Michelle Sukenik, LMHC

Michelle Sukenik, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine specialist dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Boca Raton, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a trusted partner in preventive health, dedicated to fostering long-term wellness. Your general Sleep Medicine physician is your primary partner in preventing long-term health complications from sleep disorders, 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 is committed to a collaborative, evidence-based approach to care, fostering an environment where patients feel empowered to take an active role in their long-term health. Please call (561) 483-0844 to confirm if Dr. Michelle LMHC is currently accepting new patients. I am a Florida licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) and nationally certified counselor (NBCC) with a doctorate in Psychology. I have over 20 years of professional work experience, including practice in the private sector and school-setting. My experience encompasses many areas, helping clients manage stress and anxiety, relationship issues, school-related challenges, conflicts, and parenting issues. I believe in treating everyone with respect, sensitivity, and compassion, taking a solution-focused, and cognitive behavioral approach, tailored to meet individual needs. It takes courage to seek a more fulfilling and happier life; this is the first step toward meaningful change. I am here to support and empower you in that journey. Dr. Michelle LMHC provides consultations primarily in English.

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

• Non-24-Hour Sleep-Wake Syndrome: Protecting your long-term health requires early detection and effective management of Non-24, a chronic sleep disorder where your body struggles to maintain a regular sleep-wake cycle, preventing its negative impact on your quality of life.
• Burnout: Managing burnout through stress reduction techniques and lifestyle changes can improve your sleep quality, reducing the likelihood of sleep apnea and other sleep-related issues.
• Alcohol-Induced Mental Disorders: Managing your alcohol intake is crucial for preventing mental health problems linked to alcohol abuse; early detection of problematic drinking habits can significantly reduce associated risks.
• Chronic Motor or Vocal Tic Disorders: By seeking professional help for chronic motor or vocal tic disorders, you can prevent these conditions from interfering with your sleep and overall health.
• Adult Autism: Addressing sleep issues in adults with autism is crucial for improving overall well-being and preventing long-term health complications like anxiety, depression, and cardiovascular problems.
• Hoarding: Hoarding can disrupt sleep patterns due to anxiety and a cluttered living environment, highlighting the importance of early intervention for better sleep health.
• Secondary Insomnia: Don't let another health problem steal your sleep. Addressing the underlying cause of your secondary insomnia through early detection and management is crucial for preventive health.

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

• Psychotherapy Services: Prioritize your mental health and sleep health with psychotherapy; it can screen for conditions like anxiety and depression impacting sleep patterns and facilitate early intervention.
• Psychosocial Rehabilitation: Improve your sleep and reduce the risk of sleep disorders by proactively addressing underlying psychosocial issues through rehabilitation; it's a crucial step in holistic sleep health.
• Personality Testing: Certain personality traits are associated with a higher risk of sleep disorders; this test helps determine your personal risk profile.
• Lumbar Puncture: As part of your sleep disorder investigation, a lumbar puncture can help identify rare neurological causes of sleep disturbances and guide your treatment strategy.
• Behavior Management: Improve your sleep quality and reduce daytime sleepiness by adopting healthy sleep hygiene practices identified through a personalized behavior assessment.
• Behavior Modification: Strengthen your sleep hygiene with personalized guidance on better sleep habits, reducing the risk of long-term sleep-related health problems.
• Somatosensory Evoked Potential (SSEP): Protecting your sleep involves understanding your nervous system. An SSEP test helps reveal any problems with nerve signal transmission that might be contributing to your sleep problems.

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. Michelle 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 understanding and proactively managing Non-24, a patient regained control over their sleep-wake cycle, fostering a healthier lifestyle and improved overall well-being.
• By incorporating stress-reducing techniques and healthy lifestyle changes, a patient proactively managed potential burnout, improving their sleep and overall well-being. This approach reduced the risk of sleep-related issues like sleep apnea, providing them with a sense of control and peace of mind.

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. Michelle 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. They often have backgrounds in pulmonology, neurology, or otolaryngology, providing 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. Fortunately, 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. This comprehensive assessment provides a complete picture of your sleep patterns, allowing us to accurately diagnose sleep disorders and create a personalized prevention plan.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

An oral appliance is a custom-fitted device, similar to a mouthguard, created by a specially trained dentist. It gently shifts the lower jaw forward, helping to keep the airway open during sleep. This can be a comfortable and portable alternative to CPAP for patients with mild to moderate sleep apnea.

Why would a Neurologist be involved in my sleep care?

Neurologists specialize in the brain and nervous system. They can diagnose and treat sleep disorders originating in the brain's control centers, such as narcolepsy, restless legs syndrome, and parasomnias. Dr. Michelle LMHC works closely with neurologists to provide comprehensive sleep care.

What is the connection between depression/anxiety and sleep?

Anxiety and depression can significantly impact sleep, and conversely, poor sleep can worsen symptoms of these conditions. Our practice recognizes this strong bidirectional link and provides comprehensive care, treating both the sleep disorder and the mood disorder simultaneously to prevent a negative cycle.

Can my child have sleep apnea?

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

Are there alternatives to CPAP for treating sleep apnea?

Yes, there are alternatives to CPAP, including custom-made oral appliances to reposition the jaw and surgical options to address anatomical blockages. These are important options to consider as part of a personalized treatment plan.

9960 Central Park Blvd N Ste 235
Boca Raton FL 33428
Phone: (561) 483-0844

Michelle Sukenik, 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): 1053566679

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. Michelle 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.