My Approach to Helping
My approach to working with those who have anxiety is best described as "evidence-based," "solution-focused," and short-term in nature (i.e., 10-15 sessions). This is NOT "talk therapy", which can last for years, is incredibly expensive, and generally goes nowhere. My sessions employ a "cognitive-behavior therapy" (CBT) emphasis, along with psycho-education concerning the condition being treated.
I want everyone I work with to have a solid understanding of their condition (e.g., obsessive compulsion, social anxiety, chronic worry, panic issues, etc.), such that they will actively engage in their treatment protocol. Sessions typically last up to 1.5 hours and consist of state-of-the-art skills training. In addition, between sessions exercises are prescribed to ensure that fast and durable change takes place.
Quite frankly, my goal for those I work with is for these individuals to no longer need to see me weekly, as soon as possible, due to the fact that they have, for the first time, finally met someone who has taught them the skills they need to successfully manage their particular condition which has, for too long, been managing them. Managing anxiety issues such as OCD, social anxiety, panic issues, phobias, generalized anxiety, or chronic worry is hard work. However, the results are well worth it! I\'ve been specializing in these conditions for over 30 years, as a University Professor, and a Clinical Psychologist.
More Info About My Practice
My fees range from $130-$180 per session, depending upon session length, with an immediate receipt provided for insurance reimbursement purposes. Typically, most patients are reimbursed up to 80% of each treatment session. Specific fees for psychological assessments such as for a particular anxiety, attention-deficit hyperactivity (ADHD), etc. vary, based on the type of condition being assessed.
It should be kept in mind that my treatment protocols are evidenced-based, and short-term in nature. Thus, the total expense across all sessions is significantly less than those of other therapists, who typically see patients over the course of several months, or even longer. In addition, I also offer intensive 2-day (6 hours per day) individual and/or group therapy sessions within the areas of obsessive compulsion (OCD), social anxiety, and panic issues. Monthly support groups are also offered for specific anxiety diagnoses.
Specific Issue(s) I'm Skilled at Helping With
As was mentioned earlier, I specialize only in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders (as well as the ASSESSMENT, not treatment, of ADHD for children and adults). I am a Professional Member of the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, and the American Psychological Association. I have also presented my research publications at conferences hosted by all of these professional organizations.
I am a graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), which is designed to provide advanced post-licensure clinical training within the area of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Unfortunately, it is not at all unusual that I see people, from around the Country, who have already worked with 2, 3, or more therapists in the past. All of whom have stated that they were "specialists" at treating Anxiety Disorders. There are only a limited number of therapists throughout the United States who can truly refer to themselves as "specialists" in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders.
I have earned that distinction, and remain extremely disappointed at others who have not been entirely honest about their credentials. Although I can't control for these occurrences, what I can control is the quality of treatment which I provide for those who are suffering from an Anxiety Disorder. Our Clinic's treatment protocols are "evidenced-based", short-term, and highly effective.
How Psychotherapy Can Help
Psychotherapy can only help under two primary conditions: (1) the person providing the therapy is a true specialist (not a generalist) regarding the diagnosis in question (e.g., an Anxiety Disorder), and (2) the person receiving the treatment is motivated to work very hard during each session, as well as in-between sessions. Therapy is a learning process. In order to learn any new skill, you first need to find a great teacher. They can often be hard to find!
Before deciding on a therapist (who will become your private teacher), be sure to research their credentials, interview them over the phone, etc. You owe that to yourself, and your prospective therapist owes that to you. If you don't ask the right questions, you won't get the right answers. Oh, and one last thing. If the prospective therapist says that he or she doesn't have the time for a phone interview, or is going to charge you for such a discussion, hang up the phone, and call someone else.
Clinicians who offer sliding scale payment structures may offer lower or reduced fees based on an individual's ability to pay. Please contact this clinician for more details regarding their fees or sliding scale policy.