Jenifer Gold, LMHC

Jenifer Gold, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under the Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she understands that your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders. This proactive approach involves creating personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She is committed to serving all ages, recognizing that preventative care is crucial at every stage of life. Please call (813) 384-4000 to confirm if she is currently accepting new patients.

Dr. Jenifer LMHC's approach to care is rooted in collaborative, evidence-based medicine, fostering a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. As a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC), she brings a unique perspective to sleep medicine, drawing on her experience working with individuals facing diverse challenges, including depression, anxiety, OCD, mood instability, substance use, and anxiety. Her specialized training in postpartum disorders and trauma underscores her commitment to comprehensive care. Dr. Jenifer LMHC believes in the power of individualized treatment plans, tailoring her approach to what works best for each patient. She is passionate about empowering individuals to heal and recognizing the unique journey of each person. Dr. Jenifer LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Paranoid Personality Disorder: Paranoid personality disorder, if left unaddressed, can significantly impact sleep quality and contribute to chronic health problems, highlighting the importance of early intervention and mental health support.
• Drug Withdrawal: Drug withdrawal symptoms, like insomnia or excessive daytime sleepiness, can worsen existing sleep disorders, emphasizing the need for careful medication management to prevent further complications.
• Codependency: Managing codependent relationships is crucial for preventing chronic sleep disturbances, as emotional distress often manifests as insomnia or other sleep-related difficulties.
• Marijuana Addiction: Marijuana addiction can disrupt sleep patterns and worsen existing sleep disorders, highlighting the importance of early intervention and addiction treatment to improve overall sleep health.
• Fibromyalgia: Managing fibromyalgia through lifestyle changes and medical treatment is crucial for preventing long-term disability and improving overall quality of life.
• Irregular Sleep-Wake Pattern: Managing irregular sleep-wake cycles is vital for preventive healthcare, as it lowers your risk of developing chronic conditions like obesity and mood disorders.
• Secondary Restless Leg Syndrome: Secondary restless legs syndrome develops due to another health issue, and addressing the underlying condition can often alleviate your restless legs and improve your overall sleep quality.

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

• Quantitative Sensory Test (QST): A Quantitative Sensory Test (QST) helps your doctor understand how your nervous system responds to different sensations, which can be crucial for diagnosing and preventing nerve-related sleep issues.
• Diet Counseling: Improve your sleep hygiene: A personalized dietary plan can support healthy weight management, crucial for preventing sleep apnea and other conditions.
• Integrative Behavioral Health Care: Integrative behavioral health care helps identify and treat underlying mental health conditions that may be contributing to your sleep problems, leading to improved rest.
• Internal Family Systems Therapy: Internal Family Systems Therapy helps you understand and resolve inner conflicts that may be contributing to sleep problems, proactively improving your sleep quality.
• Ventilator Management: By optimizing your ventilator settings, ventilator management contributes to better sleep, reducing daytime fatigue and improving overall well-being.
• Respiratory Management: Ensure your airways are clear and functioning properly through respiratory assessment; early detection of sleep-related breathing issues can significantly improve your overall well-being.
• Exposure Therapy: Exposure therapy helps you confront and desensitize yourself to situations or stimuli triggering sleep disturbances, leading to better sleep and overall well-being.

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. Jenifer 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 proactively addressing potential sleep disturbances and mental health concerns, a patient reduced the potential for paranoid personality disorder symptoms to escalate, fostering a greater sense of well-being and peace of mind.
• By working with a sleep medicine specialist, a patient proactively managed their medication, preventing the onset of drug withdrawal symptoms and ensuring a stable sleep pattern. This proactive approach allowed them to focus on their overall well-being and avoid further health challenges.

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. Jenifer LMHC:

What is a Sleep Medicine specialist?

A sleep medicine specialist is a board-certified doctor who has specialized training to diagnose and treat sleep disorders. They often have backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, offering a unique perspective on 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. Early 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, serving as the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating an effective prevention plan.

What is a circadian rhythm disorder?

Circadian rhythm disorders are problems with the body's internal 24-hour clock, often causing a misalignment between this internal clock and the external environment, such as in delayed sleep phase syndrome. A sleep specialist can help reset this clock using strategies like light therapy and timed melatonin.

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?

While acting out dreams can be concerning, it might be a sign of REM Sleep Behavior Disorder (RBD). A consultation with Dr. Jenifer LMHC is important, as RBD can sometimes be an early indicator of other neurological conditions. Fortunately, treatments are available to manage symptoms and ensure your safety during sleep.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

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

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 needed for complex cases or to diagnose other sleep disorders like narcolepsy or parasomnias.

4422 E Columbus Dr
Tampa FL 33605
Phone: (813) 384-4000

Jenifer Gold, 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): 1073053575

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. Jenifer 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.