Dr. David Appel, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at Mindpath in Boca Raton, FL, dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Dr. Appel expertly manages complex mental and behavioral conditions in older adults, such as depression, anxiety, and dementia, safely prescribing and managing medications while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. He serves older adults (typically age 65 and older) and is currently welcoming new patients. Please call (772) 206-2874 to schedule an appointment.
Dr. Appel's passion lies in destigmatizing mental illness and empowering patients to improve their quality of life. He helps patients identify obstacles interfering with their well-being and creates an individualized plan to help overcome these barriers. He earned his medical degree from Tel Aviv University and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. Dr. Appel's approach to care is deeply collaborative and evidence-based, fostering a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. He offers consultations in Hebrew.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. David Appel is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Appel acts as a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly manages complex mental and behavioral conditions, such as depression and anxiety, while meticulously coordinating with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic, person-centered approach. This includes safe medication management and a focus on understanding each individual's unique needs and goals, ultimately maximizing comfort, independence, and overall well-being.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. David Appel can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield
Choice POS
Commercial HMO
Commercial PPO
Commercial Plans
Employers Health Network
Excellus BlueCross BlueShield
Florida Blue
Humana
Medicare Advantage HMO
Medicare Advantage PPO
Oxford Health Plans
Premera Blue Cross
UnitedHealthCare
Also Accepts These Carriers
- AARP Medicare Advantage
- AARP Medicare Supplement Plan A
- Advantage65 - Premier Select B & D (Medicare Supplement)
- Advantage65 - Select B & D (Medicare Supplement)
- Advantage65 - Select E (Medicare Supplement)
- Aetna Choice (Aetna HealthFund) POS II
- Aetna Student Health
- Aexcel Choice POS II
- Affordable Health Choices limited benefits insurance plan (SRC only)
- All Savers
- Allegiance
- Arizona Open Choice PPO
- AvMed
- Avmed Commercial Plan
- Bankers Life and Casualty
- Behavioral Health Systems
- Blue Access PPO
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Card PPO
- Blue Choice HMO
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia
- Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida
- Blue High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Options Predictable Cost
- Blue Preferred Patient Care PPO
- Blue Select Gold 1535
- Blue Select PPO
- BlueCare (HMO) with Pediatric Vision HMO
- BlueCare (HMO) with Pediatric Vision and Dental HMO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueChoice
- BlueMedicare / BlueMedicare Group PPO
- BlueMedicare Choice PPO
- BlueMedicare Classic Miami-Dade HMO
- BlueMedicare Classic Plus HMO
- BlueMedicare Classic excluding Miami-Dade HMO
- BlueMedicare Complete HMO
- BlueMedicare Patriot PPO
- BlueMedicare Premier Miami-Dade HMO
- BlueMedicare Premier excluding Miami-Dade HMO
- BlueMedicare Saver HMO
- BlueMedicare Select PPO
- BlueOptions
- BlueOptions HMO
- BlueOptions Health & Dental - Health
- BlueOptions Hospital Surgical Plus
- BlueOptions Temporary Insurance
- BlueOptions with Pediatric Vision
- BlueOptions with Pediatric Vision and Dental
- BlueSelect
- BlueSelect Hospital Surgical Plus
- BlueSelect Temporary Insurance
- BlueSelect with Pediatric Vision
- BlueSelect with Pediatric Vision and Dental
- Bronze Value
- CIGNA HealthCare of Florida
- CVS Health HMO
- Carelon
- Carelon Employer Health Plans
- Central Florida Network HMO
- Choice (Aetna HealthFund) POS
- Choice Care (Humana)
- Choice Care HMO
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice Fund OA Plus
- Choice Fund OA Plus WITH CareLink
- Choice Fund Open Access Plus
- Choice Fund PPO
- Choice Network
- Choice POS (POS)
- Choice Plus HAS
- Choice Plus POS II
- Choice Plus PPO
- ChoiceCare Network PPO
- Choicecare Plus Network PPO
- Cigna
- Cigna Connect Network EPO
- Cigna PPO
- Commercial POS
- Connecticut General Life Insurance
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Devoted Health Medicare Advantage
- Dual Complete
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- Employee Plans
- Evolutions Healthcare Systems
- Federal Employee Program
