The Intensive Day Treatment Program is for individuals with moderate to severe levels of anxiety whose needs have not been effectively met through weekly individual or group therapy sessions. It is also for individuals whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily activities such as work, school, and relationships, which can result in isolation and depression. This program is offered Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm, and length of stay is generally four to six weeks. Each client works individually with a therapist so that each person's unique needs are addressed.

An additional benefit to participation in The Intensive Treatment Program is that patients can see that they are not alone, and interact with others who are experiencing similar symptoms and concerns. This is extremely rewarding for the individual as often times we hear “I felt like I was the only one who was going through this.” Our program is limited to six participants to provide a safe, comfortable, and supportive setting.

Over the course of treatment, individuals will receive the following:

• Comprehensive evaluation and assessment
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP)
• Education surrounding causes of anxiety disorders
• Social skills and assertiveness training
• Relaxation training, and stress management
• Family therapy and consultation
• Psychopharmacological consultation as needed
• Psychological testing as needed
• Collaboration with community mental health professionals
• Relapse Prevention
• Follow-up outpatient treatment
• Aftercare groups

Our Day Treatment Program operates out of a residential home setting. Our philosophy behind this setting is the understanding that many people who seek treatment are getting "stuck" in their home. Therefore, practicing and changing behaviors in a simulated home environment significantly increases a persons ability to generalize and replicate what they are learning to their home environment.

We also recognize that many anxiety disorders are triggered by situations that occur in the community. Our program offers treatment outside of the facility as well. This helps those having difficulty in the community to slowly become exposed to the triggers that produce distress. For example, someone diagnosed with OCD who experiences contamination as problematic, may find that with the gentle guidance of a therapist, going to a grocery store or mall when they are ready will lay the framework for them to eventually be able to practice this exposure activity on their own. This would be similar for someone who experiences social anxiety, panic disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, etc.

Our Intensive Treatment Program operates between Monday through Friday from 9am to 1pm.  We offer a continental breakfast for those who attend to help simplify the morning routine.  The schedule for the day is as follows.  We begin the day with a check-in group.  This allows participants to discuss their homework successes and difficulties as they surface.  It is an opportunity to share with others and to hear from peers who are experiencing similar challenges.  This provides an avenue for individuals to see that they are not alone and there are others who can truly relate to them.  There is a tremendous healing that can occur during this process alone.

Following group we offer a time for journaling and self-introspection.  Clients can write about their fears, topics to discuss with staff for the day, or just let their mind take them on a pathway of private, internal thoughts that can be expressed through writing.  Staff will then begin to work one of one with each client beginning the Cognitive Behavioral Treatment and Exposure Therapy Process.  We will wrap-up the day with a brief final group to discuss the days events and homework assignments.

New to our program!  We want to welcome Jeff Bell, San Francisco News Anchor and Author of Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to our staff.  Twice a month, Jeff facilitates a group which introduces how to apply his "Greater Good" principles to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Ritual Prevention techniques in treating OCD and other anxiety-related conditions.  This group is an hour and a half, and is open to family members who are also interested in learning the application of these principles.  For those who are not in the Intensive Treatment Program, this group is offered the first and third Wednesday monthly.  Pre-registration is required and is open to consumers, professionals, educators, and family members and friends.  Registration forms are located at http://www.yourgreatergood.com/.

For those who are entering the program from out of town, we now offer housing within walking distance to the facility.  This can significantly reduce costs associated with expensive hotels and fees.  Our housing is also located directly across from grocery shopping, a pharmacy, video rental store, various fast foods and restaurants, and other locally owned stores.   These shopping opportunities can eliminate the need for rental cars as well, thereby reducing potential costs even more.

Individual Therapy is for those with mild to moderate levels of anxiety, who feel that they can learn and apply the principles on an outpatient basis. Outpatient behavioral therapy usually consists of one to two 45-50 minute sessions per week, depending on the severity of symptoms. Individuals will receive the same services offered in The Intensive Treatment Program over a longer period of time.

Group Therapy is for those who have mild levels of anxiety and can benefit from a therapeutic group and supportive experience. Group therapy can be an adjunct to The Intensive Treatment Program or to individual therapy.

Home Visits are a very unique service that we provide. This is for individuals who may have trouble leaving their home, or need assistance practicing the skills they have learned in therapy. It is also a service used to assess home conditions, such as those that occur in hoarding. This option is available at any time, and can be applied throughout the course of treatment as needed.

Family Therapy.  We recognize that a person’s anxiety symptoms can directly impact their family members. It is common that family members feel frustrated and experience confusion about how to deal with their loved one's symptoms. As such, an integral part of treatment is to provide education and support to family members and friends. This helps validate the difficulties family members are having and provide an opportunity to answer any questions that will help clarify how their presence and involvement can support the therapeutic process.

Admission Process

Evaluations typically involve a one to two hour session, and can occur at the treatment facility or over the telephone (for those that having difficulty leaving their home or for those who live out of state). We can also come to your home to do an evaluation if needed.

During the evaluation, individuals will complete a few brief assessment forms, have an opportunity to discuss their symptoms, and receive feedback regarding how they can benefit from therapy. The optimal treatment modality will be discussed, as well as estimated length of treatment. Time will be provided to ask/answer questions.

To inquire about admission into The Anxiety Treatment Center, Inc., or to seek information about other treatment services, feel free to contact Dr. Robin Zasio, Psy.D., Director, at 916.366.0647, or go to the Contact Us Page and send us an email.  Calls can be received from individuals seeking treatment, family members, loved ones, mental health professionals, or caring friends.