Catherine Bukovitz, LMHC

Catherine Bukovitz, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine practitioner dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her Port Charlotte, FL clinic. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a key partner in preventive health. 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 currently welcoming new patients to embark on their proactive health journey. Call (941) 206-2480 to schedule.

Dr. Catherine LMHC's approach to care is rooted in a deep understanding of the individual experience. Recognizing the strength and resilience within each patient, she utilizes a collaborative, evidence-based method of treatment. She has 10+ years of experience, and is licensed in Florida, with expertise in helping clients manage stress, anxiety, coping with addictions, trauma and abuse, and anger management. She also works with couples to enhance trust, communication, and emotional intimacy. She understands that seeking a more fulfilling and happier life takes courage, and she is committed to providing supportive and empowering care. Dr. Catherine LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Manic Disorder: Because manic disorder can severely affect your sleep cycle and lead to other medical problems, focusing on early detection and effective treatment plans can help prevent these serious consequences.
• Geriatric Depression: Managing depression in older adults is crucial for preventing sleep problems and other health complications, emphasizing the preventative role of proactive mental healthcare.
• Melancholic Depression: Addressing melancholic depression proactively protects against sleep-related health problems, as this form of depression frequently interferes with sleep patterns and can exacerbate underlying conditions.
• Relationship Issues: Addressing relationship issues early can prevent the escalation of stress, promoting better sleep and overall health; early intervention is crucial for both relationship and sleep health.
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Don't ignore the signs of REM sleep behavior disorder; seeking help early can prevent the progression to more serious neurological conditions.
• COPD (Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease): COPD can lead to disturbed sleep and increased risk of sleep apnea, emphasizing the need for proactive lung health management to maintain good sleep hygiene.
• Affective Disorders, Psychotic: Untreated mental health conditions like psychosis and depression can significantly disrupt sleep patterns, increasing your risk for sleep disorders and impacting your overall health; seeking early intervention is crucial for better sleep and overall well-being.

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

• Mental Status Examination: Taking a proactive step with a mental status exam can help detect early signs of mental health conditions that often affect sleep quality and overall health.
• Family Psychotherapy: Family psychotherapy can help identify and address family dynamics that may contribute to or worsen sleep problems, proactively improving everyone's sleep health.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Psychosocial rehabilitation offers a supportive environment to identify and manage the emotional and psychological aspects impacting your sleep, paving the way for better rest.
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CTB-I): Proactively address your insomnia and improve your sleep quality with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a therapy proven to reduce insomnia symptoms.
• Substance Abuse Treatment: Taking proactive steps to address substance abuse can significantly improve your sleep quality and overall health, as substance use often interferes with sleep patterns and can worsen existing sleep disorders.
• Psychological Counseling: Psychological counseling offers a supportive environment to identify and manage mental health challenges that may be at the root of your sleep disorder, allowing for earlier intervention.
• Psychotherapy Services: Prioritize your mental health and sleep health with psychotherapy; it can screen for conditions like anxiety and depression impacting sleep patterns and facilitate early intervention.

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. Catherine 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:

• By understanding their sleep patterns and developing a proactive treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of experiencing future manic episodes, gaining greater control over their mental well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential risk factors for depression, an elderly patient enjoyed improved sleep quality and a significantly enhanced sense of well-being. This proactive approach allowed them to maintain a positive outlook and enjoy their golden years.

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. Catherine 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. Often with backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they offer a unique perspective to identify the root cause of your 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)?

During a sleep study, or polysomnogram, we monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements overnight. This non-invasive test provides a complete picture of your sleep patterns, serving as the gold standard for accurately diagnosing sleep disorders and creating 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 used for complex cases or to diagnose other sleep disorders like narcolepsy or parasomnias.

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 the connection between depression/anxiety and sleep?

Depression and anxiety can disrupt sleep, and conversely, poor sleep can worsen symptoms of these conditions. Our practice addresses both the sleep disorder and the mood disorder simultaneously to break the negative cycle and promote better overall well-being.

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are alternatives to CPAP, such as custom-made oral appliances to reposition the jaw, or surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options in a personalized treatment plan, and we will discuss which, if any, may be right for you.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea in children is common, often due to large tonsils and adenoids. Prompt diagnosis is crucial, as untreated sleep apnea can impact a child's growth, learning, and behavior. Effective treatment is a vital step in preventing these developmental issues.

18245 Paulson Dr
Port Charlotte FL 33954
Phone: (941) 206-2480

Catherine Bukovitz, 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): 1881977106

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. Catherine 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.