Scott Bolton, PA-C is a Geriatric Psychiatrist practicing at our St. Petersburg, FL clinic, 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). 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, creating a supportive environment where patients and their families feel heard and empowered in their healthcare decisions.
As a psychiatry specialist in St. Petersburg, FL, Scott Bolton, PA-C is deeply invested in understanding and addressing the unique mental health needs of seniors. His practice centers on the comprehensive care of older adults, recognizing the intricate interplay between physical and mental well-being. He prioritizes fostering strong relationships with his patients and their families, ensuring that they feel informed and actively involved in their treatment plans. Prospective patients should call (727) 367-2273 to confirm if the provider is currently accepting new patients. Scott Bolton provides consultations primarily in English.
A cornerstone of effective senior care is a strong patient-provider partnership. Scott Bolton is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on holistic strategies to protect health and enhance quality of life.
Dr. Bolton is a compassionate and dedicated partner in your senior's health journey, offering comprehensive geriatric psychiatric care. He expertly addresses complex mental and behavioral health challenges in older adults, from depression and anxiety to dementia, while collaborating closely with primary care physicians and other healthcare providers. His approach prioritizes safety, effective medication management, and the unique needs of each patient, ensuring a supportive and personalized experience for both the senior and their family.
By working together, you, your family, and Scott Bolton can create a clear, actionable plan that respects your individual needs and healthcare goals.
Specific Plans Accepted
Aetna
Also Accepts These Carriers
- Choice Care Network PPO
- Choice Care PPO
- Choice POS
- Cigna
- Cigna PPO
- Curative
- Curative EPO
- Curative PPO
- Curative PPO Plus
- Elect Choice (Open Access) EPO
- First Health
- First Health (Coventry Health Care) PPO
- HMO Premier HMO
- Humana
- Managed Choice (Open Access) POS
- National POS
- Open Access Plus
- Preferred PPO
- Premier Care Network Plus - Innovation Health
- Select HMO
- SureFit South Florida
- Tampa Bay HUMx HMOx
Effective management of health is key to well-being in later life. Scott Bolton 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:
- Chronic Depression: Chronic depression doesn't have to control your life. With the right support from a psychiatrist, including medication and/or counseling, it's possible to manage symptoms effectively and regain a sense of joy and purpose.
- Drug Withdrawal: It's crucial to work closely with your doctor to safely reduce or discontinue any medication to avoid unpleasant withdrawal symptoms and maintain your health and stability.
- Pseudobulbar Affect: Pseudobulbar affect causes unpredictable emotional outbursts, but with the right medical careincluding medication and supportthese episodes can be lessened, allowing for better social interactions and a more comfortable life.
- Grief: Managing grief in later life often involves emotional support, coping strategies, and potentially professional guidance, ensuring seniors can navigate this challenging experience.
- Opiate Dependence: Treatment for opiate dependence can significantly improve an older adult's physical and mental well-being, allowing them to live a more fulfilling life.
- Delirium: Experiencing sudden changes in mental state, such as difficulty paying attention, talking incoherently, or experiencing hallucinations, might indicate delirium, a condition treatable by a physician to help regain mental sharpness and reduce distress.
- Adjustment Disorder: Feeling overwhelmed and struggling to cope after a significant life change is understandable, and it may be adjustment disorder; a mental health professional can provide guidance and support to manage symptoms and regain well-being.
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, Scott Bolton offers a range of services designed to diagnose, manage, and support the health of older adults:
- Psychotherapy for Crisis: For seniors facing a mental health emergency, crisis psychotherapy helps determine the severity of the situation and create a tailored treatment plan that includes both short-term and long-term interventions.
- Psychotherapy With Medication Management: This integrated treatment strategy helps to diagnose the root cause of mental health issues and then utilizes both medication and therapy to alleviate symptoms.
- Antipsychotic Medication Therapy: To help determine the best course of action for managing your mental health, your psychiatrist may consider antipsychotic medication as part of your overall treatment plan.
- Supportive Counseling: As part of a comprehensive approach, supportive counseling helps a psychiatrist assess a senior's emotional state and tailor treatment plans to their unique needs.
- Depression Treatment: A comprehensive approach to depression care ensures seniors receive the appropriate diagnosis, medication management, and support to navigate their mental health journey.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): As part of a holistic care plan, DBT helps seniors build resilience and improve their ability to handle stress, leading to better overall well-being.
- Psychopharmacologic Treatment: This involves prescribing and managing medications to treat mental health issues, considering any other medications a senior might already be taking (polypharmacy) for safer and more effective treatment.
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.
Scott Bolton 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 guidance from a geriatric psychiatrist, a senior was able to successfully manage their chronic depression symptoms, allowing them to reconnect with old hobbies and enjoy more fulfilling social interactions. The family felt a tremendous sense of relief and renewed hope.
- With careful guidance on medication reduction, a senior felt a noticeable decrease in anxiety and sleep disturbances, allowing them to reconnect with their favorite hobby of knitting.
- With the help of a supportive care team, a senior felt less overwhelmed by unpredictable emotional outbursts, allowing them to reconnect with loved ones and enjoy familiar activities more comfortably. The family appreciated the improved stability and peace of mind.
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)
Here are answers to some common questions about Geriatric Psychiatric care with Scott Bolton:
- What is the difference between a Psychiatrist and a Psychologist?
- Dr. Bolton, as a medical doctor, is uniquely qualified to prescribe and manage medications. Psychologists, while experts in therapy and testing, are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medication. Often, psychiatrists and psychologists work collaboratively to provide the best possible care.
- How do you make sure a new psychiatric medication won't interfere with my other medications?
- Dr. Bolton 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 doctor and other specialists to ensure any new treatment is both safe and effective.
- What is ECT (Electroconvulsive Therapy)? It sounds scary.
- ECT, or electroconvulsive therapy, is a safe and effective medical procedure. It involves a brief, controlled electrical stimulation of the brain, performed under general anesthesia, to treat severe depression. It's a powerful tool, sometimes life-saving, for older adults when other treatments haven't worked.
- My loved one with dementia has become very agitated. Can you help?
- Agitation in dementia is unfortunately common. Dr. Bolton will first rule out any medical causes, such as infection or pain. Then, he can help develop a plan, possibly starting with non-medication strategies, and if needed, prescribe medication carefully at the lowest effective dose to improve safety and quality of life.
- 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 of falls and cognitive side effects. Fortunately, there are many other highly effective and safer long-term options for anxiety, such as antidepressants and therapy. Our goal is to manage your anxiety safely and effectively.
- Are psychiatric medications addictive? I'm worried about taking them.
- It's understandable to be concerned 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. Bolton prioritizes finding the safest and most effective long-term solutions for you.
- Do you only prescribe medication, or do you also provide therapy?
- Dr. Bolton's practice includes medication management, but also provides psychotherapy. Many of the most effective treatment plans combine both medication and therapy to address the full range of mental health concerns. This integrated approach is often ideal for older adults.
- I thought Bipolar Disorder was a condition for younger people. Can it start later in life?
- Bipolar disorder can indeed develop later in life. Managing it in older adults requires specialized expertise due to potential medication interactions and co-existing health conditions. Dr. Bolton has extensive experience diagnosing and safely treating late-onset bipolar disorder.
3840 5th Ave N
St Petersburg FL 33713
Phone: (727) 367-2273
Scott Bolton, PA-C 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): 1275162612
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 Scott Bolton 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.