About Me
Brad Wolgast, PhD, CBSM, DBSM
I'm a licensed psychologist and board-certified behavioral sleep medicine (BSM) specialist and diplomate. I started this private practice in 2020. I've been conducting psychotherapy since 1999 and CBT-I since 2010.
While I am licensed as a psychologist in Pennsylvania and Delaware, I am also PsyPact certified. This means I am able to treat you if you are living in any of 37 other states. Currently, that list includes: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming (and coming in mid-2024: Vermont and South Dakota)
What is CBT-I ?
CBT-I is Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia.
- If you have had on-going problems with falling or staying asleep, even if the problems seem related to anxiety, menopause, pain or something else, CBT-I may be your best remedy.
- CBT-I is the first-line treatment of insomnia recommended over prescription medication by the National Institute of Health, the American College of Physicians and the American Academy of Sleep Medicine.
- In 2016 the American College of Physicians provided the following recommendation based on their independent review of research: "All adult patients should receive CBT-I as the first step in treating chronic insomnia. If CBT-I alone does not help improve insomnia, patients and clinicians should discuss medicines. Clinicians and patients should make a decision together after discussing the benefits, harms, and costs of medicines."
Treatment for Nightmares
Nightmares can occur as an isolated symptom without a specific cause other than life stress or as a part of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder following a traumatic event. They are usually extremely frightening and can result in significant amounts of lost sleep. When nightmares are chronic, people may feel worried about falling asleep or even try to avoid sleep. Dr. Wolgast can use Imagery Rehearsal Therapy (IRT), an evidence based treatment, to work on reducing tthe frequency and intensity of your nightmares. This can be done independently of, or in conjunction with treating other PTSD symptoms.