Dr. Leonid Altshuler, MD

Dr. Leonid Altshuler, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Fort Lauderdale, 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 (347) 782-7247 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Altshuler is a psychiatrist in Fort Lauderdale, FL with over 25 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Missouri Department Of Mental Health in 1997. With this extensive experience, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Altshuler 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. He is dedicated to the prevention of mental health disorders, prioritizing proactive care and fostering wellness. Dr. Altshuler provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anxiety: Preventative care for anxiety involves regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor to monitor your symptoms and adjust treatment as needed, ultimately reducing the chance of relapse.
• 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.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Managing drug and alcohol dependence helps reduce the risk of serious health complications, such as liver damage or heart disease, and improves quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Understanding your marijuana use patterns and seeking support when needed is crucial in preventing escalation and protecting your mental health in the long term.
• Schizophrenia: Regular monitoring and prompt intervention for schizophrenia can help minimize the impact on daily life and prevent further mental health challenges.
• 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.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: Preventing tobacco use disorder starts with early identification of risk factors and addressing nicotine addiction before it significantly impacts your 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. Leonid Altshuler offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Psychological Counseling: Psychological counseling proactively addresses mental health concerns, helping you identify potential issues early and develop coping strategies before they escalate.
• Internal Family Systems Therapy: Internal Family Systems therapy helps you understand and heal the different parts of yourself, promoting emotional well-being and preventing future mental health challenges.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a type of therapy that can help you develop skills to manage intense emotions and improve your relationships, proactively preventing future emotional distress.
• Detoxification Evaluation: A detoxification evaluation helps determine if you need support to safely withdraw from substances affecting your mental health.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy offers a supportive environment to discuss challenges, learn coping skills, and prevent future mental health setbacks.
• Outpatient Addiction Treatment: Take a proactive step toward lasting recovery; outpatient treatment provides close monitoring and tailored support to help you navigate challenges and avoid relapse.
• Emotional Freedom Technique (EFT): To proactively address emotional distress, consider trying EFT, a technique involving tapping on acupressure points to reduce negative emotions.

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. Leonid Altshuler 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 anxiety triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient experienced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms, fostering greater emotional well-being and a more positive outlook on life.
• By understanding the early warning signs of bipolar disorder and developing a proactive management plan, a patient gained valuable control over their well-being, reducing the risk of severe mood episodes and improving their overall quality of life.
• By proactively addressing potential triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced their risk of drug and alcohol dependence, fostering a healthier and more fulfilling life.

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. Leonid Altshuler:

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

Dr. Altshuler is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications, alongside providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Leonid Altshuler?

Your first visit with Dr. Altshuler will be a comprehensive evaluation covering your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This assessment will help determine an accurate diagnosis and form the foundation for 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. Altshuler will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and 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 Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure for severe mental health conditions like treatment-resistant depression. Performed under general anesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. It's a highly effective option when other treatments haven't worked to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

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 team also has extensive expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication profiles.

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

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

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

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

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Altshuler's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

2803 E Commercial Blvd
Fort Lauderdale FL 33308
Phone: (347) 782-7247

Dr. Leonid Altshuler, 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): 1518137959

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. Leonid Altshuler 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.