Dr. Pankaj Chokhawala, MD

Dr. Pankaj Chokhawala, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at his clinic in Tallahassee, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 561-8060 to schedule.

Dr. Pankaj Chokhawala, MD is a psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL with over 45 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Seton Hall University in 1977, following an internship at Jj Group Hosps (1972), and residency training in Psychiatrists at Dorothea Dix Hospital (1975). Further specializing in Psychiatry, he pursued fellowship training at William S Hall Psy Inst (1977), deepening his expertise. With this extensive background, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and is fluent in Gujarati, also offering consultations in Hindi. He is only accepting Workers Compensation patients.

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

• ADHD and-or ADD: Early diagnosis and management of ADHD and/or ADD are crucial for preventing academic, social, and occupational difficulties later in life.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the signs of Major Depressive Disorder early and seeking professional help can prevent its progression and greatly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Recognizing the signs of PTSD after a trauma is crucial for preventative care. Seeking professional help early allows for prompt treatment and reduces the likelihood of developing severe, long-term symptoms.
• 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.
• Bipolar II Disorder: Managing bipolar II disorder effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent debilitating depressive episodes and reduces the risk of future hospitalizations or crises, promoting overall well-being.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Preventing the long-term effects of Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) begins with recognizing the symptoms and seeking professional care. Early treatment can improve your quality of life.
• Bipolar IV Disorder: Managing Bipolar IV disorder through medication and therapy is crucial to prevent relapse and maintain stability, improving overall quality of life and reducing the chances of future mental health crises.

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

• 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.
• Internal Family Systems Therapy: To proactively manage your mental health, consider Internal Family Systems therapy, which identifies and addresses conflicting internal emotions and beliefs to improve overall mental wellness.
• Discernment Counseling: To strengthen your mental resilience, discernment counseling offers a supportive space to examine challenging life decisions and navigate them with increased clarity, minimizing the likelihood of future mental health issues.
• Suicide Intervention: Taking part in suicide intervention helps identify warning signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, enabling early intervention and promoting safety.
• Ketamine and Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Combination Therapy: This cutting-edge approach uses ketamine and TMS together to help prevent relapse in individuals with severe mood disorders that require a more aggressive intervention.
• Disability Evaluation: By completing a disability evaluation, you're taking a crucial step toward accessing resources and support that can help you manage your mental health condition and maintain your independence.
• Concussion Treatment (Neuropsychological evaluation): Protect your brain health: a neuropsychological evaluation after a concussion helps pinpoint any cognitive deficits early on, enabling targeted treatment and preventing potential complications.

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. Pankaj Chokhawala 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 ADHD and/or ADD concerns, a family gained valuable insights into supporting their child's development, fostering a more positive and productive home environment. Early interventions led to a reduced risk of future academic and social challenges.
• Recognizing early warning signs and working with a mental health professional, a patient proactively managed potential depressive symptoms, leading to a significant reduction in risk and improved overall well-being.
• Recognizing the warning signs of potential PTSD after a car accident, a patient proactively sought support and developed a personalized plan for managing stress, significantly reducing the risk of long-term symptoms. This early intervention allowed the patient to maintain a positive outlook and effectively navigate their recovery.

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. Pankaj Chokhawala:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but they do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Pankaj Chokhawala?

Your first visit with Dr. Chokhawala 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?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Chokhawala will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication will be considered only when it is the most effective way to improve your quality of life and prevent symptoms from worsening.

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. This creates a stable foundation for therapy and the development of coping skills, significantly reducing the risk of future episodes. Consistent medication use is crucial for preventing relapses.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Chokhawala is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. We will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies (like CBT-I) and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Chokhawala's approach to panic attacks often involves a two-pronged strategy. Preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are used daily to reduce the frequency and intensity of attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for use as needed during acute episodes.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

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

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Chokhawala offers telepsychiatry appointments. We understand the importance of convenient access to care, and secure video appointments allow for expert psychiatric care and medication management from the comfort of your home.

1815 Miccosukee Commons Dr Ste 100
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 561-8060

Dr. Pankaj Chokhawala, 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): 1528188398

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. Pankaj Chokhawala 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.