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- Florida Blue HMO
- Freedom
- Gatorcare
- Gold Copay Focus $0 Indiv Med Ded
- Gold Medicare HMO
- Gold Plus (Medicare) HMO
- HMO Premier HMO
- Health First FL Silver Savings
- Health Network Only (HNOnly)
- Health Network Only (Open Access)
- Health Network Option Open Access
- HealthCare Seamless Network - Florida HMO
- HealthFund Health Network Option (Open Access)
- HealthFund HealthNetworkOnly (Open Access)
- Humana Behavioral Health
- Humana PPO
- HumanaOpen Access EPO
- HumanaOpen Access Plus EPO
- HumanaPreferred OpenAccess POS
- IND On Exchange HMO
- Inc. - Central Florida Select
- Inc. d/b/a Florida Blue
- Individual ON/OFF Exchange HMO
- Individual Under 65
- Innovation Health POS
- Innovation Health PPO
- LocalPlus
- Lucent Health Network
- MVP Insurance
- Magellan Healthcare
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- Managed Choice POS
- Medicare
- Medicare Advantage
- Medicare Advantage PFFS
- Medicare Advantage POS
- Medicare Assure D-SNP HMO
- Medicare Choice Plan HMO-POS
- Medicare Eagle Plan (Medicare Advantage) PPO
- Medicare Premier Plan PPO
- Medicare Premier Plus Plan PPO
- Medicare Select Plan HMO
- Medicare Supplement A
- Miami Dade Blue
- National EPO
- National POS
- National POS - OpenAccess Plus POS
- National POS – Open Access POS
- Neighborhood Health Partnership (NHP) HMO
- NetworkBlue
- NexusACO OA
- OA Plus
- OCPS Plan
- Open Access
- Open Access Aetna Select
- Open Access Aetna Select (Aetna HealthFund)
- Open Access Elect Choice (Aetna HealthFund) EPO
- Open Access HMO
- Open Access Managed Choice (Aetna HealthFund) POS
- Open Access Plus
- Open Choice (Aetna HealthFund) PPO
- Open Choice PPO
- Preferred Care Partners Medicare Advantage
- Preferred Medicare Medicare Advantage
- Preferred PPO
- Preferred Patient Care
- Preferred Savings Medicare Medicare Advantage
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Prime Network PPO
- QPOS
- S&S Healthcare
- Select
- Select HMO
- Select Overseas
- Silver 2-Individual On Exchange HMO
- Silver E Value
- SimplyBlue
- SimplyBlue HMO
- South Florida HUMx HMOx
- Student Health Insurance
- SureFit South Florida
- Surest
- TRICARE Prime Remote
- TRICARE Reserve Select
- TRICARE Retired Reserve
- TRICARE Select
- Tricare
- True Choice Core Medicare
- True Choice Medicare Advantage PPO
- Virtual First Health Care Plan
- Voluntary Plans
- WPS Employee Group
- Young Adult Select
- myBlue Connected Care
- myBlue EPO
- myBlue HMO
- myBlue with Pediatric Vision
- myBlue with Pediatric Vision and Adult Dental
- myBlue with Pediatric Vision and Dental
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. David Appel provides expert, compassionate care for a range of conditions common in older adults, with a focus on managing symptoms and maintaining function. Common areas of focus include:
- Adjustment Disorder: Adjustment disorder is a reaction to stress that can lead to emotional and behavioral challenges; therapy, medication, or a combination of both can help you adjust and regain your sense of normalcy and independence.
- Anxiety: For seniors, anxiety can be eased with a combination of medication and talking therapies, allowing for better sleep, reduced stress, and more comfortable engagement in daily activities.
- Major Depressive Disorder: Major depressive disorder in later life can be successfully treated with a combination of approaches tailored to your specific needs, which may involve medication, talking therapies, or other support, helping you reclaim joy and vitality.
- Panic Disorder: Don't let panic disorder control your life. Treatment options available from a psychiatrist, such as medication and therapy, can help you learn to manage your anxiety, reduce the severity of panic attacks, and maintain a fulfilling life.
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): PTSD, stemming from a past traumatic experience, can affect your ability to function daily, causing symptoms like anxiety, nightmares, and emotional numbness; but with proper care from a psychiatrist, including specialized therapy and potentially medication, you can find ways to heal and regain a sense of well-being.
- Psychosis Due to Mental Illness: Psychosis linked to a mental health condition can disrupt daily life, but a psychiatrist's help, through tailored medication and supportive therapies, is available to manage those symptoms and help you or your loved one regain stability and peace of mind.
- Depressive Episode: A depressive episode doesn't have to define your life. With the right support from a mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, you can effectively manage symptoms and rediscover a sense of purpose and happiness.
