Dr. Scott Walker, MD

Dr. Scott Walker, MD is a Psychiatrist at Broward Health Physician Group in Fort Lauderdale, 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. Please call (954) 491-8676 to schedule. My passion for mental health stems from recognizing its crucial role in a fulfilling life. I entered the field after a few years in education, pursuing my MD and MPH at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. Following residency at the Harvard Longwood Psychiatry Residency Training Program, with experience at Brigham and Women's Hospital and Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, I bring over 5 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, providing compassionate care to patients and their families. I earned my medical degree from University Of Miami Miller School Of Medicine in 2015 and completed my residency training in 2019. Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, I believe that mental health is a cornerstone of a happy and successful life and a primary goal of mine is to help my patients live their best lives! One of the most exciting aspects of my work is getting to know my patients - their backgrounds, what motivates them, and how I can best support their individual needs. Dr. Scott Walker provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Preventative care for amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence involves regular monitoring and proactive intervention to minimize health risks and support recovery.
• Dementia: While there's no cure for dementia, managing risk factors like heart disease and diabetes and engaging in cognitive stimulation can potentially slow its progression and maintain independence for longer.
• Nondependent Cocaine Abuse: Early intervention for cocaine abuse is crucial to prevent the development of serious health problems and addiction.
• Phobia: By proactively addressing phobic anxieties, you can prevent them from becoming debilitating and significantly improve your quality of life, reducing the risk of related mental health challenges.
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD): Managing Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) through therapy and sometimes medication helps prevent the condition from worsening and impacting your daily life and relationships.
• Nondependent Opioid Abuse: Nondependent opioid abuse, while not causing physical withdrawal, can still negatively affect your mental and physical health, highlighting the importance of proactive management and seeking help.
• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Regularly assessing your alcohol consumption is important for preventing potential health problems; managing nondependent alcohol abuse proactively reduces risks associated with heavier drinking.
• Anxiety: Recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking professional help promptly helps prevent long-term mental health challenges and improves your quality of life.
• Panic Disorder: Panic disorder is a condition where you experience sudden, overwhelming fear and anxiety attacks, but early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent these episodes from significantly impacting your life.
• Bipolar Disorder: Bipolar disorder is a serious mental illness characterized by extreme mood swings, and early diagnosis with consistent treatment can significantly reduce the risk of future episodes and improve overall quality of life.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Helping teenagers navigate emotional and behavioral challenges through early intervention strategies minimizes the impact on their academic success, social relationships, and future opportunities.
• Personality Disorders: Personality disorders are long-term patterns of thinking and behaving that can be addressed through early intervention and therapy to prevent relationship problems and emotional distress.

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. Scott Walker 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.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Strengthen your mental health foundation and prevent future episodes by engaging in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a therapy proven to improve symptoms and promote long-term well-being.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Take a proactive step towards maintaining your cognitive health by undergoing a screening that helps detect early signs of dementia or depression.
• 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 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.
• ACTH (Cosyntropin) Stimulation Test: This test is a valuable tool in evaluating the health of your adrenal glands, which play a significant role in managing stress and influencing your mental and emotional state.

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. Scott Walker 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 risks, a patient developed a personalized strategy for managing their use of psychostimulants, leading to a greater sense of control and well-being.
• By focusing on heart health and engaging in regular brain-stimulating activities, a patient felt empowered to proactively reduce their risk of dementia, ensuring a greater chance of maintaining their independence for years to come.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a proactive strategy, a patient successfully managed their use of cocaine, avoiding the development of problematic patterns and maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and well-being, ensuring a positive outcome for their long-term health.

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. Scott Walker:

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

Dr. Walker is a medical doctor (MD) specializing in mental health. Psychiatrists, unlike psychologists, can prescribe medication to help manage symptoms and are uniquely qualified to provide both medication and therapy. Psychologists are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Scott Walker?

Your first visit with Dr. Walker 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. Walker will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it best addresses symptom management and improves your overall well-being.

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

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

What is Electroconvulsive Therapy (ECT)?

Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) is a safe, modern medical procedure used to treat 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.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Walker's comprehensive evaluation 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, crucial for developing an effective treatment plan to prevent life impairment.

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

Psychiatric medications, like antidepressants or mood stabilizers, work to correct chemical imbalances in the brain, creating a foundation of stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and use your coping skills, which are crucial for preventing future episodes. Consistent treatment is key.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The length of time you need psychiatric medication is highly individualized and depends on your specific condition. For some, it may be short-term, while for others, it's a long-term strategy to manage symptoms and prevent relapse, similar to managing high blood pressure. This is something we discuss openly with Dr. Walker.

Broward Health Physician Group
2866 E Oakland Park Blvd Ste 3
Fort Lauderdale FL 33306
Phone: (954) 491-8676

Dr. Scott Walker, 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): 1649664186

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. Scott Walker 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.