Reviewed 2026-09-21 · DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC
Adult psychiatric evaluation for Lighthouse Point patients
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.
Psychiatric Evaluations for Lighthouse Point patients
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.
Lab testing in psychiatry is hypothesis-driven: TSH, ferritin, B12, folate, vitamin D, CBC, CMP, and selected hormones. We do not shotgun every biomarker on earth.
Visit flow for Psychiatric Evaluations
Opening 10 minutes: chief concern, safety, and what you want the evaluation to decide.
Medical review flags thyroid, anemia, cardiac QT risk, pregnancy, and neurologic symptoms that redirect the workup.
Labs are ordered when they could change management, not to decorate the chart.
After the visit you should be able to repeat the working diagnosis and the next three steps.
Monitoring and safety in Psychiatric Evaluations
Informed consent is documented for off-label use when evidence supports it and alternatives were discussed.
Pregnancy status and contraception when prescribing agents with teratogenic or lactation issues.
We do not combine MAOIs with contraindicated agents. We do not ignore serotonin syndrome risk.
Benzodiazepines, when used, have an indication, a taper plan, and a discussion of dependence.
Indications and differentials
Pediatric primary care is not the focus of this clinic; adolescents are considered case-by-case.
Prior diagnoses that conflict with each other or with the current mental status exam.
A request for a second opinion before a major medication change or a disability form.
Perimenopausal, postpartum, PMDD, or androgen-related mood change that has not been medically reviewed.
Parking, hours, and video visits
Lighthouse Point sits in Broward 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.
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.
Follow-up is scheduled before you leave so the evaluation is not a one-off performance.
Formulation is shared in plain language: what is likely, what is possible, what we are watching.
Questions we hear about Psychiatric Evaluations
Is the visit confidential?
HIPAA applies, with the usual safety exceptions (imminent harm, mandated reports).
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.
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.
Can I use this evaluation for a legal letter?
Only if the interview actually supports the opinion. We do not write unsupported letters.
Will you prescribe on visit one?
Only when the diagnosis, safety, and monitoring plan support it. Controlled substances have a higher bar.
Do you replace my therapist?
No. Psychiatric evaluation and psychotherapy are complementary.
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.
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.
After Psychiatric Evaluations is scheduled, complete intake forms once. Repeating the same history at every visit is what we are trying to avoid.
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.