Dr. Valerie Westhead, MD

Dr. Valerie Westhead, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Psychiatric care at her clinic in Fern Park, 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 involves 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 patients should call (407) 831-2411 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Valerie Westhead, MD is a psychiatrist in Fern Park, FL with over 40 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine in 1984 and is Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine, and Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With this wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care, she brings a commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is accepting telehealth appointments and provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Anxiety: Recognizing the signs of anxiety and seeking professional help promptly helps prevent long-term mental health challenges and improves your quality of life.
• Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Recognizing and addressing the root mental illness causing psychosis is vital for preventing future episodes and promoting sustained mental health.
• Schizoid and Schizotypal Personality Disorder: Early detection of schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders can help prevent social isolation and relationship difficulties, improving overall quality of life.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Early identification of antisocial personality disorder is crucial for preventing its long-term consequences, such as legal trouble and strained relationships.
• 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.
• Narcissistic Personality Disorder: Addressing narcissistic personality disorder early can significantly reduce the risk of self-destructive behaviors and improve your ability to maintain healthy relationships.
• Cocaine Addiction: Cocaine addiction is a serious health concern, but with proper diagnosis and treatment, you can significantly reduce its impact on your life and well-being.
• 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.
• Schizoaffective Disorder: Schizoaffective disorder combines features of schizophrenia and mood disorders, so proactive monitoring and consistent treatment are crucial to prevent the worsening of symptoms and potential crises.
• 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.
• Autism: Early diagnosis of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) allows for timely interventions, improving communication skills and reducing future challenges.
• 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. Valerie Westhead 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: Take a proactive step towards better mental health by getting screened for alcohol or substance misuse; early detection can significantly improve treatment outcomes.
• 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: 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 is a proactive measure to detect early signs of mental health challenges, enabling prompt intervention and reducing the risk of worsening symptoms.
• 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.
• Dyslexia Assessment: Take a proactive step towards understanding your child's learning potential with a dyslexia assessment; early detection enables personalized educational strategies and prevents long-term academic struggles.
• Group Psychotherapy: Proactively address mental health concerns and enhance your well-being by joining a group therapy setting where you can connect with others and build resilience.

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. Valerie Westhead 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:

• Recognizing early signs of anxiety and developing coping strategies with professional guidance, a patient experienced a significant reduction in anxiety symptoms and improved overall well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to manage daily life more effectively and confidently.
• By proactively addressing the underlying mental health condition, a patient significantly reduced the risk of future psychosis episodes, fostering a greater sense of stability and well-being.
• By understanding the early warning signs of schizoid and schizotypal personality disorders, a patient was able to develop coping mechanisms and strategies, strengthening their relationships and reducing social isolation. This proactive approach fostered a greater sense of well-being and improved overall quality of life.

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. Valerie Westhead:

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

Dr. Westhead and her team at [Practice Name] are psychiatrists, meaning they are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) specializing in mental health. Unlike psychologists, who are experts in therapy and testing, psychiatrists can also prescribe and manage medications to help treat mental health conditions.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Valerie Westhead?

Your first visit with Dr. Westhead will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment, covering your medical history, symptoms, and life circumstances. This thorough evaluation is the first step in developing a personalized treatment plan, which may include medication, therapy, or a combination of both.

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

No, medication is not required. Dr. Westhead will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes, and medication is a collaborative decision, recommended only when it's the most effective way to prevent symptoms from worsening and improve your quality of life.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Westhead is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. She will first evaluate for any underlying medical or psychiatric causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focusing on the mental health of older adults. It involves diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and behavioral symptoms of dementia. Our expertise includes safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their complex medication regimens.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Westhead's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Westhead's practice uses a two-pronged approach. Preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are prescribed daily to lessen the frequency and intensity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be used as needed to manage acute episodes.

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

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

237 Fernwood Blvd
Fern Park FL 32730
Phone: (407) 831-2411

Dr. Valerie Westhead, 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): 1811045230

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. Valerie Westhead 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.