Elizabeth Scott, LMHC

Elizabeth Scott, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Miami, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is committed to preventive health, recognizing that addressing sleep disorders early can significantly reduce the risk of long-term health complications. She understands that sleep is foundational to overall well-being, and she is your primary partner in 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 (305) 902-6347 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

As a fully licensed therapist in Florida, specializing in issues related to depression and anxiety, PTSD, trauma, relationship issues, and grief and loss, Dr. Elizabeth LMHC brings a unique perspective to sleep medicine. Her modalities include Cognitive Behavioral therapy, Solution-Focused therapy, Mindfulness-based techniques, and others. Her approach is warm, open, and down-to-earth, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is committed to collaborative, evidence-based medicine, and she values the opportunity to partner with you in addressing your sleep health concerns. Dr. Elizabeth LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Substance Dependence: Uncontrolled substance use can disrupt your sleep patterns, leading to serious health issues; proactive management is crucial for better sleep and overall well-being.
• Cyclothymia (Chronic Mood Disorder): Untreated cyclothymia can lead to severe sleep disturbances and increased risk of other health problems, emphasizing the importance of preventive care and proactive management.
• Job Stress: Chronic job stress can significantly disrupt your sleep patterns, increasing your risk of insomnia and other sleep disorders, so prioritizing stress management is crucial for better health.
• Shift Work Sleep Disorder: Prevent serious health consequences down the line by addressing shift work sleep disorder promptly; recognizing its symptoms and adopting sleep hygiene practices can significantly improve your health.
• Attachment Disorders: Because secure attachment fosters healthy sleep habits, recognizing and addressing attachment problems in children is a vital preventative measure against future sleep disorders.
• Sexual Abuse: Experiencing sexual abuse can significantly impact your mental health, potentially leading to sleep disorders like insomnia and nightmares, highlighting the importance of seeking support and treatment to prevent long-term sleep problems.
• Pediatric Behavior Disorders: Untreated childhood behavioral issues may disrupt sleep patterns, increasing the risk of future sleep disorders and related health problems.

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

• Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP): A somatosensory evoked potential (SSEP) test helps your doctor check your nervous system's ability to send signals, potentially identifying early signs of neurological conditions that can impact sleep.
• Balance Testing: Balance testing is a simple check that can help detect neurological issues affecting your balance and potentially impacting sleep quality.
• Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): As a proactive step toward better sleep, DBT can help identify and address underlying emotional and behavioral issues that interfere with restful sleep, helping prevent further health complications.
• SomnoDent® (for Sleep Apnea): Improve your sleep and wake feeling refreshed by utilizing SomnoDent®, an effective oral appliance that helps manage symptoms of sleep apnea and reduces daytime fatigue.
• Alcohol or Substance Misuse Screening and Counseling: Taking a proactive step towards better sleep, this screening helps identify if alcohol or substance use is affecting your sleep quality and overall health.
• Lung Spirometry: Protecting your respiratory health begins with lung spirometry; this test helps diagnose breathing issues that can contribute to sleep apnea and other sleep problems.
• Respiratory Management: Proactive respiratory management helps identify potential breathing problems during sleep, preventing serious health risks like heart disease and stroke.

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. Elizabeth 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:

• Recognizing early warning signs of potential substance use issues, a patient developed a personalized sleep hygiene plan, significantly reducing their risk of substance dependence and improving their overall well-being.
• Recognizing early warning signs and implementing a proactive sleep management plan, a patient significantly reduced the risk of cyclothymia escalating into more severe mood disturbances, fostering greater emotional 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. Elizabeth 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, we monitor your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements overnight. This non-invasive test provides a complete picture of your sleep patterns, acting as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating an effective prevention plan.

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.

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. Elizabeth is important for diagnosis and to explore available treatments to manage symptoms and ensure your safety during sleep.

How is chronic insomnia treated?

Treatment for chronic insomnia goes beyond just sleeping pills. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I) is the first-line, most effective long-term approach. CBT-I is a program that retrains the brain and body for healthy sleep by addressing thoughts and behaviors that interfere with sleep.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

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

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists specialize in the brain and nervous system. They are often involved in sleep care to diagnose and treat sleep disorders originating in the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias.

1951 NW 7th Ave Fl 3
Miami FL 33136
Phone: (305) 902-6347

Elizabeth Scott, 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): 1104281625

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. Elizabeth 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.