Dr. Laurie Sabra, PHD

Dr. Laurie Sabra, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist (Preventive Mental Health) dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Preventive Mental Health care. She practices at her clinic in Hollywood, FL, and is registered with The Florida Board of Medicine, practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice). Her practice is centered on the belief that mental well-being is a vital component of overall health, and she partners with patients to cultivate resilience and create personalized wellness plans. Clinical psychologists specializing in preventive mental health partner with you to build resilience, utilize evidence-based therapies, create long-term wellness plans, coordinate necessary screenings, and serve as your primary partner in proactively safeguarding your mental well-being. She serves all ages.

Dr. Laurie PHD is a psychologist in Hollywood, FL, accepting new patients and telehealth appointments. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, creating a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She understands that preventive care is a journey, not a destination, and she is committed to guiding you every step of the way. To begin your proactive health journey, please call (954) 989-3600 to schedule. Dr. Laurie PHD provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Vaginismus (Psychological aspects): Vaginismus, a condition causing involuntary muscle spasms during vaginal penetration, can be significantly improved with early intervention and therapy, preventing long-term sexual difficulties and relationship distress.
• Chronic Depression (Dysthymia): Addressing chronic depression (dysthymia) proactively through preventive mental health strategies can help prevent its progression to major depressive disorder and improve your quality of life over the long term.
• Amphetamine and Other Psychostimulant Dependence: Early intervention for amphetamine and other psychostimulant dependence is crucial to prevent the development of long-term physical and mental health problems.
• Depersonalization Disorder: Depersonalization disorder can disrupt your sense of self, but by recognizing the signs and seeking support, you can prevent further emotional distress and improve your quality of life.
• Overeating: Addressing overeating through healthy coping mechanisms and mindful eating habits strengthens your resilience against emotional triggers and prevents the development of more severe eating disorders.
• Acute Stress Disorder (ASD): ASD highlights the importance of stress management techniques; proactive steps to address it after a traumatic event reduce the risk of developing chronic mental health issues.
• Atypical Depression: Managing atypical depression proactively, through therapy and lifestyle changes, can prevent it from negatively affecting your relationships and work life.

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

• Couples Therapy: Invest in your relationship's health with couples therapy; it helps identify communication patterns and conflict resolution styles to proactively prevent relationship distress and build a stronger, more resilient partnership.
• Psychological Evaluations Prior to Bariatric Surgery: To maximize the benefits of bariatric surgery, a pre-operative psychological evaluation identifies and addresses potential mental health concerns that could hinder your recovery or weight loss.
• Evaluation and Management Services: This initial assessment helps us understand your current mental health status, screen for potential issues, and develop a personalized treatment strategy if needed.
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Take a proactive step toward better mental health by exploring EMDR therapy; it's designed to help you lessen the effects of distressing memories and build greater resilience.
• Exposure Therapy: By taking the proactive step of trying exposure therapy, you can learn to manage anxiety and potentially prevent it from developing into more serious conditions.
• Independent Forensic Evaluation: This impartial assessment clarifies your mental fitness for legal processes, helping prevent inaccurate conclusions and ensuring your case is handled fairly.
• Biofeedback: Biofeedback is a technique that empowers you to recognize and control physiological responses associated with stress, preventing it from negatively impacting your mental wellbeing.

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 Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) in Florida.

Dr. Laurie PHD is dedicated to partnering with Family Members and Support Systems to achieve their unique health objectives. The following examples illustrate how a proactive approach can make a tangible difference in a Individual's life:

• Seeking early support, a patient found relief from vaginismus through a tailored therapeutic approach, regaining confidence and improving their overall well-being. This proactive intervention prevented future relationship challenges and fostered a positive sexual experience.
• By understanding and addressing potential triggers, a patient proactively managed their mood and prevented the progression of chronic depression, leading to a more fulfilling and stable life.

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 Preventive Mental Health care with Dr. Laurie PHD:

What is a Clinical Psychologist, and how can they help me?

Dr. Laurie is a doctoral-level expert in mental and emotional health. She provides evidence-based therapy to help you develop coping strategies, build resilience, and prevent life's challenges from becoming mental health crises.

What is the difference between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?

Psychologists, like Dr. Laurie, hold a PhD or PsyD and specialize in psychotherapy and psychological testing. Psychiatrists, on the other hand, are medical doctors (MD or DO) who can prescribe medication and also provide therapy. Often, psychologists and psychiatrists work together as part of a comprehensive treatment team.

Do I need to have a serious mental illness to see a psychologist?

No. Dr. Laurie's practice focuses on preventive mental health, helping individuals manage everyday stress, improve relationships, navigate life transitions, and build skills to prevent more serious issues. Seeing a psychologist is beneficial for everyone.

What is the difference between a panic attack and an anxiety attack?

Panic attacks are sudden, intense surges of fear with physical symptoms, often unexpected. Anxiety attacks, on the other hand, are typically a gradual build-up of worry related to a specific stressor, and are usually less intense.

How can a psychologist help my child or teenager?

Dr. Laurie can provide a supportive space for children and teenagers to navigate challenges like anxiety, behavioral problems, and social skills difficulties. She helps equip them with tools to address these issues, preventing them from impacting their long-term development.

What is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)?

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a practical, goal-oriented therapy that helps you identify and change unhelpful thinking patterns and behaviors. It's proven effective in preventing the worsening of conditions like anxiety and depression.

Can therapy help me improve my sleep?

Yes, therapy can significantly improve sleep. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is a highly effective, drug-free treatment for chronic insomnia. Dr. Laurie can teach you strategies to restructure your sleep habits and challenge anxious thoughts that prevent restful sleep.

How can therapy help prevent my anxiety or depression from getting worse?

Therapy is proactive in preventing worsening anxiety or depression. Dr. Laurie PhD teaches specific coping skills, identifies early warning signs, and helps address the root causes of distress, building a mental health toolkit to navigate future challenges.

4600 Sheridan St Ste 400
Hollywood FL 33021
Phone: (954) 989-3600

Dr. Laurie Sabra, PHD 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): 1881701704

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. Clinical Psychologists (Preventive Mental Health) like Dr. Laurie PHD 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 clinical psychologist (preventive mental health) about all aspects of your health and your personalized prevention plan.