Lizabeth Goldstein, PhD

As the recipient of a VA Rehabilitation R&D Career Development Award-2 (CDA-2), I am building a research program focused on improving the detection, diagnosis, and treatment of sleep disorders in people whose needs aren't met by our current paradigms. The goal of my CDA-2 is to improve the quality of life and functioning of Veterans with PTSD and sleep disturbance through evidence-based, patient-centered behavioral care. Approximately 70% of Veterans with PTSD have sleep apnea, but it is very difficult for these Veterans to tolerate sleep apnea treatment. In response to this clinical gap, I developed a behavioral treatment protocol called Apnea and Insomnia Relief (AIR) for Veterans with insomnia and sleep apnea. We completed a pilot randomized controlled trial evaluating AIR vs. Sleep Education for Veterans with sleep apnea, insomnia, and PTSD. We are currently analyzing the data and preparing the results for publication. I am actively expanding my research program into additional, complementary areas of work, most notably health disparities in the detection and treatment of sleep disorders.

During my clinical time, I am a Staff Psychologist as part of the SFVAHCS Integrated Care Psychology section and provide evaluation and intervention for sleep disorders in partnership with the SFVAHCS Sleep Clinic. I also participate in the VISN 21 Sleep Apnea Multidisciplinary Clinic, providing consultation and clinical evaluation alongside providers in other medical specialties. As faculty for the UCSF Sleep Medicine Fellowship, I provide training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Insomnia for physician sleep medicine fellows. I also supervise psychology externs, interns, and postdoctoral residents in Behavioral Sleep Medicine and am lead for the Health Psychology track of the SFVAHCS Predoctoral Psychology Internship Program.