Emalee Gabriel, LMFT

Emalee Gabriel, LMFT is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Tampa, FL. 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, recognizing that early intervention and personalized strategies are crucial in addressing sleep disorders and mitigating potential long-term health complications. Her practice emphasizes creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She serves all ages, and patients should call (813) 485-1855 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Emalee LMFT's approach to care is deeply rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine. With 6 years of professional experience, she brings a strong understanding of the complexities of sleep disorders and their impact on overall well-being. She specializes in helping clients address stress, anxiety, relationship issues, intimacy-related concerns, and improve motivation, self-esteem, and confidence. Dr. Emalee LMFT creates a supportive environment where open communication and the sharing of thoughts and feelings are encouraged without fear of judgment. She is committed to empowering patients to take an active role in their health journey, recognizing that the courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life requires support and encouragement. Dr. Emalee LMFT provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Autism Spectrum Disorders: Recognizing and treating sleep disorders in individuals with ASD can help reduce behavioral challenges and improve their overall cognitive and emotional functioning, fostering long-term health.
• Apnea: Early detection and treatment of apnea are vital for preventing future health risks, including cardiovascular disease, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing your sleep health.
• Emotional Disability: Managing emotional challenges is crucial for preventive sleep health; addressing underlying mental health conditions can prevent or reduce the severity of sleep disturbances.
• Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD): Managing PTSD effectively can significantly reduce sleep disturbances and improve overall health; recognizing the link between PTSD and sleep is vital for preventative care.
• Dyssomnia: Dyssomnia, or trouble sleeping, isn't just about feeling tired; it's a risk factor for many health issues, so proactive management can help you stay healthy.
• Sexual Abuse: Sexual abuse is a traumatic event that can disrupt sleep patterns and increase the risk of developing chronic sleep disorders; early intervention and therapeutic support can help mitigate these risks.
• REM Sleep Behavior Disorder: Managing REM sleep behavior disorder is crucial for preventing falls, injuries, and relationship problems linked to dream-enacting behaviors.

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

• Snoring Prevention: Addressing snoring might uncover an undiagnosed sleep disorder, allowing for early intervention and preventing long-term health complications.
• Neuropsychological Testing: To ensure your brain's health is prioritized, neuropsychological testing evaluates thinking and memory skills potentially affected by sleep disturbances, facilitating early diagnosis and management of sleep-related cognitive decline.
• Adolescent Counseling: Invest in your adolescent's future by utilizing adolescent counseling to detect early signs of sleep disorders like insomnia or sleep apnea, leading to better overall health.
• Nasal Septum Surgery (Septoplasty): Septoplasty, or nasal septum surgery, can improve airflow and breathing, helping prevent sleep apnea and improve sleep quality.
• Psychosomatic Medicine Services: Improve your sleep and well-being by understanding the relationship between your mental health and sleep disturbances through a comprehensive assessment.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: A psychiatric evaluation helps identify and address underlying mental health conditions that can affect your sleep, improving your overall well-being and preventing sleep disorders.
• Diagnostic Evaluation: Protecting your long-term well-being starts with a diagnostic evaluation to assess your sleep health and detect any sleep disorders that need attention.

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. Emalee LMFT 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 and addressing sleep disturbances early helped a family proactively manage potential challenges associated with autism spectrum disorder, fostering a more stable and positive home environment. Improved sleep patterns contributed to reduced behavioral issues and enhanced overall well-being for the entire family.
• By scheduling regular sleep studies and following a personalized treatment plan, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing apnea-related health issues, gaining peace of mind and proactive control over their 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. Emalee LMFT:

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 come from backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, providing a unique understanding of 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. 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 safe, non-invasive overnight test that monitors your brain waves, heart rate, breathing, and body movements to understand your sleep patterns. It's the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders, allowing us to create a personalized prevention plan.

What is the connection between depression/anxiety and sleep?

Depression and anxiety are strongly linked to sleep. Anxiety and depression can cause insomnia, and lack of sleep can worsen symptoms of these conditions. Our practice provides comprehensive care, treating both the sleep disorder and the mood disorder together to interrupt this negative cycle.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

Yes, sleep apnea is a common condition in children, often caused by enlarged tonsils and adenoids. Prompt diagnosis is important, as untreated sleep apnea can impact a child's growth, learning, and behavior. Treatment is a vital step in preventing these developmental issues.

How does an Otolaryngologist (ENT) help with sleep problems?

An otolaryngologist (ENT) is a surgeon specializing in the ear, nose, and throat. They can identify and surgically correct physical blockages, such as a deviated septum or enlarged tonsils, that may be causing snoring or obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes providing a permanent solution.

What is narcolepsy?

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

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 worse in the evening or night. It's not just muscle cramps, but a condition that can disrupt sleep. Diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe sleep disruption and improving your quality of life.

1111 N West Shore Blvd Ste 213
Tampa FL 33607
Phone: (813) 485-1855

Emalee Gabriel, LMFT 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): 1023658051

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. Emalee LMFT 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.