Dr. Tamara Lazenby, MD

Dr. Tamara Lazenby, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Winter Haven, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands 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.

Dr. Tamara Lazenby, MD is a psychiatrist in Winter Haven, FL, who earned her medical degree from Eastern Virginia Medical School and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Her approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to working alongside patients to develop personalized strategies for optimal well-being. To confirm if she is currently accepting new patients, please call (856) 797-4772. Dr. Tamara Lazenby provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Managing your alcohol consumption can protect your mental wellbeing; reducing alcohol intake can prevent or lessen the severity of alcohol-induced mental health disorders.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Managing amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence through treatment helps reduce the risk of relapse and avoids potentially life-threatening complications.
• Amphetamine or Related Acting Sympathomimetic Abuse: Preventing relapse from amphetamine misuse requires ongoing monitoring and management; early diagnosis and treatment are key to long-term recovery.
• Anxiety: Taking steps to manage anxiety, such as lifestyle changes and stress reduction techniques, can prevent it from escalating and disrupting your daily life.
• Combination Drug Dependence: Preventing relapse and managing the complications of multiple substance dependencies requires careful monitoring and a comprehensive treatment plan, highlighting the importance of early detection and intervention.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Managing drug and alcohol dependence helps reduce the risk of serious health complications, such as liver damage or heart disease, and improves quality of life.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Untreated Major Depressive Disorder can have lasting consequences, emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and ongoing care to maintain stability and prevent relapse.
• 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.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Taking steps to manage non-dependent drug and alcohol use helps safeguard against developing more serious substance use disorders that may impact many aspects of your life.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

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. Tamara Lazenby 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: Protecting your well-being starts with knowing your risks: a simple screening for alcohol or substance misuse can help identify potential problems early and prevent serious complications.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Proactively address mental health concerns and build resilience by participating in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), a proven method for managing symptoms.
• Dementia or Depression Screening: Invest in your future by getting screened for dementia and depression; early intervention can help prevent debilitating symptoms and preserve cognitive function.
• 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: Proactively safeguard your mental health with a psychological evaluation – a crucial step in identifying potential problems and implementing strategies to prevent future relapses.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: Before bariatric surgery, a psychological evaluation helps identify any mental health conditions that could affect your recovery and ensures you're well-supported throughout the process.
• Psychotherapy and Psychophysiological Therapy (incl. Biofeedback): Take proactive steps towards better mental wellbeing by exploring psychotherapy and psychophysiological therapies, which can help identify and address underlying mental health concerns before they worsen.

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. Tamara Lazenby 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 consumption patterns and setting realistic goals, a patient significantly reduced their risk of alcohol-induced mental health issues, fostering a healthier and more balanced lifestyle.
• By actively engaging in therapy and developing coping mechanisms, a patient significantly reduced the risk of amphetamine relapse and experienced a greater sense of control over their well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential triggers and developing coping strategies, a patient significantly reduced the likelihood of relapse from amphetamine misuse, fostering a sense of hope and control over their recovery journey.

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. Tamara Lazenby:

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

Dr. Lazenby and her team are psychiatrists, medical doctors specializing in mental health. They can provide therapy and prescribe and manage medications, which is a unique capability compared to psychologists, who are experts in psychotherapy but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Tamara Lazenby?

Your first visit with Dr. Lazenby will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. We will discuss 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. Lazenby will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for preventing symptoms from worsening and improving quality of life. It is not required for every patient.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Lazenby's practice uses a two-pronged approach to medication management for panic attacks. Daily preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), help reduce the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications are also available for use during acute episodes as needed.

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. Performed under general anesthesia, it involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain. It's a highly effective option when other treatments have not worked, helping to prevent life-threatening symptoms.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Lazenby's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized area 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 team also has extensive experience in safely prescribing medications for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Lazenby offers telepsychiatry appointments. These secure video sessions provide convenient and accessible psychiatric care and medication management from the comfort of your home.

200 Avenue F NE
Winter Haven FL 33881
Phone: (856) 797-4772

Dr. Tamara Lazenby, 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): 1508988494

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. Tamara Lazenby 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.