Treatment

Diagnosis and treatment is provided for children who struggle with anxiety, including OCD.

Diagnosis and evaluation…What to expect

Diagnosis and evaluation is completed in the first 1 – 4 sessions. The first session is for parents only, unless the client is over 13 years old, in which case they also attend. In order to provide an initial formulation, I thoroughly assess anxiety, current and past symptoms. Additionally, I gather information about other conditions that might affect functioning including mood disorders, temperamental traits, ADHD, Autism Spectrum disorders, Sensory Processing, academic, peer and family issues. I also review family psychiatric history.

Treatment…What does it look like?

After the initial session, I typically teach cognitive behavioral skills and begin practicing the strategies in the next three sessions. Parent coaching is an important part of the treatment and may take place during the client’s sessions or during a separate parent session. Once the basic skills are taught to the client and parents, further sessions are scheduled to continue practices and address other difficulties interacting with the anxiety, such as Depression, ADHD or Autism Spectrum difficulties.

What Conditions do I treat?

Types of anxiety treated include:

• Generalized Anxiety Disorder
• Health Anxiety
• Social Anxiety
• Separation Anxiety
• Phobias
• Panic Disorder
• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
  • Ordering, symmetry, completion, perfection, Just Right
  • Germ and Contamination
  • Harm, Aggressive, Sexual Obsessions
  • Hoarding
  • Body Dysmorphia

Co-occurring conditions treated include:

• Depression
• Bipolar Disorder
• ADHD
• Autism Spectrum Disorders
• Sensory Processing
• Family stressors
• Peer difficulties
• School difficulties and needs

Treatment Method … CBT and ERP plus!

While providing support and addressing motivation, I treat anxiety using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy or CBT. CBT includes many powerful strategies for achieving a calm state and for reducing fears, obsessions and compulsions.   Anxiety treatment often relies upon the use of Exposure therapy (Exposure Response Prevention or ERP), which is the backbone of treatment for OCD. Acceptance and meditative skills are also important tools for anxiety and OCD.

In the treatment sessions, I teach CBT and ERP skills. Then practices are done in session and as homework. Parents are taught all the skills and coached on how to support their child at home during anxiety episodes and homework practices.

Skills and support are provided for other difficulties such as depressive episodes, ADHD and peer or family stressors.

Instructions for first time appointments:

Forms needed for the first appointment can be mailed to you or downloaded.

Please bring the following forms to bring to the first appointment:

• Child Intake
• Child Information
• Consent for Primary Care Physician

Note: Substitute the Adult Intake for the two Child forms if the client is 18 years old or older

Optional Forms

• Consent for School
• Consent for Other Providers
• Initial appt letter

APPOINTMENTS:
Psychotherapy typically involves weekly or biweekly visits. The first appointment lasts up to 60 minutes. For the first appointment children under 13 years of age do not attend. Children 13 years and above come to the initial session with their parents. Typically, sessions are 45 minutes to 60 minutes.

CANCELLATIONS:
Appointments must be cancelled 24 business hours in advance or there will be a $125.00 charge. (No charge for a serious emergency.)

EMERGENCIES:
I can be reached 24 hours a day by calling the answering service at (585) 258-3342. I will return your call as soon as possible. If I am out of town, a colleague will be “on call” and available to you by calling the answering service.

PAYMENT:
Please make full payment at the time of each session. Check, cash and credit cards are accepted.

INSURANCE:
Please contact your insurance company to determine what your benefits are for “outpatient mental health” and to inquire if pre-certification (“referral”) is necessary. Please obtain any needed referrals BEFORE your first visit. Many insurance policies provide partial or complete reimbursement for services; however, payment of the bill is your responsibility. I will submit the proper claim form directly to the insurance company for their portion, including high deductible policies.

Several insurances are accepted. Please call the office to determine if your policy is accepted.