Debra Bichachi, LCSW

Debra Bichachi, LCSW is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care. She practices at her clinic in Hollywood, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). As a partner in preventive health, Dr. Debra LCSW understands that sleep disorders can contribute to a range of health issues. 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 patients should call (954) 962-6662 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Debra LCSW is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with expertise in treating individuals experiencing depression, anxiety, and related conditions, including OCD, phobias, panic, generalized anxiety, and social anxiety. Her approach to care is evidence-based and collaborative, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She utilizes a strength-based approach rooted in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), integrating mindfulness exercises to promote overall well-being. Dr. Debra LCSW is committed to creating a space for open communication and mutual goal-setting, working collaboratively with patients to achieve long-term health goals. Dr. Debra LCSW provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Relationship Issues: Relationship problems can significantly impact sleep quality, highlighting the importance of addressing relationship issues to protect your overall health and well-being.
• Psychological Disorders: Addressing underlying psychological disorders is a key step in preventing sleep disturbances and their long-term effects on your overall health and well-being.
• Stress: By actively managing stress through techniques like exercise and mindfulness, you can safeguard your sleep health and reduce the risk of developing sleep-related complications in the future.
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Early detection and treatment of OCD are crucial for preventing the negative effects on sleep, such as insomnia and daytime fatigue, and improving quality of life.
• Depressive Disorders: Because depression can lead to sleep difficulties and other health issues, seeking help early and actively managing your mental health is an essential part of preventive health.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can severely disrupt sleep, leading to chronic health problems if left untreated; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for preventing long-term complications.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Early identification and treatment of ADHD and ADD are important steps in preventing the negative effects of poor sleep on physical and mental well-being.
• Separation Anxiety: Early identification and treatment of separation anxiety are vital for preventing sleep disturbances and promoting better mental and physical health throughout life.
• Anxiety: Chronic anxiety can negatively affect your sleep cycle, increasing your risk of developing conditions such as sleep apnea; seeking help early can prevent these issues.
• Pediatric Behavior Disorders: By managing behavioral challenges in children, parents can help create a conducive sleep environment and reduce the chance of developing sleep disorders.
• Panic Attack: Recognizing the signs of panic attacks and getting appropriate treatment is crucial for preventing their negative impact on sleep quality and mental health.
• Adjustment Disorder: Experiencing significant stress after a major life change? Recognizing and managing adjustment disorder is crucial for protecting your sleep 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. Debra LCSW offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Psychiatric Evaluation: Taking proactive steps like a psychiatric evaluation can screen for mental health issues linked to sleep problems, enabling early intervention and better management of sleep disorders.
• Marital Counseling: Proactively address relationship issues that may be contributing to insomnia or other sleep disorders through professional marital counseling.
• Grief Therapy: If grief is impacting your sleep, therapy provides a safe space to explore these feelings and develop healthy coping mechanisms to improve sleep quality.
• Family Counseling: Addressing family conflicts and emotional issues through counseling can significantly improve sleep quality and reduce the risk of sleep disorders.
• Adolescent Counseling: Proactive adolescent counseling helps identify and address sleep disorders early, preventing potential long-term health issues like anxiety and depression.
• Psychological Testing: Taking a psychological test can help identify underlying mental health conditions that may be affecting your sleep.
• Family Psychotherapy: Addressing family conflicts through psychotherapy can improve sleep quality for all family members, acting as a proactive step in maintaining everyone's well-being.
• Group Psychotherapy: Proactively address the emotional and psychological aspects of sleep problems through group therapy, enabling early intervention and improved sleep hygiene practices to prevent future health issues.
• Pediatric Counseling: Give your child the gift of restful sleep by scheduling a pediatric counseling session to identify and address any underlying sleep disturbances.
• Counseling Services: Proactively prevent long-term health issues related to poor sleep by participating in counseling to address behavioral and psychological factors.
• Marital Therapy: Proactively address relationship stress as a potential factor contributing to insomnia or other sleep disorders through marital therapy.
• Behavior Modification: Improve your sleep quality and reduce daytime fatigue by adopting simple behavioral modifications tailored to your needs.

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. Debra LCSW 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 openly discussing relationship concerns with a sleep medicine professional, a couple found strategies to improve communication, resulting in better sleep and a stronger connection.
• Recognizing early warning signs and developing a proactive coping strategy, a patient felt empowered to address underlying psychological concerns, reducing the risk of future sleep issues and improving overall well-being.

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. Debra LCSW:

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, which allows them to offer a unique perspective and find the root cause 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 critical 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 that monitors brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements. This comprehensive evaluation provides a detailed picture of your sleep patterns, allowing us to accurately diagnose sleep disorders and create a personalized prevention plan.

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are alternatives to CPAP, including custom-made oral appliances that reposition the jaw, and surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options to consider as part of a personalized treatment plan.

My partner says I act out my dreams. Should I be concerned?

We understand your concern about acting out your dreams. This could be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD), which sometimes precedes other neurological conditions. A consultation with Dr. Debra LCSW is important to determine the cause and discuss available treatments to manage symptoms and ensure your safety during sleep.

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.

How is chronic insomnia treated?

Treatment for chronic insomnia goes beyond just sleeping pills. Our practice emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), a program proven highly effective. CBT-I retrains the brain and body for healthy sleep by addressing the thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.

What is the connection between depression/anxiety and sleep?

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

3475 Sheridan St Ste 310
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 962-6662

Debra Bichachi, LCSW 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): 1306172499

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. Debra LCSW 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.