Seeking treatment is often a difficult and scary first step. To help with that, we have outlined what you can expect when you come to the Orange County Anxiety Center. In addition to having a judgement-free atmosphere, you can expect to have productive sessions, to be treated as a partner in your treatment, and ultimately, to learn how to manage your anxiety successfully.
Read on to learn about our treatment process.
GETTING THE FULL PICTURE:
ASSESSMENT
At OC Anxiety Center, a comprehensive evaluation of your issues can be completed within a few days. This will include a combination of research based questionnaires, a thorough interview using several different tools, followed by a diagnosis and a treatment plan. This is generally the first step in treatment at OCAC.
BEGIN TREATMENT:
Based on your availability and condition, you may choose to receive therapy in the following forms.
INTENSIVE TREATMENT (IT)
An IT protocol is typically used for a single diagnosis issue, such as a Specific Phobia or Panic Disorder. In this format, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is compressed into four to eight days of treatment, and is for those who do not live in the area (we can help with local arrangements) or those who have a short amount of time to deal with the problem. Typically, the first few days are comprised of two to three hours of work with the psychologist followed by several hours of homework, and the last few days focus on graduated exposures to the feared object or situation(s).
TRADITIONAL TREATMENT
A traditional approach utilizes a weekly format. These sessions focus on helping individuals learn new skills that will help them overcome their current issues. Typically, each session includes some psychoeducation, cognitive challenging, and behavioral work.
The goal here is for the client to learn these skills, practice them at home, and incorporate the changes into their daily lives.
BLENDED TREATMENT
A blended approach balances both the Traditional and Intensive Treatments and is often used for more severe problems. This may include multiple sessions within a week and/or longer sessions. This works well when the psychologist travels to the home of the client or if extended exposures are needed.
ANXIETY, NO MORE:
MAINTENANCE PROTOCOL
This is typically used when clients have completed active therapy (either at OCAC or another institution) and only require checkups or minor revisions to their existing therapy plans. Sessions may initially be once a week but generally decrease quickly to once a month or less frequently, depending on the needs of the individual.