Dr. Thomas Valente, MD

Dr. Thomas Valente, MD is a Psychiatrist 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) at his clinic in Leesburg, FL. 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 (352) 315-7420 to schedule.

Dr. Thomas Valente, MD is a psychiatrist in Leesburg, FL with over 30 years of experience in the medical field. He graduated from Rutgers New Jersey Medical School in 1991 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. He is affiliated with medical facilities such as AdventHealth Waterman and UF Health Leesburg Hospital. Dr. Valente brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families, consistently practicing collaborative, evidence-based medicine. He is accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. Dr. Valente provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Nondependent Alcohol Abuse: Nondependent alcohol abuse can still contribute to various health concerns, including liver damage and increased risk of accidents; taking steps to moderate your drinking protects your overall well-being.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Recognizing the signs of Major Depressive Disorder early and seeking professional help can prevent its progression and greatly improve your overall well-being and quality of life.
• Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): By actively monitoring your moods and seeking professional help when necessary, you can prevent mild mood disorders like dysthymia and cyclothymia from escalating into more severe and chronic conditions.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Preventing relapse in chronic depression involves a comprehensive approach including medication, therapy, and lifestyle adjustments, significantly enhancing your overall health outcomes.
• Schizophrenia: By prioritizing early intervention and ongoing care, we can help individuals with schizophrenia live fulfilling lives and prevent severe complications.
• 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.
• 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.
• Tobacco Use Disorder: By proactively addressing tobacco use, you're taking vital steps to improve your overall mental and physical well-being and prevent future health issues.
• ADHD and-or ADD: By preventing the escalation of ADHD and/or ADD symptoms, we can safeguard the individual's potential for success and happiness in the future.
• Phobia: Phobias, if left untreated, can lead to avoidance behaviors and social isolation. Seeking help early helps manage the fear and prevent these negative consequences.
• Nondependent Drug and Alcohol Abuse: Preventing the progression of non-dependent drug and alcohol abuse to addiction is crucial for maintaining mental and physical health and avoiding devastating consequences.
• Drug and Alcohol Dependence: Regular health check-ups and early intervention strategies can help prevent drug and alcohol dependence from escalating into more serious issues.

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. Thomas Valente 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): As part of your proactive mental healthcare plan, consider CBT to learn techniques for managing stress, anxiety, and depression, reducing the risk of relapse.
• Couples Therapy: Proactively addressing relational conflicts through couples therapy can significantly reduce the risk of relapse and improve your mental health outcomes.
• 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: Family psychotherapy offers a proactive approach to early diagnosis and treatment, addressing family dynamics that may influence the development or worsening of mental health conditions.
• Group Psychotherapy: Group therapy offers a supportive environment to discuss challenges, learn coping skills, and prevent future mental health setbacks.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively manage your mental health journey with a psychiatric evaluation; it's a critical tool for early detection and effective management of mental health conditions.
• 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: Taking a proactive step towards a healthier you, a psychological evaluation before bariatric surgery helps screen for potential mental health issues that may impact your surgery and recovery.
• 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.

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. Thomas Valente 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 the potential health risks of nondependent alcohol abuse and developing a personalized moderation plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of future health problems and gained greater peace of mind.
• Recognizing early warning signs of potential Major Depressive Disorder and engaging in a proactive treatment plan, a patient achieved a significant reduction in depressive symptoms and improved overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a fulfilling life.
• By understanding their mood patterns and seeking support early, a patient proactively managed their symptoms, preventing the progression of mild mood disorders into more serious conditions. This proactive approach fostered a sense of control and well-being.

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. Thomas Valente:

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

Dr. Valente is a medical doctor specializing in mental health. He can prescribe and manage medication, in addition to providing therapy, a unique ability compared to psychologists, who are experts in psychotherapy and testing but do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Thomas Valente?

Your first visit with Dr. Valente 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, which may include medication, therapy, or both.

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

Dr. Valente will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, recommended when it is the most effective tool for improving quality of life and preventing symptoms from worsening.

How do you diagnose ADHD in adults?

Dr. Valente'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. An accurate diagnosis is crucial to developing an effective treatment plan to prevent life impairment.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Valente's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

How long will I need to be on psychiatric medication?

The length of time you need psychiatric medication varies greatly depending on your specific condition and response to treatment. 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 other chronic conditions. This is something we discuss together, and it's an ongoing conversation with Dr. Valente.

What is the medical approach to treating addiction?

Dr. Valente's approach to addiction treatment is a comprehensive medical one, utilizing FDA-approved medications like Suboxone® or Vivitrol® to manage cravings and prevent relapse. He combines these medical interventions with counseling and support to provide patients with the best possible chance of long-term recovery.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field 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 expertise includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication profiles.

2020 Tally Rd
Leesburg FL 34748
Phone: (352) 315-7420

Dr. Thomas Valente, 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): 1467416511

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. Thomas Valente 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.