Dr. Petronella Mbu, MD

Dr. Petronella Mbu, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Tallahassee, FL. 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.

Dr. Petronella Mbu, MD is a psychiatrist in Tallahassee, FL, affiliated with Miami Valley Hospital. She earned her medical degree from Ross University School Of Medicine and is Board Certified in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry and Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey, and encourages you to call (850) 567-9707 to schedule an appointment. Dr. Mbu's approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Preventive care for drug and alcohol dependence involves early intervention strategies to stop substance abuse before it causes irreversible damage.
• Personality Disorders: Early diagnosis and management of personality disorders are crucial to prevent significant impairments in personal, social, and occupational functioning.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Early intervention for nondependent marijuana abuse can help you develop healthier coping mechanisms and prevent reliance on marijuana to manage stress or other challenges.
• Manic Disorder: Early diagnosis and treatment of manic disorder are crucial for preventing the severe consequences associated with untreated episodes, such as financial problems, strained relationships, and risky behaviors.
• 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.
• 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.
• Suicidal Ideation: Preventing suicide requires recognizing and addressing suicidal ideation promptly; seeking professional help is vital for developing a safety plan and managing underlying mental health conditions.
• Dissociative Disorder: Dissociative disorders involve disruptions in memory, identity, and awareness, and early intervention can prevent long-term complications like relationship problems and career difficulties.
• 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.
• 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.
• Opioid Dependence: Preventing opioid dependence involves recognizing risk factors and seeking help early, as ongoing use can cause significant physical and mental health issues.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) is a serious condition that can be effectively managed with early detection and treatment, significantly reducing the risk of long-term complications and preventing relapse.

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. Petronella Mbu 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): CBT helps you identify and change negative thinking patterns and behaviors, empowering you to prevent future mental health challenges.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Empower yourself with knowledge about your brain health through a simple screening for dementia and depression, facilitating early diagnosis and management.
• Family Psychotherapy: As a proactive step in maintaining your mental well-being, family psychotherapy helps improve communication and support within the family to create a more supportive environment.
• 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: A psychological evaluation is a proactive measure to detect early signs of mental health challenges, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery is a crucial step in optimizing your surgical outcome by addressing any mental health concerns that could hinder your progress.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Prevent mental health issues from escalating by seeking psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy; these approaches identify stressors and provide tools to build resilience and prevent relapses.
• Psychotherapy for Crisis: Prevent a mental health crisis from spiraling by seeking immediate support through crisis psychotherapy, which helps stabilize your condition and teaches skills for future self-management.

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. Petronella Mbu 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 plan with a mental health professional, a patient reduced their risk of drug and alcohol dependence, fostering a healthier and more secure future.
• By proactively addressing potential personality disorder traits, a patient gained valuable insights and coping mechanisms, leading to improved relationships and a more fulfilling life.
• Recognizing potential patterns of marijuana use early, a patient developed healthier coping mechanisms, reducing the risk of dependence and promoting overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to focus on building resilience and managing stress without relying on marijuana.

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. Petronella Mbu:

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

Dr. Mbu is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, who provide therapy but do not prescribe medication, psychiatrists are uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medication, in addition to offering therapy.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Petronella Mbu?

Your first appointment with Dr. Mbu will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances to accurately diagnose your needs. 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. Petronella Mbu will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective tool for improving your quality of life and preventing 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 correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation for stability. This stability allows you to fully engage in therapy and build your coping skills. Consistent treatment is key in preventing future episodes.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the mental health needs of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our team has expertise in safely prescribing medications for seniors, often taking multiple medications.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Mbu offers both medication management and psychotherapy. She utilizes a collaborative approach, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a comprehensive treatment plan. This ensures that medication and therapy work together effectively to address the patient's needs.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Mbu's comprehensive evaluation process for adult ADHD goes beyond a simple checklist. It includes a detailed interview about lifelong symptoms, a review of school and work history, and standardized rating scales. This thorough approach ensures an accurate diagnosis to create an effective treatment plan and prevent potential life impairments.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Mbu's approach to panic attacks involves a two-pronged medication strategy. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the overall frequency and intensity of attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may also be used on an as-needed basis to manage acute episodes.

3425 Bannerman Rd Ste 105-217
Tallahassee FL 32312
Phone: (850) 567-9707

Dr. Petronella Mbu, 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): 1861768392

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. Petronella Mbu 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.