Dr. Vijaya Ravindran, MD

Dr. Vijaya Ravindran, MD is a Psychiatrist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive psychiatric care at her clinic in Fort Myers, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands the crucial role of preventive mental healthcare. 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 committed to creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (239) 939-3939 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Vijaya Ravindran, MD is a psychiatrist in Fort Myers, FL with over 55 years of experience in the medical field. She earned her medical degree from Kerala Medical College in 1965, and with this extensive experience, she brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to her patients and their families. Dr. Ravindran is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology, demonstrating her commitment to rigorous standards of care. Her approach to care is collaborative and evidence-based, emphasizing a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Dr. Vijaya Ravindran provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Alzheimer's Disease With Early-Onset: Participating in research studies on early-onset Alzheimer's helps contribute to advancements in prevention and treatment, improving outcomes for future generations.
• Encopresis: Addressing encopresis early can help avoid the social and emotional distress it causes children, preventing further behavioral problems and improving their quality of life.
• Delusional Disorder: Delusional disorder is a serious mental health condition where a person holds unshakeable false beliefs, and early intervention with therapy can prevent these beliefs from significantly impacting their life.
• Narcolepsy: Prevent the significant impact of narcolepsy on your daily life by actively pursuing diagnosis and treatment, thereby mitigating the challenges it poses to your daily activities and relationships.
• Sexual Assault: Experiencing sexual assault significantly increases the risk of developing mental health conditions like PTSD and depression, highlighting the importance of early intervention and support to prevent long-term complications.
• Learning Disabilities: Addressing learning disabilities early can significantly reduce the risk of future social, emotional, and academic difficulties, improving long-term mental health outcomes.
• Psychogenic Nonepileptic Seizures: Psychogenic nonepileptic seizures (PNES) are episodes that look like seizures but originate from the brain's emotional centers, not electrical disturbances, and early diagnosis helps prevent unnecessary anti-seizure medication and focuses treatment on the underlying emotional factors.

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. Vijaya Ravindran offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT): Interpersonal and Social Rhythm Therapy (ISRT) helps you stabilize your mood by improving your sleep patterns and daily routines, preventing future mood episodes.
• Violence Risk Assessment: A violence risk assessment is a proactive step to identify individuals at risk of harming themselves or others, allowing for early intervention and support.
• Behavioral Activation: Behavioral activation helps you break free from negative cycles by focusing on positive activities and building healthier habits to prevent relapse.
• Psychiatric Medication Therapy: Taking a proactive approach to your mental health, psychiatric medication therapy can help stabilize your symptoms and reduce the risk of relapse.
• Mindfulness Meditation: Mindfulness meditation is a proactive technique to help manage stress and anxiety, potentially preventing future mental health challenges.
• Anger Management Worksheet: This anger management worksheet helps you understand your anger triggers and develop healthy coping strategies to prevent escalation.
• Discernment Counseling: To strengthen your mental resilience, discernment counseling offers a supportive space to examine challenging life decisions and navigate them with increased clarity, minimizing the likelihood of future mental health issues.

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. Vijaya Ravindran 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 participating in research studies focused on early-onset Alzheimer's, a family gained valuable insights into risk reduction strategies, fostering a proactive approach to their health and generating hope for the future. This proactive engagement empowered them to confidently plan for the future with peace of mind.
• By addressing encopresis early, a family experienced a significant reduction in the behavioral challenges associated with the condition, promoting a healthier and happier home environment. This proactive approach allowed the child to thrive and focus on their emotional well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential warning signs and engaging in regular therapy, a patient successfully managed their thoughts and feelings, preventing the development of delusional disorder and maintaining a fulfilling 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. Vijaya Ravindran:

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

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in mental health. They can prescribe and manage medications, in addition to providing therapy. Psychologists, on the other hand, are experts in psychotherapy and testing, but they do not prescribe medication.

What can I expect during my first psychiatric evaluation with Dr. Vijaya Ravindran?

Your first visit with Dr. Ravindran will involve a comprehensive medical and psychiatric assessment. This will cover your medical history, current symptoms, and life circumstances to arrive at an accurate diagnosis. This is the first step in developing a personalized 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. Ravindran will discuss all treatment options, including psychotherapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is a collaborative decision, used when it is the most effective way to improve your quality of life and prevent symptoms from worsening.

Can you help with sleep problems like insomnia?

Yes, Dr. Ravindran is an expert in sleep-wake disorders. She will first rule out any underlying causes and then recommend treatments, including behavioral therapies and, when appropriate, safe and effective sleep medications.

Do you offer telepsychiatry (virtual) appointments?

Yes, Dr. Ravindran offers telepsychiatry appointments. This allows for convenient and accessible care, including medication management, through secure video sessions from the comfort of your home.

How are panic attacks treated with medication?

Dr. Ravindran's approach to panic attacks often involves a two-pronged medication strategy. Preventive medications, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are used daily to lessen the frequency and severity of panic attacks. Fast-acting anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed for use as needed during acute episodes.

What is involved in geriatric psychiatry?

Geriatric psychiatry is a specialized field focused on the mental health of older adults, diagnosing and managing conditions like late-life depression, anxiety, and the behavioral symptoms of dementia. We also have expertise in safe medication prescribing for seniors, considering their often complex medication regimens.

Do you treat children and adolescents?

Dr. Ravindran's practice focuses on adult psychiatry.

3033 Winkler Avenue Ext
Fort Myers FL 33916
Phone: (239) 939-3939

Dr. Vijaya Ravindran, 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): 1982613550

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. Vijaya Ravindran 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.