Long-Acting Injections in Fort Lauderdale
Same-day visits are often possible
See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
A long-acting injection is a medicine given as a shot that keeps working for a week, a month or longer. There’s no daily pill to remember, and you and your provider always know the medicine is on board.
We give seven long-acting injections at our Fort Lauderdale office, at 3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale. Some treat schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Others treat opioid or alcohol use disorder.
Injections We Give
For schizophrenia and bipolar disorder
- Invega Sustenna, Trinza and Hafyera (paliperidone): every month, every 3 months or every 6 months
- Abilify Maintena (aripiprazole): once a month
- Uzedy (risperidone): once a month or every 2 months, under the skin
- Haldol Decanoate (haloperidol): usually every 4 weeks
For opioid and alcohol use disorder
Why People Choose a Shot
- No daily pill to remember or run out of
- Steadier medicine levels between visits
- Fewer pharmacy trips
- Regular visits mean someone is checking in with you every few weeks
A shot isn’t right for everyone. Some people prefer pills, and some medicines only come as pills. Your provider will help you weigh it.
How Starting Works
Most antipsychotic shots start only after you’ve taken the same medicine, or a close cousin of it, by mouth and done well. That shows you tolerate it before a long-lasting dose goes in. Buprenorphine shots start after at least one dose of buprenorphine under the tongue, or once you’re already on it. Vivitrol needs you to be off all opioids for 7 to 10 days first.
Each injection page explains its own starting steps, schedule, side effects and safety warnings.
Getting a Long-Acting Injection at One Stop Psychiatry
1. Reach out
Call (754) 270-6322 or request an appointment online. We’re open Monday through Saturday, 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. If you already get this shot somewhere else and need a new place to keep it going, tell us when your next one is due so we can try to see you in time.
2. We check your coverage
Our staff verify your insurance, send your intake packet and confirm the time of your visit. Some plans require prior authorization before they’ll cover an injection. Our staff send your insurance company the information it asks for, but the insurance company makes the final decision on coverage.
3. Evaluation
Your provider goes over your history, the medicines you’ve tried, how you’ve done on them and your medical health. If you’ve never had the medicine before, the first step may be a trial by mouth.
4. Your injection visits
Shots are given by our medical providers at our office at 3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale. Between shots, many check-ins can happen by video if you’re in Florida.
Common Questions
Can I switch my injections to your office?
Yes. Bring or send your records and tell us when your next shot is due. We’ll try to schedule you before then.
Do you give the shot by video?
No. Every injection is given in person at our Fort Lauderdale office. Many follow-up visits between shots can be done by video.
Does insurance cover long-acting injections?
Many plans do, though some require prior authorization. Our staff send your insurer what it needs, and the insurance company decides whether it will cover the shot. In-home visits aren’t covered by insurance.
What if I miss a shot?
Call us as soon as you can. What happens next depends on the medicine and how late you are, so don’t guess.
Can family members help with scheduling?
Yes, with the patient’s permission. Many of our patients have a relative who helps keep track of shot dates.
Insurance and Cost
We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we offer sliding-scale self-pay rates for visits. What you’ll pay for the medicine itself depends on your plan. We check your benefits before your first shot, though your insurance company makes the final call on coverage. More on insurance.
Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Sources: MedlinePlus: Paliperidone Injection; MedlinePlus: Aripiprazole Injection; MedlinePlus: Risperidone Injection; MedlinePlus: Haloperidol Injection; MedlinePlus: Buprenorphine Injection; MedlinePlus: Naltrexone Injection. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Who You'll See
Your care is with our team of psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and physician assistants. Some of them speak Spanish. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitionerRequest an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
Our Office
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.