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DOCTOR SAM logo

Samantha Saltz, MD

DOUBLE BOARD-CERTIFIED
CHILD, ADOLESCENT & ADULT PSYCHIATRIST
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Psychiatry is my calling. To each of my patients, thank you for your trust in me and for your commitment to creating a fulfilled life.

Dr. Sam is a double board-certified child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist practicing in South Florida. She serves as a voluntary assistant professor at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine.

Dr. Sam was originally from Highland Park, Illinois. Always having a passion for helping others, she was accepted to and completed the 7-year honors program in medicine at the University of Miami. Doctor Sam graduated Summa Cum Laude from University of Miami and with research distinction from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She served as chief resident of her child and adolescent psychiatry fellowship and was senior administrative liaison of the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. She has received some of the highest honors and awards in medicine including induction into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Society. She was an Area V award winner, received the humanitarian award, the senior research award, the Elliot Stein Award and several other honors.

Dr. Sam is extensively published both in academic journals and local newspapers. She has co-authored a chapter in Kaplan and Sadock, which is one of the most prestigious textbooks of psychiatry. Her expertise has been shared with her community on the radio and on television. She is passionate about psychiatry, mental health and the overall wellness of other people.

Why I Practice Psychiatry

Many ask why I went into psychiatry. Patients come to me asking for advice on how to live life. We talk about relationships, self-esteem, challenges, and fears. At the end of an intense session one of my patients asked me a question that has continued to resonate with me: “Why do you care about me so much?” The question is simple, yet the answer is rather complex.


Since the time of Freud in the early 1900s, psychiatrists and psychologists have emphasized the importance of the therapeutic alliance, or the relationship between the patient and the provider, and its effect on treatment. Meta analyses, including one completed in 1991 by Horvath and Symonds, and another completed in 2000 by Martin et al., have shown that the therapeutic alliance impacts the outcome of the patient and their condition. As the patient gets involved in treatment, the patient learns to trust their psychiatrist. The psychiatrist, and those who do therapy, in turn becomes privileged with a unique responsibility, to form a relationship with another person and make the goal of that relationship solely to better one individual. There is no other relationship between humans where this is the goal.


It’s the task of the psychiatrist who does therapy to remove their personal values, beliefs and ideals from the relationship. Rather, the patient and the therapist together analyze how the patient’s actions perpetuate or interfere with their ultimate goals and desires. It’s inevitable that the doctor begins to identify with the patient and have empathy for the obstacles the patient faces. The physician becomes the patient’s teammate and together they succeed.


If patients understood that when they commit to me, I commit myself equally to them, perhaps they would understand why I care so deeply and why I chose the field of psychiatry. Those who have provided me with the privilege of being on their team, have also honored and humbled my desire to serve my patients in a field that in many ways is more intimate than any other field of medicine. I have never considered psychiatry my career. Rather, I consider it my calling and I thank patients who have entrusted me with their deepest feelings.

Hodgins G, Saltz SB, Gibbs E, Gonzalez R, Regan J, Nemeroff C (2018). Steroid-Induced Psychosis in the Pediatric Population: A New Case and Review of the Literature. Journal of Child & Adolescent Psychopharmacology, doi: 10.1089/cap.2018.0017.

Newport, D.J., Saltz, S.B., Padron, K., Loyd, R. (2016). Melatonin Receptor Agonists: Ramelteon and Melatonin In B.J. Sadock, VA. Sadock, & P. Ruiz, Kaplan & Sadock’s Comprehensive Textbook of Psychiatry, Tenth Edition. Philadelphia, PA: Lippincott Williams & Wilkins.

Xantus A, Saltz SB, Shaw JA (2015). The Relationship between Social Media Bullying and the Adolescent’s Self Report of Emotional Health: A Study of Urban Youth on an Acute Inpatient Psychiatric Unit. J Depress Anxiety 4: 1000186. doi:10.4172/2167-1044.1000186.

Block SG, Nemeroff CB. Emerging antidepressants to treat major depressive disorder. Asian Journal of Psychiatry. 12C:7-16, December 2014.

Prendes S, Block S, Lopez M, Kovacevic. A case of recurrent catatonia gone undiagnosed for too long. American Journal of Psychiatry – Psychiatry Online, 2014.

Lariche CL, Prestia D, Block S, Nemeroff CB. Pathophysiology of Mood Disorders: Neuroendocrine Mechanisms. In B.P. Guiard and E. Dremenkov (Eds), Neurobiology of Mood Disorders (174-209). Bentham Science Publishers, 2014.

Caperton C, Block S, Valins W, Viera M, Berman B. Double Blind Placebo Controlled Study Assessing the Effect of Chocolate Consumption in Subjects with a History of Acne Vulgaris. Journal of Clinical Aesthetic Dermatology. 7(5):19-23, May 2014.

