The Anxiety Treatment Center, Inc. offers a variety of treatment options, depending on the particular needs of each individual.
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.
Integral to our program is Jeff Bell, San Francisco News Anchor and Author of Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder to our staff. Monthly, Jeff facilitates a group which introduces how to apply his "Greater Good" principles to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response 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 workshop is offered periodically, typically on Saturdays, and is open to consumers, professionals, educators, and family members and friends. Registration forms are located at http://www.YourGreaterGood.com../
The Anxiety Treatment Center also offers housing for those who are entering the program from out of town. “Serenity House” is four-bedroom home that offers a safe and quiet living environment to support the treatment and recovery process. This setting is fully furnished offering each client their own room and tv for privacy, and also provides an office, large backyard, washer/dryer, exercise equipment, and kitchen amenities. Our housing is also located within walking distance to grocery shopping and pharmacy, video rental store, various fast foods, Starbucks, restaurants, and other locally owned stores. These convenient shopping opportunities can eliminate the need for rental cars as well, thereby reducing further unnecessary costs.
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.
Unique Opportunity offered by The Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento
The Anxiety Treatment Center is offering a scholarship which includes up to four-weeks of Intensive Outpatient Treatment. This opportunity is available to individuals who have been diagnosed with a primary diagnosis of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and to those without medical insurance. Applicants may be of any age, and must be experiencing a moderate to severe level of symptomology who can benefit from this level of care.
The award recipient will have the opportunity to reside in Serenity House, the program’s residential housing facility offered to those enrolled in the Intensive Program. Family members will also have the option to participate in the treatment process, helping them to learn ways in which they can better understand and support their loved one. This scholarship will support the center’s mission to reach out to those who may otherwise not have had the resources for this level of care.
For an application, please contact Dr. Robin Zasio, Psy.D. at drrobin@sierrabg.com, or by phone at 916.366.0647. Deadline for submission is March 15, 2009. The scholarship award recipient will be notified on April 1, 2009.
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.
Participate in a Research Study
The following research programs are currently seeking volunteers:
San Francisco Bay Area
TLC-Funded Study: Brain Imaging in Trichotillomania
Volunteers with Trichotillomania are sought to participate in a research study investigating whether there are differences in brain activity between people with Trichotillomania and those without the disorder. The study is at Stanford University Medical Center (located in Palo Alto, CA) and reimburses $50 for a single MRI of the brain. The study would require a telephone screening (approximately 60 minutes) and an MRI scan at Stanford lasting 90 minutes. Reimbursement for travel expenses is not available, so it's best if you live in the Bay Area.
- Eligibility requirements:
Men and women ages 18-65 years old
Currently experiencing difficulty with compulsive hair pulling, resulting in distress or noticeable hair loss
Not also diagnosed with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Not on psychiatric medications other than antidepressants
No history of neurological disorders
No seizure disorder or history of head trauma
No metal in your body or tattoos near your head
For more information on this program, contact:
Dr. Matthew White
(650) 725-5598 (confidential line)
mpwhite@stanford.edu
For general information regarding rights of research participants,
please call (650) 723-2641 or toll-free 1-866-680-2906.
Boston, MA
Massachusetts General Hospital Family Study
Have you or one of your family members been diagnosed with trichotillomania? If so, Massachusetts General Hospital would like to ask you to particpate in a family research study. The purpose of this study is to investigate causes of trichotillomania. The study will require approxiamtely 2-4 hours of your time, and a DNA sample may also be collected. Compensation is provided for you and your family. You must live in the Boston area and have your own transportation to participate.
For more information on this program, contact:
Liz Loerke
Clinical Research Coordinator
Psychiatric and Neurodevelopmental Genetics Unit Center
for Human Genetic Research
617-643-6561
eloerke@partners.org
Minneapolis, MN
University of Minnesota TTM and Skin Picking Pharmacology Study
Do you pick your skin or pull your hair? Is it causing problems? Does it feel out of control? The UM Department of Psychiatry is conducting two separate studies on medications for hair pulling or skin picking. Participants must be at least years 18 years old, and participation requires multiple visits to our Minneapolis, Minnesota, center. If you live outside the area, participation is not possible. Both studies are confidential and free. Please email or call if you would like more information.
Jon Grant, MD
Department of Psychiatry
University of Minnesota
612-273-9736 (confidential line)
grant045@umn.edu
Philadelphia, PA
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety
Does your child suffer from trichotillomania? Martin Franklin, PhD, is examining treatments for children at The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety in Philadelphia. Participants will receive either Behavior Therapy or Supportive Counseling. Children and adolescents, ages 10 through 17, who repetitively pull their hair may be eligible to participate in this study. Must live in the greater Philadelphia area to particpate.
For more information on this program, contact:
Michelle Wilson
Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety
Phone: 215-746-3327
Email: mwilso@mail.med.upenn.edu
