Alyssa Zack, LMHC

Alyssa Zack, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her Clearwater, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, committed to creating personalized long-term health plans. Your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders, creating 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 collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where you feel empowered to take an active role in your well-being.

Dr. Alyssa LMHC understands the courage it takes to seek help, and her approach is rooted in creating a safe and judgment-free space for open communication. With 4 years of professional experience, she has a proven track record in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, and depression, as well as navigate life transitions. She is licensed in Florida and experienced in working with individuals to develop coping mechanisms and strategies to manage their mental health and emotional well-being. To confirm if Dr. Alyssa LMHC is currently accepting new patients, please call (727) 524-4464. Dr. Alyssa LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

A key part of the WePrevent mission is building your personalized prevention roadmap. Dr. Alyssa LMHC 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. Alyssa LMHC 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. Alyssa LMHC 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:

• PANDAS: PANDAS, or Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcal infections, is a rare condition where a strep infection might trigger neurological symptoms impacting sleep, highlighting the importance of early strep diagnosis and treatment to prevent sleep disturbances.
• Bulimia: Early detection and treatment of bulimia are essential steps in preventing the cumulative effects of sleep deprivation, which contributes to many health problems.
• 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.
• Fatigue: Managing fatigue effectively, by prioritizing sleep hygiene and seeking professional help if needed, is key to preventing further health decline.
• Memory Loss: Protecting your memory starts with prioritizing healthy sleep; addressing sleep problems early can significantly reduce your risk of developing memory issues.
• Memory Disorders: Managing underlying sleep disorders, like sleep apnea or insomnia, is essential for maintaining sharp memory and preventing cognitive impairment.
• Dissociative Amnesia: Dissociative amnesia, which involves loss of personal memories, can severely impact sleep quality through anxiety and stress. Seeking professional help early can mitigate these effects and promote healthier sleep.

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. Alyssa LMHC offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Diagnostic Nasal and Sinus Endoscopy: This simple procedure uses a thin, flexible scope to examine your nasal passages and sinuses, helping diagnose and rule out structural issues that may be affecting your sleep quality.
• Psychoeducation: Empower yourself with knowledge about sleep apnea, insomnia, and other conditions to make informed decisions about your care.
• Educational Therapy: Proactively address potential sleep disorders and improve your overall well-being by participating in educational therapy, which provides insights into better sleep habits and strategies.
• Smoking Cessation Counseling: Proactively reduce your risk of sleep disorders and other health problems by participating in smoking cessation counseling.
• Cognitive Assessment: This quick assessment screens for cognitive changes that may be linked to sleep apnea, insomnia, or other sleep disorders, helping us provide the best treatment plan.
• Mindfulness Technique: Start your journey to better sleep by incorporating simple mindfulness techniques into your daily routine; these practices help regulate your sleep-wake cycle and reduce anxiety.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: This brief screening helps determine if alcohol or substance use is interfering with your sleep and provides personalized guidance to improve your sleep hygiene and overall well-being.

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. Alyssa LMHC 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:

• Knowing the early signs of strep infection, a family proactively sought treatment, significantly reducing the risk of developing PANDAS-related sleep disturbances. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a healthy and restful sleep routine.
• Recognizing the link between sleep and potential bulimia triggers, a patient proactively addressed sleep hygiene. This approach significantly reduced the risk of future challenges and fostered a sense of peace and control over their health.

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. Alyssa LMHC:

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 to identify 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. Fortunately, 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 non-invasive overnight test that monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements. This comprehensive evaluation provides a detailed picture of your sleep patterns, which is the gold standard for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensory disorder characterized by an overwhelming, uncomfortable urge to move the legs, often worsening in the evening or at night. It's not simply a muscle cramp, but a complex issue that can significantly disrupt sleep. Diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe sleep disruption and improving your overall quality of life.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists 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. Dr. Alyssa LMHC often collaborates with neurologists to provide comprehensive care for patients with these complex conditions.

Can lifestyle changes like weight loss help sleep apnea?

Yes, significantly. Excess weight can narrow the airway, and for many patients, even a moderate amount of weight loss can dramatically reduce or even eliminate sleep apnea, preventing the need for other therapies.

What is a circadian rhythm disorder?

Circadian rhythm disorders are problems with the body's internal 24-hour clock, often resulting in a misalignment between this internal clock and the external environment. A sleep specialist can help reset this clock using strategies like light therapy and timed melatonin to improve sleep patterns.

What is narcolepsy?

Narcolepsy is a chronic neurological condition where the brain struggles to regulate sleep-wake cycles, leading to excessive daytime sleepiness and sometimes cataplexy. While there's no cure, a personalized management plan with medication and lifestyle strategies can help prevent symptoms from significantly impacting daily life.

1437 S Belcher Rd
Clearwater FL 33764
Phone: (727) 524-4464

Alyssa Zack, LMHC 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): 1154047272

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. Alyssa LMHC 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.