Allison Dempsey, BCBA

Allison Dempsey, BCBA is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. As a partner in preventive health featured on weprevent.org, she practices at her clinic in Jacksonville, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her focus is on prevention, recognizing that your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. She creates personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She serves all ages and is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Patients should call (904) 419-9864 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients. I am a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and board-certified behavior analyst (BCBA). My approach is person-centered and solution-focused, empowering you to identify and pursue solutions to your challenges. I believe in the power of collaboration and evidence-based practices to foster a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their health. Dr. Allison BCBA provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Allison BCBA is a vital partner in this journey, focusing on proactive strategies to protect and enhance your long-term health.

By working together, you and Dr. Allison BCBA can create a clear, actionable plan to address your unique risk factors and health goals.

A proactive approach to health involves understanding and managing potential risks. Dr. Allison BCBA provides expert care for a range of conditions, focusing on early detection and effective management to support your long-term wellness. Common areas of focus include:

• Substance-Induced Anxiety Disorders: If anxiety is linked to substance use, getting help early is essential to prevent this from negatively impacting your sleep quality and overall well-being, as chronic anxiety can be debilitating.
• Codependency: Early intervention for codependency is vital in preventing long-term sleep problems, as unhealthy relational dynamics can contribute to chronic stress and sleep disorders.
• Nervous Breakdown: A 'nervous breakdown' isn't a medical term, but it describes overwhelming stress that can severely disrupt sleep, highlighting the need for proactive stress management techniques to prevent long-term sleep problems and associated health risks.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD): Managing OCPD's tendency towards perfectionism and excessive control can significantly reduce stress and improve sleep quality, preventing long-term health issues stemming from sleep deprivation.
• Fibromyalgia: Fibromyalgia is a chronic condition causing widespread pain and fatigue, and early diagnosis and management can prevent the development of serious complications like depression and anxiety.
• Antisocial Personality Disorder: Addressing antisocial personality disorder through therapy and support can improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of developing or exacerbating other health problems, such as heart disease.
• Dependent Personality Disorder: Early identification and treatment of dependent personality disorder are vital for preventing sleep difficulties and improving overall physical and mental health.

This list highlights some common health concerns and is for informational purposes only. The best way to understand your personal health and create a prevention plan is to schedule a consultation. Accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment plans are developed based on individual patient evaluations.

Taking proactive steps is central to long-term health. Dr. Allison BCBA offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Family Counseling: Proactive family counseling can uncover hidden stressors impacting sleep quality and collaboratively develop solutions for improved sleep hygiene.
• Counseling Services: Proactively prevent long-term health issues related to poor sleep by participating in counseling to address behavioral and psychological factors.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: By seeking substance abuse treatment, you can remove a significant barrier to achieving restful sleep and reduce the risk of developing serious sleep-related health problems.
• Psychological Testing: To improve your sleep, we might recommend psychological testing to check for anxiety, depression, or other conditions affecting your sleep quality.
• Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy (MBCT): Prevent the progression of sleep problems by actively participating in MBCT, which helps you identify and change the unhelpful thinking patterns that contribute to insomnia and other sleep disorders.
• Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT): Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) helps you identify and overcome obstacles to better sleep by focusing on what you want to achieve.
• Polysomnography With CPAP Titration: Invest in your long-term health with a sleep study and CPAP titration; this comprehensive assessment helps diagnose sleep apnea, find the right CPAP pressure, and prevent its damaging effects.

Service availability can change, and not all services listed may be appropriate for every patient. For a comprehensive understanding of all available services and to create your personalized screening plan, please schedule a consultation.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standard scope of practice for Sleep Medicine in Florida.

Dr. Allison BCBA is dedicated to partnering with Caregivers to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Patient's life:

• Recognizing early warning signs of anxiety linked to substance use, a patient proactively developed a personalized plan with a sleep specialist, significantly reducing their risk of developing a debilitating anxiety disorder. This proactive approach fostered peace of mind and empowered them to maintain optimal sleep quality and overall well-being.
• Recognizing early warning signs of codependency, a patient implemented healthy boundaries, reducing chronic stress and improving sleep quality. This proactive approach fostered a healthier relationship dynamic, preventing potential long-term sleep issues.

These scenarios are illustrative examples of positive health outcomes. Individual results may vary and depend on many factors specific to each patient. She will work with you to define and achieve your personal health goals.

Here are answers to some common questions about proactive Sleep Medicine care with Dr. Allison BCBA:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has specialized training in diagnosing and treating sleep disorders. They often have backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, providing a unique perspective on the root causes of sleep problems.

What is obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) and why is it a health risk?

Obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) is a condition where breathing repeatedly stops and starts during sleep due to a blocked airway. Untreated OSA is a major risk factor for high blood pressure, heart disease, and stroke. Treatment is a critical step in preventing these serious long-term complications.

What happens during a sleep study (polysomnogram)?

A sleep study, or polysomnogram, is a safe, non-invasive overnight test. It monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements to create a comprehensive picture of your sleep patterns. This gold standard test helps us accurately diagnose sleep disorders and develop an effective prevention plan.

What is the difference between a home sleep apnea test and an in-lab study?

A home sleep apnea test is a simpler screening tool for straightforward obstructive sleep apnea. An in-lab study is a more comprehensive test needed for complex cases or to diagnose other sleep disorders, like narcolepsy or parasomnias.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. A CPAP machine delivers gentle, constant air pressure through a mask to keep your airway open during sleep, preventing breathing pauses. This therapy restores healthy sleep and protects your heart.

How does an Otolaryngologist (ENT) help with sleep problems?

An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a surgeon specializing in the ear, nose, and throat. They can identify and surgically correct physical blockages, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, which can cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes providing a permanent solution.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists, like Dr. Allison, specialize in the brain and nervous system. They diagnose and treat sleep disorders originating in the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. This expertise is crucial for accurate diagnosis and effective management of these conditions.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, created by a specially trained dentist. It gently shifts the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. This can be a comfortable and portable alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

1912 Hamilton St Ste 108
Jacksonville FL 32210
Phone: (904) 419-9864

Allison Dempsey, BCBA 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): 1194153536

Registration can typically be verified through The Florida Board of Medicine website or by direct inquiry.

The information on this profile, provided by weprevent.org, is for general informational purposes and to help you connect with preventive health partners. It does not constitute direct medical advice from the physician named. Sleep Medicine like Dr. Allison BCBA are skilled in helping patients create proactive health plans. For urgent or life-threatening emergencies, please call 911 or visit the nearest emergency department. It is always recommended to maintain open communication with your sleep medicine about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.