Richmond NA, Lamel SA, Braun LR, Vivas AC, Cucalon J, Block SG, Kirsner RS. Primary nonadherence (failure to obtain prescribed medicines) among dermatology patients. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 70(1):201-3, January 2014.

Block S, Valins W, Caperton C, Viera M, Amini S, Berman B. Exacerbation of facial acne vulgaris after consuming pure chocolate. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology. 65(4):e114-5, October 2011.

Viera M, Amini S, Huo R, Konda S, Block S, Berman B. Herpes simplex virus and human papillomavirus genital infections: new and investigational therapeutic options. International Journal of Dermatology. 49(7):733-49, July 2010.

Berman B, Amini S, Valins W, Block S. Pharmacotherapy of actinic keratosis. Expert Opinion on Pharmacotherapy. 10(18):3015-31, December 2009.

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+ Thoughts on Covid-19

Amongst all this chaos, it’s time that we focus on the positive. Our community has come together to fight COVID-19 and I feel we must...

Couples in Covid-19 Quarantine with Dr. Sam and Dr. Rachael Silverman

Couples in Covid-19 Quarantine

On April 1, 2020, Doctor Sam hosted a Facebook Live discussion with Dr. Rachael Silverman about communication techniques, structure, and ways families can destress while...

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AACAP 2017

Doctor Sam presented research on the effects of cyberbullying on adolescents in an outpatient setting. She was honored to attend the American Academy of Child...

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JCS OF SOUTH FLORIDA

Doctor Sam spoke to social workers, therapists and mental health professionals of Jewish Community Services of South Florida on 8/18/2017. She presented a lecture on...

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WMBM RADIO INTERVIEW

Doctor Sam was interviewed on September 19, 2017 on the effects that Hurricane Irma had on children and adolescents’ mental health. Doctor Sam provided WMBM...

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SCHECK HILLEL

Doctor Sam spoke to high school seniors at Scheck Hillel about sexual abuse on college campuses. She was a keynote speaker during Scheck Hillel’s College...

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WMBM RADIO INTERVIEW

Doctor Sam was interviewed on October 17, 2017 on the effects of cyberbullying on child and adolescent mental health. Doctor Sam provided WMBM listeners with...

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PRESS CONFERENCE APA 2017

Doctor Sam presented research in a press briefing at the annual American Psychiatric Association meeting. She participated in a Q & A session with reporters.

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ACNP 2016

Doctor Sam presented a case report about treating depression in traumatic brain injury at the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) Annual Meeting in Hollywood, Florida. December...

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ADAA 2015

Doctor Sam presented research assessing the relationship between social media bullying and adolescent emotional health at the Anxiety and Depression Association of America annual meeting...

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APA 2017

Doctor Sam presented research that assessed cyberbullying and its affects on adolescent mental health in May 2017 at the American Psychiatric Association annual meeting in...

Dr. Sam discusses signs of depression

Signs and Symptoms of Depression

In this video, Doctor Sam discusses the signs and symptoms of depression. https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=2149163728676527 Follow Doctor Sam on Facebook for more content: @doctorsamllc Safari Browser Users...

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Cyberbullying Research

New research on cyberbullying comparing inpatient and outpatient adolescent psychiatric populations was presented at the American Psychiatric Association’s annual 2018 meeting. Read the article here.

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AACAP NATIONAL EOP AWARD

Doctor Sam attended the Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry Annual Meeting and received the EOP Award. She was honored to receive the award and...

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JACKSON MEMORIAL HOSPITAL: CYBERBULLYING

Doctor Sam coauthored a blog for Jackson Memorial Hospital to provide information to parents, teachers and mental health professionals on the effects of cyberbullying on...

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APA AREA 5 RESIDENT/FELLOW POSTER AWARD

Doctor Sam was awarded the Area 5 Resident/Fellow Poster Award at the American Psychiatric Association Annual Meeting, 2017. She was subsequently featured in Psychiatric News....

In-person appointments offered at our Boca Raton office
Virtual appointments also available (patient must be in Florida for appointment)

Doctor Sam, LLC
2600 N Military Trail
Ste 355
Boca Raton, FL 33431

Team

We are a paperless office.

Frequently Asked Questions

WHY SHOULD A PATIENT GO TO DOCTOR SAM?

