Dr. Sarah Bolis, MD

Dr. Sarah Bolis, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Gainesville, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she recognizes that General Psychiatrists are your primary partners in preventive mental healthcare. This means 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, committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach that puts you in the driver's seat of your health journey.

Dr. Sarah Bolis, MD is a psychiatrist in Gainesville, FL, affiliated with St. Anthony's Hospital and Baptist Medical Center Jacksonville. She is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology and accepting telehealth appointments. Her commitment to collaborative care creates a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. To confirm if Dr. Bolis is currently accepting new patients, please call (352) 294-4945. She offers consultations in Arabic.

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

• Schizophreniform Disorder: Preventing the progression of schizophreniform disorder to chronic schizophrenia involves a multi-faceted approach including timely treatment with antipsychotic medication, consistent therapy, and ongoing monitoring of your mental health.
• Conversion Disorder: To prevent worsening symptoms and potential chronic health issues, early recognition of conversion disorder – a condition linking psychological distress to physical symptoms – is essential, enabling prompt psychological treatment.
• 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.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Alcohol abuse increases the risk of developing serious mental health problems, making responsible drinking habits and early intervention key for preventative care.
• Nondependent Marijuana Abuse: Regular check-ins with your doctor about your marijuana use can help identify potential problems before they negatively impact your mental well-being and overall health.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Preventive care for drug and alcohol dependence involves early intervention strategies to stop substance abuse before it causes irreversible damage.
• Eating Disorders: Regular monitoring and intervention for eating disorders can significantly improve mental and physical health outcomes, preventing future crises.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Regular monitoring and proactive management of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms can reduce the likelihood of relapses and improve overall long-term well-being.
• 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.
• Combination Drug Dependence: Combining different drugs can lead to unpredictable and dangerous interactions, emphasizing the need for proactive management of your substance use to prevent worsening health problems.
• 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.
• Conduct Disorder: By recognizing and treating conduct disorder promptly, we can help children build positive relationships and avoid long-term social and emotional difficulties.

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. Sarah Bolis 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: Empower yourself on your path to wellness with a screening for alcohol or substance misuse; this preventative measure helps detect and address issues before they escalate.
• Behavior Therapy: Taking a proactive step with behavior therapy can help you develop healthier ways of responding to stress and difficult situations, preventing escalation into mental health episodes.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Protect your mental well-being by participating in a screening designed to identify depression and dementia, enabling timely intervention.
• Group Psychotherapy: Strengthen your mental health and prevent future episodes by engaging in group therapy, where you'll receive support, learn from shared experiences, and develop strategies to manage your condition.
• 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.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Psychiatric medication therapy helps you find the right medication to manage your mental health condition and prevent future episodes.
• Psychological Evaluation: This comprehensive assessment helps screen for various mental health disorders, allowing for early diagnosis and treatment, ultimately minimizing potential long-term effects.
• 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.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Enhance your mental wellness by engaging in psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapy to learn strategies for managing symptoms, preventing future episodes, and improving your overall quality of life.

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. Sarah Bolis 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 adhering to a comprehensive treatment plan, including medication and therapy, a patient successfully managed symptoms and prevented the progression of schizophreniform disorder to chronic schizophrenia, fostering a sense of hope and well-being.
• Recognizing the link between psychological distress and physical symptoms early, a patient proactively sought support, reducing the risk of worsening symptoms and enabling a focused approach to managing their well-being. This proactive plan fostered a sense of empowerment and control over their health journey.
• Recognizing potential triggers and developing coping mechanisms early on, a patient proactively managed stress following a challenging event, ensuring a path toward emotional well-being. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and prevented the development of PTSD symptoms.

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. Sarah Bolis:

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

Dr. Bolis is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. She can prescribe and manage medications, as well as provide therapy. Psychologists, while expert in therapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Sarah Bolis?

Your first visit with Dr. Bolis 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 that may include medication, therapy, or both.

Do I have to take medication if I see a psychiatrist?

No, medication is not required. Dr. Bolis will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication will be considered only if it's determined to be the most effective approach to improving your quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

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

Dr. Bolis plays a key role in the treatment team, monitoring physical health, managing co-occurring conditions with medication, and collaborating with therapists and dietitians to support a safe recovery.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

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

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Bolis is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. She 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.

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used for severe mental health conditions, such as treatment-resistant depression. It's performed under general anesthesia and involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. When other treatments haven't worked, ECT can be a highly effective option to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Bolis's practice utilizes a comprehensive medical approach to addiction treatment, including FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to reduce cravings and prevent relapse. This medical approach is combined with counseling and support to provide patients with the best chance of long-term recovery.

4037 NW 86th Ter Rm 3154
Gainesville FL 32606
Phone: (352) 294-4945

Dr. Sarah Bolis, 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): 1326458738

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. Sarah Bolis 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.