Dr. Ilan Melnick, MD is a Geriatric Psychiatrist dedicated to providing compassionate, comprehensive Geriatric Psychiatric care for older adults at his clinic in Coral Gables, FL. He is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practices under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Geriatric psychiatrists are specialized mental health doctors who expertly manage 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 prospective patients should call (786) 564-9844 to confirm if he is currently accepting new patients.
Dr. Ilan Melnick, MD is a psychiatrist in Coral Gables, FL with over 20 years of experience in the medical field. He earned his medical degree from Universidad Central Del Caribe School Of Medicine in 2001 and is Board Certified in Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry & Neurology. With over 20 years of dedicated experience in Geriatric Psychiatric care, he brings a wealth of clinical knowledge and compassionate care to his patients and their families. He is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions. Dr. Melnick offers consultations in Spanish.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Dr. Ilan Melnick is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Ilan Melnick is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, providing comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly addresses complex mental and behavioral conditions, collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers to ensure a holistic and personalized approach. This includes safe medication management and a focus on understanding individual needs and goals, ultimately maximizing comfort and independence for your loved one.
By working together, you, your family, and Dr. Ilan Melnick can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Blue Card High Performance Network HPN
- Blue Cross Blue Shield
- BlueCard PPO
- BlueCare HMO
- BlueOptions
- BlueSelect
- CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield
- Choice
- Florida Blue
- HealthyBlue Advantage
- SimplyBlue
- myBlue
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Dr. Ilan Melnick 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:
- 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.
- Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Dysthymia, or chronic depression, involves a long-term, low-grade depression that can impact your joy and energy levels. Thankfully, treatment options like medication and counseling can significantly alleviate symptoms and help you regain a sense of purpose and optimism.
- Major Depressive Disorder: If you're experiencing prolonged sadness, fatigue, and difficulty concentrating, it might be major depressive disorder. Fortunately, this condition is effectively managed with treatment from a psychiatrist, potentially improving your mood and ability to engage in activities you love.
- Mood Disorders (Dysthymia and Cyclothymia): Dysthymia and cyclothymia are persistent mood disorders involving long-term, low-level sadness or mood swings, but a psychiatrist can help manage these conditions with therapy and medication, improving your overall well-being.
- Psychogenic Disorders (incl. Psychogenic Pain): Psychogenic pain is physical pain stemming from emotional or psychological factors. A psychiatrist's expertise helps in identifying this connection and using appropriate therapies, medication, or a combination of both, to bring you relief and improve your comfort.
- Manic Disorder: Experiencing a manic episode, a part of bipolar disorder, can involve feeling overly happy, energetic, or irritable, and needs professional help with medication and therapy to regain emotional balance and prevent problems.
- Disruptive Behavior Disorders: Disruptive behaviors, such as pacing, shouting, or resisting care, can signal underlying issues requiring a specialist's attention. A psychiatrist can identify the root cause and create a tailored treatment plan to reduce disruptive behaviors, promoting peace and comfort for both the individual and their family.
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. Ilan Melnick offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Counseling for alcohol or substance misuse is a supportive step in managing mental health conditions and improving overall well-being in older adults.
- Dementia or Depression Screening: Regular screening for dementia and depression allows for proactive management of these conditions, preventing worsening symptoms and potential crises.
- Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation helps your doctor understand your mental health concerns and develop a personalized treatment plan.
- Psychological Evaluation: This in-depth assessment helps identify the root causes of emotional distress, paving the way for effective management of symptoms.
- Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: This evaluation helps doctors create a comprehensive care plan by identifying any underlying mental health conditions that might affect your surgery outcome.
- Substance Abuse Treatment: Substance abuse treatment is a key component of a comprehensive geriatric care plan, addressing any underlying issues contributing to substance dependence.
- Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): MBCT helps seniors build resilience against future mental health challenges by fostering self-awareness and emotional regulation techniques.
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. Ilan Melnick 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:
- Feeling less anxious and more secure at home, a senior couple rediscovered the joy of evening walks, a cherished pastime that had been difficult to enjoy due to anxiety. Improved sleep and reduced stress allowed them to fully engage in their daily routines, bringing renewed happiness and connection to their lives.
- With the support of a skilled professional, a senior regained a sense of joy and purpose, engaging in hobbies that had previously been difficult due to chronic depression. The family reported a noticeable improvement in the senior's overall well-being and daily interactions.
- With the support of a compassionate mental health professional, a senior felt a noticeable reduction in symptoms of sadness and fatigue, allowing them to reconnect with their beloved hobby of painting again.
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
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- 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. Ilan Melnick:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Melnick, as a medical doctor, is licensed to prescribe medications to treat mental health conditions. Psychologists, while experts in psychotherapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists collaborate to provide comprehensive care for older adults.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Melnick has extensive training in how medications interact. A thorough review of all your current medications (a "polypharmacy review") is a core part of our practice. We coordinate closely with your primary care physician and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- While Bipolar Disorder often starts in younger adulthood, it can sometimes develop later in life. Managing it in seniors requires specialized expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health conditions. Dr. Melnick has experience diagnosing and safely managing this condition in older adults.
- 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.
- I have anxiety but I'm worried about taking tranquilizers like Xanax or Valium.
- We understand your concern about taking benzodiazepines. These medications are used very cautiously in older adults due to potential risks. Fortunately, there are many other effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, including antidepressants and therapies. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.
- 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 causes like infection or pain. Dr. Melnick can then help develop a plan, which may include non-medication strategies first, and if necessary, prescribe medication carefully at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life for both the patient and caregiver.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Melnick provides both medication management and psychotherapy. Many of our best treatment plans combine both approaches to address the biological and emotional aspects of mental health conditions.
- 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. Melnick will carefully discuss all options and prioritize your safety.
401 Coral Way Ste 208A
Coral Gables FL 33134
Phone: (786) 564-9844
Dr. Ilan Melnick, 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): 1427048115
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. Ilan Melnick 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.