Dr. Nelson Pichardo, MD

Dr. Nelson Pichardo, MD is a Psychiatrist with a Focus on Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, practicing at our Orlando, FL clinic. He's dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive psychiatric care, registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. This area of practice is key to prevention, focusing on the early detection and management of child & adolescent psychiatry to help patients maintain long-term health. He serves individuals of all ages, and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (407) 303-1763 to schedule.

Dr. Nelson Pichardo, MD is a psychiatrist in Orlando, FL, with extensive experience in Personality Disorders, Psychotic Disorders, and Addiction & Substance Abuse. He is affiliated with AdventHealth Orlando, accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. He earned his medical degree from Utesa School Of Medicine and completed residency training in Psychiatry at Bronx Lebanon Hospital Center, specializing in the comprehensive medical care of individuals of all ages. Dr. Pichardo is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. His approach to care is firmly rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Pichardo offers consultations in Spanish.

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

• Borderline Personality Disorder: Preventive care for borderline personality disorder involves identifying symptoms early and developing coping mechanisms to reduce the frequency and severity of crises.
• 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.
• Cocaine Addiction: Managing cocaine addiction effectively reduces the risk of relapse and associated health problems, such as heart disease and stroke.
• Nondependent Cocaine Abuse: Managing cocaine abuse proactively can significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications and improve overall well-being.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Managing amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence through treatment helps reduce the risk of relapse and avoids potentially life-threatening complications.
• Developmental and Learning Disorders: Proactive identification and management of developmental and learning disorders minimizes the risk of emotional distress, low self-esteem, and behavioral problems, creating a brighter future for the child.
• Manic Disorder: Managing manic disorder effectively involves proactive strategies like regular check-ups with your psychiatrist, adherence to prescribed medications, and lifestyle adjustments to minimize the chance of mood swings and prevent relapses.
• Schizophrenia: Schizophrenia is a chronic condition, but proactive management, including consistent medication and support, helps prevent worsening symptoms and promotes stability.
• Opioid Dependence: Preventing opioid dependence involves recognizing risk factors and seeking help early, as ongoing use can cause significant physical and mental health issues.
• Schizophreniform Disorder: Schizophreniform disorder is a short-term mental health condition similar to schizophrenia, but its symptoms last less than six months, and early intervention can significantly reduce the risk of developing chronic schizophrenia.
• 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.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Early detection and management of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse can prevent it from escalating into a more serious addiction, significantly improving your overall health and 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. Nelson Pichardo offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy offers a proactive approach to early diagnosis and treatment, addressing family dynamics that may influence the development or worsening of mental health conditions.
• Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT): ECT is a powerful treatment option for individuals experiencing severe mental health crises, offering rapid symptom relief when other methods haven't provided adequate results.
• Psychotherapy for Crisis: Prioritize your well-being and seek crisis psychotherapy to address immediate mental health challenges and learn coping strategies to prevent future crises.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy offers a supportive environment to discuss challenges, learn coping skills, and prevent future mental health setbacks.
• 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.
• 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.
• Other Psychiatric Medication Therapy (Inpatient Only): Taking proactive steps towards mental wellness, this inpatient-only program provides specialized medication therapies to address severe mental health conditions and help you get back on your feet.
• Antipsychotic Medication Therapy (Inpatient Only): To help stabilize severe mental health symptoms, inpatient antipsychotic medication therapy provides intensive support and medication management.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Take charge of your mental well-being with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a crucial step in early diagnosis and treatment of potential mental health disorders.
• 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.
• Stress Management: Proactively managing stress can help prevent mental health issues from developing or worsening.
• Medication Management: Proactive medication management helps you find the right balance of medication to effectively manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.

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. Nelson Pichardo 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 therapy and developing coping strategies, a patient experienced a significant reduction in the frequency and intensity of emotional distress, leading to a more stable and fulfilling life.
• A young woman, after a difficult experience, proactively sought support from a mental health professional, reducing her risk of developing PTSD and gaining valuable coping mechanisms to navigate future challenges. This proactive approach empowered her to maintain emotional well-being and build resilience.
• By understanding the warning signs and developing a proactive coping strategy, a patient significantly reduced their risk of cocaine relapse and associated health problems. This approach empowered them to maintain a healthier lifestyle and improved their 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. Nelson Pichardo:

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

Psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) specializing in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental illnesses, including prescribing and managing medication, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, while also providing therapy, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Nelson Pichardo?

Your first visit with Dr. Pichardo will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover 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?

Dr. Pichardo will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Pichardo's approach to addiction combines FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol®, which can help reduce cravings and prevent relapse, with counseling and support. This comprehensive medical approach gives patients the best chance at long-term recovery.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Pichardo offers telepsychiatry appointments. This convenient option allows for secure video consultations and medication management from the comfort of your home, improving accessibility to expert care.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

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

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

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

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Pichardo's comprehensive evaluation for adult ADHD goes beyond a simple checklist. It includes a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, 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.

601 E Rollins St
Orlando FL 32803
Phone: (407) 303-1763

Dr. Nelson Pichardo, 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): 1649437401

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. Nelson Pichardo 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.