Dr. Susan Balk-Kradel, MD

Dr. Susan Balk-Kradel, MD is a Psychiatrist practicing at her clinic in Panama City, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care. 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 and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Call (850) 913-8313 to schedule.

Dr. Susan Balk-Kradel, MD is a psychiatrist in Panama City, FL and has over 35 years of experience in the medical field. She graduated from MEMORIAL HOSPITAL / SCHOOL OF RADIATION THERAPY TECHNOLOGY in 1988 and is affiliated with medical facilities such as HCA Florida Gulf Coast Hospital and Ascension Sacred Heart Bay. With over 35 years of dedicated experience in Psychiatric care, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. She earned her medical degree from Memorial Hospital, School Of Radiation Therapy Technology in 1988 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. She 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. Dr. Balk-Kradel provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Susan Balk-Kradel 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. Susan Balk-Kradel 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. Susan Balk-Kradel 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:

• Dissociative Disorder: Managing dissociative symptoms through therapy and, in some cases, medication can greatly reduce the risk of experiencing debilitating episodes or long-term disability.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder is a serious mental illness where symptoms of schizophrenia, like hallucinations or delusions, occur alongside mood episodes like mania or depression, and early diagnosis with proper treatment can significantly reduce long-term disability.
• Autism: Addressing autism's challenges through behavioral therapies and support systems can lessen the risk of co-occurring conditions like anxiety and depression.
• Bipolar Disorder: Understanding the signs and symptoms of bipolar disorder is crucial for early intervention, preventing severe mood episodes and associated complications like job loss or relationship difficulties.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Addressing ADHD and/or ADD symptoms early can significantly reduce the risk of developing co-occurring mental health conditions and substance use 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.
• Conduct Disorder: Effective management of conduct disorder through therapy and support can help children develop healthy coping mechanisms, preventing relapse into disruptive behaviors.
• Schizophreniform and Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizophreniform and schizoaffective disorders can be effectively managed with early detection, proper medication, and supportive therapy, minimizing the risk of future episodes and promoting mental well-being.
• 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.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Catching dysthymia and cyclothymia early is key to preventing long-term mental health challenges and improving overall well-being through consistent management and treatment.
• Conduct and Other Emotional Adolescent Disorders: Preventive mental health care for adolescents with conduct and emotional disorders focuses on identifying risk factors and implementing strategies to build resilience and improve coping mechanisms, thus preventing future crises.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Psychosis stemming from a mental illness can be significantly improved with timely intervention; proactive management reduces the risk of severe disability.

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. Susan Balk-Kradel 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.
• 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: A psychiatric evaluation is a proactive step to identify and address any underlying mental health concerns, helping prevent future challenges.
• 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.
• Intellectual Management: Taking steps to improve and maintain your cognitive health is crucial for preventing the onset or worsening of certain mental health conditions.
• Counseling Services: Counseling provides a supportive environment to discuss challenges and develop healthy coping mechanisms, promoting early diagnosis and preventing escalation of mental health symptoms.

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. Susan Balk-Kradel 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 triggers and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of experiencing debilitating dissociative episodes, fostering a greater sense of well-being and control over their mental health.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a proactive treatment plan helped a patient manage their mood swings and psychotic symptoms, significantly reducing the risk of long-term disability associated with schizoaffective disorder.
• By proactively addressing potential autism challenges with tailored behavioral therapies, a family found peace of mind in knowing they were strengthening coping mechanisms and reducing the risk of future difficulties.

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. Susan Balk-Kradel:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. They can diagnose and treat mental illnesses, including prescribing and managing medications. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but cannot prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Susan Balk-Kradel?

Your first visit with Dr. Balk-Kradel 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. Balk-Kradel will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving your quality of life.

Can you provide therapy in addition to medication management?

Dr. Balk-Kradel offers psychotherapy in addition to medication management. Her approach is collaborative, working closely with patients' therapists to ensure a cohesive and comprehensive treatment plan.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Balk-Kradel's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Preventive medications like SSRIs help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for acute episodes as needed.

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 of stability. This allows you to fully engage in therapy and effectively use your coping skills, significantly reducing the risk of future episodes. Consistent treatment is key to preventing relapses.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Balk-Kradel's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

What is a 'dual diagnosis'?

A dual diagnosis means having both a substance use disorder and another mental health condition, such as depression. Dr. Balk-Kradel is trained to treat both conditions simultaneously, as integrated treatment is key to successful, long-term recovery.

1000 W 11th St
Panama City FL 32401
Phone: (850) 913-8313

Dr. Susan Balk-Kradel, 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): 1669552352

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. Susan Balk-Kradel 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.