Kathleen Stahl, MSW

Kathleen Stahl, MSW is a Sleep Medicine physician practicing at her clinic in Tampa, FL, and is dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive Sleep Medicine care. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under 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. She creates personalized long-term health plans, coordinating necessary screenings, and managing your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. Dr. Kathleen MSW serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (813) 644-8204 to schedule.

As a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Integrative Mental Health Profession in Florida with 10 years of experience, Dr. Kathleen MSW brings a compassionate and holistic approach to her practice. She understands the importance of a whole-body approach, incorporating aspects of health such as nutrition, supplements, sleep, and gut health into her psychotherapeutic approach to address stress, anxiety, trauma, abuse, motivation, self-esteem, confidence, and depression. Her commitment to collaborative, evidence-based medicine ensures a supportive environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. She is proud of her patients' courage in seeking support and works to create an open and safe space for sharing thoughts and feelings without judgment. Dr. Kathleen MSW provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Night Terror: Night terrors, characterized by sudden screams and fear during sleep, can disrupt your sleep quality and overall health, making early identification and management crucial for preventing long-term sleep deprivation.
• Melancholic Depression: Untreated melancholic depression increases your risk for developing serious sleep problems like insomnia, potentially leading to long-term health issues; proactive mental health care is key to preventive sleep health.
• Major Depressive Disorder: Untreated depression can lead to chronic sleep disturbances, increasing the risk of other health issues; proactive management improves both mood and sleep.
• Hypertension, Stress-Induced: High blood pressure triggered by stress is a serious condition, but with proper monitoring and stress management strategies, you can lower your risk of future health issues.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Recognizing the symptoms of ADD early allows for timely intervention, minimizing potential negative impacts on sleep quality, mood regulation, and overall health.
• Nicotine Addiction: Quitting nicotine addiction is crucial for preventing sleep disorders like sleep apnea and improving overall sleep quality, reducing your risk of serious health problems.
• Alcohol Withdrawal: Managing alcohol withdrawal symptoms helps protect your sleep cycle from harmful disruptions, reducing the risks of further sleep disorders and other 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. Kathleen MSW offers a range of key preventive screenings and services designed to provide crucial insights into your health and support your well-being:

• Relaxation Therapy: Enhance your sleep patterns and reduce nighttime awakenings through guided relaxation, a vital tool in preventing sleep disorders.
• 24-Hour Ambulatory Electroencephalogram: A 24-hour ambulatory electroencephalogram (EEG) is a proactive step to monitor your brainwave activity throughout the day and night, helping detect underlying sleep disorders like epilepsy or sleep apnea that could lead to serious health problems.
• EEG (Electroencephalogram): Protecting your sleep health starts with an EEG. This test screens for brainwave patterns linked to sleep disorders, helping us diagnose and treat problems early.
• Snoring Prevention: Discover simple lifestyle changes and effective techniques to prevent snoring and promote restful sleep, improving your quality of life.
• Deep Brain Stimulation: Deep brain stimulation is a proactive treatment option that may help regulate brain activity and improve sleep quality for individuals with severe, treatment-resistant sleep disorders.
• Couples Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better sleep by exploring couples therapy; it can help identify and resolve relationship issues that impact sleep quality for you and your partner.
• Neurostimulation: Neurostimulation may be used to help diagnose and treat certain sleep disorders by stimulating specific areas of the brain to improve sleep quality and reduce symptoms.

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. Kathleen MSW 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 understanding the triggers and implementing a proactive sleep hygiene plan, a family found significant relief from disruptive night terrors, improving everyone's sleep and overall well-being.
• By proactively addressing potential melancholic depression with regular check-ups and support, a patient significantly reduced their risk of developing serious sleep problems, ensuring a healthier and more restful future.

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. Kathleen MSW:

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 coming from backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, they bring a unique perspective to identifying 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, which is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating a personalized prevention plan.

How is chronic insomnia treated?

Treatment for chronic insomnia goes beyond just medication. Our program emphasizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia (CBT-I), which is the first-line, most effective long-term approach. CBT-I is a structured program that retrains the brain and body for healthy sleep by addressing the thoughts and behaviors that interfere with 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 does an Otolaryngologist (ENT) help with sleep problems?

An 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 can cause snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, potentially offering a permanent solution.

What is a Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT)?

The Multiple Sleep Latency Test (MSLT) is a daytime test, often following an overnight sleep study. It involves a series of scheduled naps to objectively measure how quickly you fall asleep in quiet situations. This test is primarily used to diagnose narcolepsy and idiopathic hypersomnia.

What is CPAP therapy and how does it work?

CPAP therapy is a common and effective treatment for sleep apnea. It uses a machine to deliver gentle, constant air pressure through a mask, keeping your airway open during sleep. This prevents breathing pauses, restoring healthy sleep and protecting your heart.

1205 E 8th Ave
Tampa FL 33605
Phone: (813) 644-8204

Kathleen Stahl, MSW 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): 1831521723

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. Kathleen MSW 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.