Reviewed 2026-09-21 · DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Adult psychiatric evaluation for Fort Lauderdale patients
Crisis is 988. This evaluation is outpatient diagnostic work.
Psychiatric Evaluations for Fort Lauderdale patients
Mood disorder evaluation asks about duration, anhedonia, mixed features, postpartum onset, seasonality, and hypomania — because treatment diverges.
Mental health assessment in this practice means structured interviewing plus scales. Screening is not the same as a full diagnostic formulation.
Indications and differentials
Prior diagnoses that conflict with each other or with the current mental status exam.
Substance use that may be inducing or masking a primary psychiatric disorder.
New or unexplained mood, anxiety, attentional, or psychotic symptoms lasting beyond a brief adjustment reaction.
Insomnia that is either a syndrome of its own or a driver of daytime psychiatric symptoms.
Visit flow for Psychiatric Evaluations
Plan includes psychotherapy referral, medication or not, labs, and a follow-up date.
Psychiatric review of systems covers mood, anxiety, psychosis, OCD, trauma, ADHD, sleep, eating, and substance use even if you came for only one of those.
Scales are chosen to match the hypothesis — we do not print every questionnaire in the building.
Opening 10 minutes: chief concern, safety, and what you want the evaluation to decide.
Parking, hours, and video visits
Fort Lauderdale (Broward County) has about 183,000 residents. The nearest Peace & Heart Wellness exam room is the Hollywood office, about 20 minutes from Las Olas, Port Everglades, and the downtown medical district.
Neighborhoods we hear from most in Fort Lauderdale include Victoria Park, Flagler Village, Coral Ridge, and the beach barrier island. ZIP codes 33301, 33304, 33305, 33306 map to this service-area page.
Scales are chosen to match the hypothesis — we do not print every questionnaire in the building.
Plan includes psychotherapy referral, medication or not, labs, and a follow-up date.
Labs, scales, and follow-up cadence
PDMP review before controlled substances. No stimulant start from a chat message.
Follow-up interval tightens when a new antidepressant, antipsychotic, or mood stabilizer is started.
Collateral from a partner or parent is requested when insight is limited — with consent.
Safety screen every visit: SI/HI, psychosis, inability to care for self, and intoxication.
Clinical FAQ
Is the visit confidential?
HIPAA applies, with the usual safety exceptions (imminent harm, mandated reports).
How do I prepare?
Medication list, prior psych notes, recent labs, and a timeline of symptoms. Sleep and menstrual data help.
How long is a psychiatric evaluation?
New evaluations are typically 60–90 minutes. Follow-up length depends on risk and how many variables changed.
How soon is follow-up?
Often 2–4 weeks after a new medication or a complex formulation; longer when stable.
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.
Can the evaluation be done by video?
Often yes if you are physically in Florida and a physical exam is not required. High-risk, first-episode psychosis, or complex medical cases may need the Hollywood office.
Do you serve downtown Fort Lauderdale?
Yes. Our Hollywood office is about 20 minutes from downtown Fort Lauderdale, and we offer telehealth appointments for busy downtown professionals.
Can you help with work-related anxiety and burnout?
Absolutely. We see many Fort Lauderdale professionals dealing with workplace stress, burnout, and performance anxiety. Our evaluations identify root causes and create targeted treatment plans.
Book Psychiatric Evaluations
Questions about insurance, labs, or whether Psychiatric Evaluations can be done by video: call (888) 307-2199 before you book so the visit type matches the clinical need.
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.