proactive diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing these complications.

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. Justin Chou 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.
• 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: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Taking a proactive approach to your mental health, psychiatric medication therapy can help stabilize your symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Psychological Evaluation: Proactively safeguard your mental health with a psychological evaluation – a crucial step in identifying potential problems and implementing strategies to prevent future relapses.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: To ensure your success with bariatric surgery, a pre-operative psychological evaluation helps assess your mental readiness and identifies any underlying conditions requiring treatment.
• 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.

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. Justin Chou 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 actively participating in early intervention strategies, a patient significantly reduced the risk of developing long-term symptoms, gaining a sense of control and peace of mind.
• Recognizing early signs of potential conduct disorder allowed a family to develop strategies for positive behavior, fostering a more supportive and harmonious home environment. This proactive approach significantly reduced the risk of long-term social and emotional challenges for the child.
• By proactively addressing potential triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their risk of relapse and maintained a stable lifestyle, leading to 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. Justin Chou:

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

Dr. Chou is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists, are uniquely qualified to 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. Justin Chou?

Your first visit with Dr. Chou 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. It's 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. Chou will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder, such as alcohol addiction, and another mental health condition, like depression, at the same time. Dr. Chou is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, recognizing that integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?

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

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

Dr. Chou plays a key role in the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to support a safe recovery.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Chou offers both medication management and psychotherapy. He utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Chou's comprehensive evaluation 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 process ensures an accurate diagnosis to develop an effective treatment plan and prevent potential life impairments.

1940 Harrison Ave
Panama City FL 32405
Phone: (850) 763-0017

Dr. Justin Chou, 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): 1154611150

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. Justin Chou 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.