Dr. Paul Zislis, MD

Dr. Paul Zislis, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at his clinic in Tallahassee, 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 currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 205-0189 to schedule.

Dr. Paul Zislis, MD is a psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Autonomous University Of Guadalajara School Of Medicine in 1981 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He is affiliated with HCA Florida Capital Hospital, and he is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. With over 40 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. Dr. Zislis is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine and creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. He provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Addressing nondependent alcohol use helps prevent progression to alcohol dependence and related health issues, including mental health problems; proactive management is key to long-term health.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Managing schizoaffective disorder effectively through medication and therapy helps prevent relapses, minimizing the impact on daily life and improving overall well-being and quality of life.
• 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.
• 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.
• Panic Disorder: Regular check-ups with your doctor and a proactive approach to managing stress can significantly help prevent panic disorder from worsening or leading to other mental health issues.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Understanding your risk factors for dysthymia and cyclothymia allows for proactive steps in prevention, ultimately reducing the likelihood of developing more severe and debilitating mood disorders.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): BDD is characterized by excessive worry about perceived physical defects, and seeking professional help early on can prevent the development of serious depression and anxiety.
• Psychosis: Psychosis is characterized by hallucinations and delusions, and proactive care including medication and therapy significantly reduces the likelihood of these symptoms recurring.
• 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.
• Phobia: A phobia is an overwhelming and irrational fear of a specific object, activity, or situation that can significantly impact your daily life, so early intervention and treatment can prevent it from worsening.
• Binge Eating Disorder: Addressing binge eating disorder promptly is key to preventing the development of related issues such as obesity, diabetes, and depression, paving the way for a healthier lifestyle.
• 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.

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. Paul Zislis 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: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by getting screened for alcohol or substance misuse; early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Take a proactive step towards better mental wellbeing by learning coping skills and thought patterns through Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Schedule a screening to assess your risk for depression and dementia—early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and quality of life.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Protect your mental health by scheduling a psychiatric evaluation; it helps screen for various conditions and allows for timely intervention.
• Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps proactively identify potential mental health concerns early on, allowing for timely intervention and preventing more serious issues down the road.
• 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.
• Play Therapy: Play therapy is a proactive approach to supporting children's mental well-being; it helps uncover underlying emotional issues before they significantly impact their development.

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. Paul Zislis 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 understanding their alcohol use patterns and developing healthy coping mechanisms, a patient proactively managed their alcohol consumption, preventing the development of alcohol dependence and related health concerns. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a positive lifestyle and overall well-being.
• By consistently following a personalized treatment plan, including medication and therapy, a patient effectively managed their schizoaffective disorder, preventing relapses and allowing them to maintain a fulfilling daily life.
• By proactively addressing early signs of anxiety, a patient developed coping strategies and reduced the risk of future mental health challenges, gaining a greater sense of 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. Paul Zislis:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who specializes in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental illnesses with medication, and also provide therapy. Psychologists, while also trained in therapy, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Paul Zislis?

Your first visit with Dr. Zislis will be a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will review 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. Zislis will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it is the most effective tool for improving quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Zislis is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. He will first rule out any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused 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 doctors have extensive experience in safely prescribing medications for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Modern addiction treatment is a medical approach that often includes FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. Dr. Zislis's practice combines these medical treatments with counseling and support to provide patients with the best chance of long-term recovery.

How does Dr. Paul Zislis manage medication side effects?

Dr. Zislis takes a proactive approach to managing medication side effects. His goal is to find the medication with the most benefit and fewest side effects. He will start with low doses, monitor you closely, and is an expert at adjusting dosages or changing medications to find the best fit for you.

How can medication help prevent a relapse of my depression or bipolar disorder?

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, help correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation for stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and utilize your coping skills, making consistent treatment a key factor in preventing future episodes.

2606 Centennial Pl
Tallahassee FL 32308
Phone: (850) 205-0189

Dr. Paul Zislis, 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): 1750331765

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. Paul Zislis 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.