Dr. Melody Agbunag, MD

Dr. Melody Agbunag, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Tallahassee, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. She 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. She 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) 523-3333 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Melody Agbunag, MD is a psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL with over 50 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Cebu Institute Of Medicine in 1972 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With over 50 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She is accepting telehealth appointments and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Conduct Disorder: By recognizing and treating conduct disorder promptly, we can help children build positive relationships and avoid long-term social and emotional difficulties.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, and early diagnosis with consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of future episodes and improve overall quality of life.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Preventive mental health care for adolescents with conduct and emotional disorders focuses on identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to build resilience and improve coping mechanisms, thus preventing future crises.
• ADHD and-or ADD: By preventing the escalation of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms, we can safeguard the individual's potential for success and happiness in the future.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Early identification and treatment of chronic depression are vital to reduce its long-term effects on your physical and mental health, preventing potential complications like anxiety or substance abuse.
• Borderline Personality Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of borderline personality disorder can significantly reduce the risk of self-harm and improve long-term mental well-being.
• Autism: Preventative strategies, like early developmental screenings, help identify autism early, enabling access to essential support services and reducing long-term difficulties.
• Anxiety: Early detection and management of anxiety is crucial for preventing it from developing into more serious mental health issues and impacting your overall well-being.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders, if left unmanaged, can increase your risk of mental health crises; however, proactive therapy and support can significantly reduce this risk.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Proactive management of Major Depressive Disorder, including medication and therapy, is crucial to prevent debilitating symptoms and potential future episodes.
• Eating Disorders: Managing an eating disorder effectively minimizes the risk of severe medical issues, such as heart problems and bone density loss.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Early detection of schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders can help prevent social isolation and relationship difficulties, improving overall quality of life.

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. Melody Agbunag 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: Invest in your mental health journey by undergoing alcohol and substance misuse screening; this assessment helps uncover hidden issues that may be affecting your overall health.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term well-being.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening that helps detect early signs of dementia or depression.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation is a vital step towards a healthier you, offering a comprehensive assessment to guide personalized treatment plans and prevent relapses.
• 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.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Proactively manage your mental health journey with psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can pinpoint the root causes of your symptoms and teach you effective self-management strategies.

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. Melody Agbunag 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:

• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a proactive management plan, a family achieved a significant reduction in disruptive behaviors, fostering a more peaceful and supportive home environment. This allowed the child to develop healthier relationships and build a brighter future.
• By actively participating in their mental health plan, a patient proactively managed potential mood swings, significantly reducing the risk of future episodes and enjoying a more stable quality of life.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing coping strategies, a family proactively addressed potential adolescent emotional challenges, fostering a more resilient and stable home environment. This proactive approach reduced the risk of future crises and provided the family with the tools to navigate future situations with confidence.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She 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. Melody Agbunag:

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

Dr. Agbunag is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Melody Agbunag?

Your first visit with Dr. Agbunag will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to help 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. Agbunag will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for preventing symptoms from worsening and improving quality of life.

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

Dr. Agbunag leads the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions like anxiety or depression with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to support a safe recovery.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

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

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Agbunag's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical model. This includes FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. She combines these medical interventions with counseling and support to provide patients with the best possible chance for long-term recovery.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Agbunag's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The duration of psychiatric medication is highly individualized, depending on your specific condition and treatment plan. For some, medication may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term management strategy, similar to medication for high blood pressure. This is a discussion we will have together with Dr. Agbunag.

2634 Capital Cir NE Bldg C
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 523-3333

Dr. Melody Agbunag, 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): 1467558593

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. Melody Agbunag 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.