While there are many important traits in a finding a behavioral health provider, there are five things that Doctor Sam believes are critical to getting a patient well. These include time, the therapeutic alliance, commitment to treatment, being open-minded and developing strength. When you book an appointment with Doctor Sam, we devote 100% of time to you. We really listen to what you feel, need and believe. Over time, this develops a unique alliance where you truly feel comfortable speaking with your doctor and you commit yourself to treatment in a way similar to how your doctor is committed to you. Together you build trust in each other and through a professional lens, your doctor will gently guide you to finding tools that will help you in your day-to-day life. Your doctor will reinforce your strengths and help you identify energy that you did not know existed. While all physicians hope to provide this level of treatment, this care takes time and knowledge that appointments with us will deliver.

DOES DOCTOR SAM DO MEDICATION MANAGEMENT, THERAPY OR BOTH?

Doctor Sam provides both medication management and therapy. Our therapy services complement the psychiatric services offered in the practice. Our doctors have extensive training in both therapy and medication management, which is rather unique to the field of psychiatry. Some patients may only need medication management. Others may need therapy as well. Together with your doctor, you will determine the best treatment plan for you or your child.

HOW LONG IS A TYPICAL SESSION WITH DOCTOR SAM?

Sessions vary in length depending on the services provided. Sessions with therapy typically last longer than sessions that are exclusively for medication management, unless more time is needed. If you have a child who is being seen at Doctor Sam, your doctor will ask to spend time with both you and your child. Sessions can also be scheduled back to back upon request. Please contact a member of Doctor Sam to see how long your appointment will be.

WHAT IS THE WAIT TIME FOR DOCTOR SAM?

While there may be a wait to see a doctor at Doctor Sam, we will try and provide you with an appointment as soon as possible, particularly if you are flexible with scheduling. If there is an urgent matter, we will try and accommodate.  We treat each patient as if they are family and will provide you with the best care and individualized treatment available.

DO YOU ACCEPT INSURANCE?

While Doctor Sam does not accept insurance, we are happy to provide you with a superbill that can be submitted to your insurance company if you have out-of-network benefits.

CAN I USE MY INSURANCE TO HELP COVER THE COSTS OF TREATMENT?

Upon request, we will provide you with a form that you can submit to your insurance company for possible reimbursement should you choose to use your insurance. Insurance companies vary as to how much they will reimburse and insurance companies may not be able to cover the full cost of treatment. This is because we devote a unique amount of time, dedication and individualized care to each of our patients. This allows us to provide a higher level of care that some in network providers may not be able to give. Our practice and your doctor are dedicated to your treatment.

CAN DOCTOR SAM ELECTRONICALLY PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS FOR ME?

Yes! Doctor Sam has full e-prescribing capabilities. You don’t need to worry about having a physical prescription. Prescriptions can be sent directly to the pharmacy of your choice and be picked up at your earliest convenience.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE FOR MEDICATIONS TO START WORKING?

The answer to this question depends on what medication is prescribed and what condition it is treating. Discuss this question with our office directly for an answer on a case-by-case basis.

HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY FIRST APPOINTMENT?

Initial Call

To make an appointment with Doctor Sam, please call (561) 510-9150. We will provide you with a brief phone consultation free of charge.

Scheduling

If we are a good fit to work together, you will be scheduled with an appointment date and time. Due to COVID-19, most appointments are being conducted via our secure Zoom portal -- although we expect to start offering in-person appointments soon. Changes to appointments must be made no less than 48 hours before your scheduled appointment time. 

New Patient Forms

Within 1 day of scheduling your appointment, you will receive an email to review and electronically sign Doctor Sam’s new patient forms. These forms must be completed prior to your appointment.

Invitation to Patient Portal

You will also receive a personal invitation to your patient portal. The portal gives you access to secure messaging, appointments, forms and questionnaires administered by Doctor Sam. 

Complete Diagnostic Questionnaire

Once your portal is activated, you will have access to "Check-in" to your appointment and complete a diagnostic questionnaire. The diagnostic questionnaire should be completed at least 24-hours before your appointment. You should not wait until right before your appointment to "Check-in" and complete the questionnaire -- the earlier you complete it, the better.

Review by Doctor

Your doctor will review your new patient forms and diagnostic questionnaire prior to your appointment, giving us a clear picture of  the reason for your visit and your history. Your upcoming appointment will be tailored accordingly to your individual needs and requests.

Appointment

You will meet with your doctor via our secure Zoom portal, or if your were scheduled for an in-person visit, at our office in Boca Raton. We usually run on time and there is no wait. 

5-Star Mental Health Experience

5/5

Find one person and make their day better. Repeat.

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Call us

(561) 510-9150
Fax: (561) 600-9655

Office

2600 North Military Trail
Suite 355
Boca Raton, Florida 33431

Hours

Monday – Friday
9:00am - 5pm

onPatient Portal

Current patient secure messaging. Access via the web, or download the app in the Apple App Store.

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