Reviewed 2026-09-21 · DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Lighthouse Point 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
Eating-disorder psychiatric evaluation looks at restriction, binge-purge, body image, electrolytes, and when a higher level of care is safer than outpatient Psychiatric Evaluations.
Anxiety evaluation separates GAD, panic, social anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and medical mimics such as hyperthyroidism or stimulant toxicity.
Visit flow for Psychiatric Evaluations
Records from other clinicians are requested with your authorization; we do not pretend collateral is optional when the history is fragmented.
Opening 10 minutes: chief concern, safety, and what you want the evaluation to decide.
Scales are chosen to match the hypothesis — we do not print every questionnaire in the building.
If telehealth was used, we record why an in-office visit was or was not required.
In-office versus Florida telehealth
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.
Parking at 7603 Davie Road Extension is on site. Lighthouse Point patients who drive 32 minutes should plan for weekday 9:00–17:00 hours; Saturday is by appointment only.
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.
Clinical FAQ
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.
Will you prescribe on visit one?
Only when the diagnosis, safety, and monitoring plan support it. Controlled substances have a higher bar.
How long is a psychiatric evaluation?
New evaluations are typically 60–90 minutes. Follow-up length depends on risk and how many variables changed.
What does 'affordable' in some URLs mean?
Leftover slugs. We do not market cheap care. We bill insurance when in-network and discuss costs before non-covered labs.
Do you diagnose on the first visit?
Usually we can state a working diagnosis and differential after the first complete interview. Some presentations need collateral, labs, or a second visit.
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 offer pharmacogenetic testing?
Yes. We offer pharmacogenetic (GeneSight) testing to determine which psychiatric medications are most likely to be effective for your specific genetic makeup, reducing trial-and-error in medication selection.
What makes your evaluations comprehensive?
Our initial evaluations last 60-90 minutes and include clinical assessment, review of functional lab options, hormone screening discussion, and a personalized treatment plan — not a 15-minute med check.
Labs, scales, and follow-up cadence
Notes are written the same day whenever possible so the record matches the visit.
Benzodiazepines, when used, have an indication, a taper plan, and a discussion of dependence.
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.
Indications and differentials
Pediatric primary care is not the focus of this clinic; adolescents are considered case-by-case.
Antidepressant trials that failed, caused mixed features, or were never given an adequate dose/duration.
New or unexplained mood, anxiety, attentional, or psychotic symptoms lasting beyond a brief adjustment reaction.
Family history of bipolar disorder or psychosis that changes how aggressively we screen.
Next step
Crisis now is 988 or the ER — not the booking form. For non-urgent Psychiatric Evaluations, use (888) 307-2199 during weekday hours.
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.
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.