Reviewed 2026-09-21 · DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Aventura psychiatric evaluation: scales plus history
Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC conducts a structured diagnostic interview, then decides which labs, scales, and follow-up cadence actually belong on the plan.
What Psychiatric Evaluations actually includes
Walk-in language on older URLs means we will try to find an earlier slot when risk is high — not that a diagnostic interview happens in a lobby.
A psychiatric evaluation is a diagnostic procedure: history, mental status, risk, collateral when needed, and a differential. It is not a personality quiz.
Indications and differentials
Prior diagnoses that conflict with each other or with the current mental status exam.
Not indicated solely to obtain a letter that the interview does not support.
Perimenopausal, postpartum, PMDD, or androgen-related mood change that has not been medically reviewed.
Family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis that changes how aggressively we screen.
20-minute path to the Hollywood office
Aventura sits in Miami-Dade County. County-level resources (crisis lines, hospital ERs, IOP programs) are discussed during Psychiatric Evaluations when a higher level of care is safer than outpatient titration.
Commute noise on I-95 and the Turnpike changes whether an in-office Psychiatric Evaluations visit is realistic this week. Telehealth is used when the clinical exam does not require the office.
South Florida heat, hurricane disruption, shift work, and multigenerational households show up in Aventura presentations. Psychiatric Evaluations intake asks about those stressors explicitly.
You were told you 'don't look depressed,' which is not a diagnostic criterion.
How Psychiatric Evaluations is structured
Medical review flags thyroid, anemia, cardiac QT risk, pregnancy, and neurologic symptoms that redirect the workup.
If telehealth was used, we record why an in-office visit was or was not required.
Safety: if risk is high, we stop the routine template and use crisis pathways.
Follow-up is scheduled before you leave so the evaluation is not a one-off performance.
Clinical FAQ
Is this a psychiatrist (MD/DO)?
Care is provided by Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC — a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. She diagnoses and prescribes within Florida APRN scope. She is not an MD psychiatrist.
Is GeneSight required?
No. It is considered after failed medication trials or significant side effects.
Do you treat ADHD in adults?
Yes, with a differential that includes sleep, trauma, mood, and thyroid mimics. Childhood history still matters.
What if I am in crisis?
Call 988 or go to an emergency department. This clinic is not an after-hours crisis line.
Do you replace my therapist?
No. Psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapy are complementary.
What labs might you order?
Hypothesis-driven: TSH with free T4, ferritin, vitamin D, B12, folate, CBC, CMP, and selected hormones. Not every patient needs every test.
Is your practice discreet for Aventura patients?
Absolutely. We maintain strict HIPAA compliance, and our telehealth option ensures complete privacy. Many Aventura patients prefer virtual appointments from their residence or office.
Do you address image-related anxiety and mood disorders?
Yes. We treat the full spectrum of anxiety and mood disorders, including those related to social pressure, perfectionism, and performance expectations common in high-achieving communities.
Monitoring and safety in Psychiatric Evaluations
If GeneSight is used, results are filed with the limitation statement in the note.
Missed appointments after a high-risk visit trigger outreach, not silent discharge.
Higher level of care is recommended when outpatient Psychiatric Evaluations cannot hold the risk.
Follow-up interval tightens when a new antidepressant, antipsychotic, or mood stabilizer is started.
Next step
Request a Psychiatric Evaluations visit by calling (888) 307-2199 or using the booking form. Bring current medications, prior labs, and a list of what has already been tried.
If Psychiatric Evaluations is the right next step, schedule a 60–90 minute intake with Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC. Same-week telehealth follow-ups are used after the diagnostic visit when clinically appropriate.
Related care
Clinician: Dr. Dorothy Chatelier, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. Last medical review: 2026-09-21.
Florida telehealth psychiatry is available to established and new patients located in Florida at the time of the visit, subject to licensure and clinical appropriateness. An in-person evaluation at the Hollywood office may be recommended when a physical exam, vital signs, or a more complete diagnostic interview is needed.
This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. It does not establish a provider-patient relationship. Always seek care from a qualified clinician for questions about a medical or psychiatric condition. If you are in crisis, call 988 or go to the nearest emergency department.