CLINICAL ASSESSMENT

As a first step, I have all clients undergo an initial diagnostic evaluation.  This process typically takes between one to three visits (first visit is 90 min).  During these visits, I get to know you, and you get to know me.  I assess current and past psychiatric symptoms and also ask about your history.  This allows us to develop a comprehensive understanding of you so that I can create a treatment plan that best fits your needs.

INDIVIDUAL THERAPY

Individual therapy typically occurs weekly for 55 minutes per session.  We will generate goals for therapy and spend your sessions working toward achieving those goals using techniques that have been supported by research. As we get closer to achieving your goals, sessions typically start shifting to every 2-3 weeks until we complete our identified goals. Patients check in periodically for booster sessions to ensure progress and the generalization of new strategies to other areas of life.

OUT OF OFFICE/HOME VISITS
Effective treatment of anxiety often requires home or community-based sessions in order to address anxiety and avoidance where it arises. We can conduct an initial assessment in the home when severe anxiety prevents travel to my office. Home or community-based (e.g., shopping centers, schools, public transportation facilities, airplanes, bathrooms) sessions may also be warranted when in-office replications of frightening situations are inadequate. Travel time is billed at the standard rate.

THERAPY WITH FAMILY MEMBERS

Symptoms can impact not only the person experiencing them but their family members too. In therapy, I will teach family members how to respond to and deal with the family member or child who is experiencing anxiety. Therapy is collaborative and focuses on skill building and communication.  I emphasize education and understanding and coach family members on how best to respond to the identified problem. Family sessions can be conducted in person, via clinical video teleconferencing or session in the home, when needed.

Groups can often be a nice alternative therapy option that can offer social support, lower cost therapy, and a place that can promote growth and motivation. Groups are frequently updated, check back for new group options.

TEEN GROUP
This group focuses on helping teens (14-18) manage their anxiety more effectively by developing a healthier relationship with their anxiety and taking action toward their goals and values. Currently, this group takes place Monday late afternoons on a monthly basis; please call or email for further details.

Your teen does not need to be a patient of my practice to be involved.

Please contact via email or phone if interested. Space is limited.

YOUNG ADULT GROUP

This young adult (18-25) group meets Friday midafternoons on a monthly basis. This group is focused on effective strategies to help manage anxiety, life transitions, and general healthy emotion regulation.

Please contact via email or phone if interested. Space is limited.

Parenting Anxious Kids workshop

In addition to individual parent training, we also offer a workshop group format based on cutting edge CBT techniques for parents. Each group focuses on one topic related to parenting anxious kids and teens and the rest of the group is focused on application of techniques, social support, and questions.

This group is offered quarterly, please call or email for details.

You do not need to be a patient of SLO CBT Center to attend.

We provide consulting to other clinicians, mental health organizations, community programs, and schools. Get help with challenging cases, learn or strengthen skills in effective programs for adults, teens and children. Know more about evidence based programs and applications.

Speaking engagements are available locally and out of the area. Please call or email to get more information on availability and pricing.