Ricki Shain, LMHC

Ricki Shain, LMHC is a Sleep Medicine physician dedicated to empowering patients with proactive, comprehensive care at her clinic in Fort Lauderdale, FL. Registered with The Florida Board of Medicine and practicing under Florida Statutes, Title XXXII, Chapter 458 (Medical Practice), she is a vital partner in preventive health. Dr. Ricki LMHC 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, coordinates necessary screenings, and manages your overall wellness through collaboration with pulmonologists, neurologists, and otolaryngologists. She serves all ages and is currently welcoming new patients to begin their proactive health journey. Please call (954) 514-7669 to schedule an appointment.

Dr. Ricki LMHC's approach to patient care is rooted in a deep understanding of mental health and behavioral coaching, honed over 28 years of experience in diverse settings. Her practice combines a client-centered, strengths-based perspective with cognitive-behavioral and motivational interviewing techniques to help individuals address a wide range of challenges, from chronic medical issues to personal growth goals. She prioritizes creating a supportive and empathetic environment where patients feel empowered to take control of their health and well-being. Dr. Ricki LMHC offers consultations primarily in English.

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

• Pediatric Behavior Disorders: Recognizing and treating pediatric behavioral disorders is crucial for promoting healthy sleep, contributing to better physical and mental well-being.
• Relationship Issues: Conflict and stress within relationships are often linked to poor sleep; seeking help for relationship challenges can greatly improve sleep quality and reduce health risks.
• Social Anxiety Disorder: Early detection and treatment of social anxiety disorder are key to preventing sleep disturbances that could lead to serious health consequences.
• Addiction: Untreated addiction can severely disrupt sleep patterns, leading to chronic sleep deprivation and increased risk of serious health problems; early intervention is crucial for preventing long-term damage.
• Mood and Adjustment Disorder: Because mood and adjustment problems frequently affect sleep, seeking early professional help improves sleep hygiene and reduces health complications associated with poor sleep.
• ADHD and-or ADD: Managing ADHD and ADD symptoms is crucial for improving sleep quality, which helps reduce the risk of chronic health problems linked to sleep deprivation.
• Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD): Early diagnosis and management of Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) in children can prevent academic struggles and improve their overall well-being, setting them up for a healthier future.
• Separation Anxiety: Early identification and treatment of separation anxiety are vital for preventing sleep disturbances and promoting better mental and physical health throughout life.
• Panic Attack: Recognizing the signs of panic attacks and getting appropriate treatment is crucial for preventing their negative impact on sleep quality and mental health.
• Eating Disorders: Because eating disorders frequently cause sleep disturbances, proactively seeking help for an eating disorder is essential for improving your sleep health.
• Grief: Because grief often disrupts sleep, early identification and management of grief are essential steps in preventive care to safeguard your sleep and overall well-being.
• Anxiety: Anxiety is a common risk factor for insomnia and other sleep problems, making early intervention crucial for maintaining healthy sleep patterns.

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

• Relaxation Therapy: Discover how relaxation exercises can help you fall asleep faster and stay asleep longer, potentially avoiding the need for sleep medication.
• Behavior Modification: Take control of your sleep by learning healthy sleep habits to prevent insomnia and improve your overall well-being.
• Psychiatric Evaluation: Proactively addressing mental health through a psychiatric evaluation can prevent the worsening of sleep disorders, improving your quality of life and reducing the risk of related health problems.
• Psychological Testing: Proactive psychological testing helps screen for emotional or mental factors that could contribute to insomnia or other sleep problems.
• Group Psychotherapy: Proactively address the emotional and psychological aspects of sleep problems through group therapy, enabling early intervention and improved sleep hygiene practices to prevent future health issues.
• Individual Therapy: Take a proactive step towards better sleep by exploring individual therapy; it can help uncover hidden anxieties or stressors impacting your sleep quality and prevent sleep disorders from worsening.
• Family Counseling: To improve your sleep, consider family counseling; it helps identify and resolve relationship issues that may contribute to sleep problems.
• Grief Therapy: Prioritizing grief therapy can lead to improved sleep patterns and a reduced risk of long-term health complications related to sleep deprivation.
• Couples Therapy: Proactively address sleep problems stemming from relationship issues with couples therapy. It helps improve communication and reduce conflict, leading to better sleep for both partners.
• Marital Therapy: Improve your sleep quality by working with a therapist to identify and resolve relationship conflicts that could be impacting your rest.
• 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.
• Pediatric Counseling: Give your child the gift of restful sleep by scheduling a pediatric counseling session to identify and address any underlying sleep disturbances.

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. Ricki 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 potential sleep-related behavioral challenges early, a family proactively addressed potential issues, fostering a supportive and nurturing home environment. This approach significantly reduced stress and improved the overall well-being of their child.
• Recognizing the link between sleep and relationship stress, a couple proactively sought guidance. Improved sleep hygiene and communication strategies, learned through support services, fostered a more harmonious and fulfilling relationship.

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. Ricki 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, which is the gold standard for diagnosing sleep disorders and creating an effective prevention plan.

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

An ENT, or otolaryngologist, 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 contribute to snoring and obstructive sleep apnea, sometimes providing a permanent solution.

What is Restless Legs Syndrome (RLS)?

Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a neurological sensory disorder causing an overwhelming urge to move your legs, often worse in the evening or night. It's not just a muscle cramp, but a feeling of discomfort that improves with movement. Diagnosis and treatment are key to preventing severe sleep disruption and improving your quality of life.

What is an oral appliance for sleep apnea?

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

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, allowing you to get healthy sleep and protect your heart.

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. Ricki 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.

2700 NW 62nd St Ste B106
Fort Lauderdale FL 33309
Phone: (954) 514-7669

Ricki Shain, 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): 1962555813

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. Ricki 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.