This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes. An accurate diagnosis and a personalized care plan can only be developed through a direct consultation with a qualified medical professional based on your specific health history.
To provide comprehensive and person-centered care, Dr. David Appel offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: By assessing alcohol and substance use, your psychiatrist can create a safer medication plan, minimizing interactions and potential side effects.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): To enhance the effectiveness of medication, CBT provides seniors with practical techniques for managing symptoms and improving their quality of life.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: This screening helps differentiate between dementia and depression, leading to more accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment strategies.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: Through a comprehensive evaluation, your psychiatrist can assess your overall mental and emotional well-being, creating a roadmap for better health.
- Psychological Evaluation: A psychological evaluation helps your psychiatrist understand your mental health concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: A psychological evaluation assesses your mental health and identifies any potential issues that could complicate your bariatric surgery and recovery.
- Psychodynamic Therapy: By examining long-term patterns in relationships and behaviors, psychodynamic therapy contributes to a personalized care plan for seniors facing mental health challenges.
Service availability can change. To understand which services are appropriate for your specific health needs, please schedule a consultation to develop a personalized care plan.
All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Geriatric Psychiatrists in Florida.
Dr. David Appel is dedicated to partnering with older adults and their families to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how compassionate care can make a tangible difference in a patient's life:
- Following therapy sessions, a senior felt a significant reduction in anxiety and frustration related to recent life changes, allowing her to reconnect with her beloved book club and rediscover a sense of purpose.
- Feeling anxious about daily life became less overwhelming for a senior after working with a specialist. The senior was able to reconnect with friends and rediscover hobbies, enjoying a more peaceful and fulfilling retirement.
- Feeling more hopeful and connected to loved ones, a senior rediscovered joy in simple pleasures, like spending time with their grandchildren, after successfully managing their Major Depressive Disorder. The family found a renewed sense of peace and stability in their home environment.
These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results vary and depend on many factors specific to each person. He will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.
- Primary Location:
Practice
3801 E Highway 98 Ste 100100, Port St. Joe, FL, 32456
Phone: (850) 229-5752
View on Map
- HCA Florida St. Lucie Hospital Port St. Lucie (Residency Hospital)
- American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology (Psychiatry)
Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Dr. David Appel:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Appel, as a medical doctor, is licensed to prescribe medications. Psychologists, while experts in therapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work together to provide comprehensive care.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Appel has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of his practice. He works closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- I've felt 'down' for a while, but isn't depression just a normal part of getting older?
- Persistent sadness is not a normal part of aging. Late-life depression is a treatable medical condition, not a personal failing. Symptoms like loss of interest, poor sleep, and low energy can be effectively managed with treatments, restoring a sense of well-being.
- Are psychiatric medications addictive? I'm worried about taking them.
- It's understandable to worry about medication addiction. While some psychiatric medications can cause physical dependence, most modern antidepressants and mood stabilizers are not addictive. Some anxiety medications can be habit-forming, but Dr. Appel prioritizes safety and will discuss all options, including non-habit-forming alternatives.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation in dementia is common and often challenging. We will first rule out any underlying medical issues like infection or pain. Dr. Appel can then help create a personalized plan, possibly including non-medication strategies first, and, if needed, carefully prescribe medication at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- While medication management is a core part of our practice, Dr. Appel also provides psychotherapy. The best treatment plans often combine both medication and therapy to address both the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
- What is TMS (Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation)?
- TMS is a modern, non-invasive treatment for depression. It uses focused magnetic pulses to gently stimulate areas of the brain that may be underactive. The procedure is done in the office while you are awake and comfortable, and you can return to your normal activities afterward.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe, effective, and painless medical procedure. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, performed under general anesthesia. It's a powerful treatment option for severe depression that hasn't responded to other therapies, and can be life-saving for older adults.
Mindpath
7000 W Palmetto Park Rd Ste 407
Boca Raton FL 33433
Phone: (772) 206-2874
Dr. David Appel, MD is regulated by the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice) in Florida and is licensed by The Florida Board of Medicine.
National Provider Identifier (NPI): 1235523325
Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.
The information on this profile, provided by infoaging.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with healthcare partners for yourself or a loved one. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the provider named. Geriatric Psychiatrists like Dr. David Appel are skilled in helping seniors and their families navigate their health journey. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. Always consult with a qualified medical professional for any health concerns or before making any decisions related to your care plan.