Prevention Specialists

Mental Health

Our Approach

“Mental health disorder” can sound like a serious label. However, did you know that mental health disorders are nearly as common as high blood pressure? Unlike high blood pressure, however, mental health disorders are not silent diseases. They often cause significant emotional, as well as physical, pain and disruption of life that can stifle personal growth and potential. Due to their insidious onset and the fact that they often present with nonspecific symptoms, mental health disorders can be difficult to recognize by both patients and physicians. Additionally, in spite of how common they are and how much impairment they can cause, there remains this archaic stigma on mental health disorders, preventing individuals from seeking the appropriate attention and care.

Fortunately, advances in modern medicine have revolutionized our understanding of mental health disorders and have given us the ability to diagnose and treat them effectively and completely, just like any other “medical problem.” Dr. Weisberg and his staff at Prevention Specialists, Ltd. (PSL) are committed to using these advances to help their patients achieve remission from their mental health disorders. Remission is defined by a complete recovery, with restoration of normal functioning, or wellness, as opposed to response which is a measurable, but incomplete, clinical improvement in symptoms. Dr. Weisberg has a team of full-time therapists on staff dedicated to helping patients gain the coping skills that are an essential ingredient in the achievement of remission.

As both a Board Certified Internist as well as a Master Psychopharmacologist, Dr. Weisberg has the unique combination of clinical skills to treat the “whole patient,” in which mental health and physical health are inseparable. In addition to his training and 16 years of clinical experience in General Medicine, he specializes in the diagnosis and pharmacologic treatment of mental health disorders including:

Depression
Anxiety and Panic Disorders
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
PMS
Bipolar Disorder
Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
Sleep Disorders
Chronic Fatigue
Addiction
Eating Disorders
Chronic Pain

Dr. Weisberg has created a unique program to help his patients called Medicalizing Mental Health. His approach assumes that mental health disorders, as in physical health issues, are medical problems. He treats mental health as a part of his patient’s comprehensive health and wellness plan, by integrating the diagnosis and treatment of mental health disorders into a primary care setting where they are most likely to initially present. This setting for treatment also allows his patients to pursue all of their health goals simultaneously, with the ultimate goal of achieving optimal health; physical and mental.

Medicalizing Mental Health is a rational and systematic program, that follows a very specific methodology which entails:

A Comprehensive Physical Examination. Because the right treatment depends on the right diagnosis, this first step is critical in order to get patients to remission. During this initial evaluation, Dr. Weisberg conducts appropriate laboratory testing and spends what ever time it takes getting to know every relevant detail of each individual he treats. He gathers in-depth information to pinpoint what he calls “target symptoms,” which can include both emotional as well as physical symptoms. This is all done in the context of a complete understanding of every patient’s medical history and current medical issues.
Once diagnostic screenings and a thorough examination are completed, Dr. Weisberg prepares a detailed Health Report that contains a General Health Assessment and a Plan of Therapeutic Action. The ultimate goal of treatment is to get patients to optimal functional levels in all spheres of their lives: physical, social, occupational and interpersonal. In most cases, achieving remission includes pharmacologic and lifestyle interventions.
Pharmacologic Intervention (medication) may be necessary. The initial goal of treatment is to alleviate all “target symptoms” which is the essential first step towards obtaining remission or a full functional recovery. Dr. Weisberg provides each patient with Complete Prescribing Information that reviews, in detail, exact dosages as well as all potential risks, side effects and adverse events for each medication prescribed.
Lifestyle Modifications may also be required, as medications – by themselves – will not typically get a patient to remission. Good nutrition, exercise, regular sleep patterns and moderation and/or abstinence from alcohol are mandatory for achieving remission. In addition, “talk” therapy with Dr. Weisberg or one of his professional staff is usually beneficial, but not mandatory.
The Therapeutic Relationship is the most important ingredient to achieving remission. Dr. Weisberg strongly believes in frequent Follow Up to monitor his patients’ progress, ensure medication compliance and outcomes, and pursue additional paths required to treat the “whole patient.” While he completely respects his patients’ right to privacy, Dr. Weisberg encourages educational sessions with family members or significant others in order to involve these key individuals in the remission process. He has developed methods by which he can monitor his patients’ progress via e-mail between visits so his patients can feel totally supported. This is what Dr. Weisberg refers to as the “therapeutic friendship” he feels is essential in getting his patients well.

Above all, realistic expectations are important to recovery. While some individuals may respond to treatment as early as in the first week, it usually takes at least 12 weeks to one year – and often a trial with more than a single medication – to “get well.”

To contact Dr. Weisberg, send an e-mail to info@preventionspecialists.com or call Dr. Weisberg directly at 847.793.9800 ext. 106.