Focused Treatment Using Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
The Ross Center’s Accelerated Treatment Program is a short term, individualized program which provides effective, cost-efficient therapy to adults who do not have access to cognitive behavior therapy in their home communities. This is NOT an IOP (Intensive Outpatient Program) but rather a program designed for people with the ability to tolerate exposure therapy in a concentrated period of time. Patients travel to one of our offices in Washington DC, Northern Virginia, or Manhattan for an accelerated course of treatment. The program is experiential and proactive, including practical homework assignments to reinforce the specific coping strategies and techniques learned during the therapy sessions. You will receive the same therapeutic experiences, tools and techniques typically provided to patients who come for therapy on a weekly basis.
Frequent Sessions within a Short Period of Time
The basic Accelerated Treatment Program includes a one-hour private diagnostic evaluation and sixteen 45 minute therapy sessions over a short period of time (sometimes in as little as one week, depending on availability). Therapy sessions may take place either in the office or in “real life” anxiety provoking situations, depending upon the nature of your problem. When you return home, you’ll receive three 15 minute telephone follow-up sessions with the therapist to encourage progress. Additional therapy sessions or a medical consultation with a psychiatrist can be arranged for additional charges.
Who Can Benefit from the Accelerated Program?
The Accelerated Treatment Program is designed for adults suffering from panic disorder, specific phobias (i.e. driving, animals/insects, heights), social anxiety disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and generalized anxiety disorder. Individuals can benefit from the program regardless of whether they have previously been in therapy.
We reserve the right to accept only those people into the program whom we believe will most benefit from the treatment. This judgment is based on a careful review of the application and telephone conversations with the applicant and, when relevant, other involved persons, such as family members, therapists or physicians. Potential patients must read and sign a form indicating they understand the program and have been informed about its components prior to acceptance into the Program.
The Accelerated Treatment Program is not recommended for children, for adults with active substance abuse problems, or for those with certain other serious illnesses. Additionally, those patients who have the benefit of living close to one of our offices should schedule a regular intake session with us to determine the optimal timeframe for treatment. In many cases, having a longer term treatment plan rather than a focused one-week program affords a greater chance for remission of symptoms and long term success.
Logistics for Out-of-Town Participants
The Ross Center is an outpatient facility. Out of town participants enrolled in the Accelerated Treatment Program will be given a list of nearby hotels, in various price categories, where you can stay during your treatment. We will attempt to accommodate your needs and timeframe, but usually require at least 30 days notice to schedule your accelerated treatment.
Family Involvement can be Helpful
Family members are welcome to participate in the program to the extent that is in the best interest of the patient. In some cases it is helpful for a family member to actually sit in during one or more therapy sessions, while in others it is best that the patient be seen alone. In almost all instances, however, accompanying family members can play a major role in helping patients practice and reinforce what they are learning while undergoing treatment, and upon returning home.
Follow Up Support is Provided
The Accelerated Treatment Program leaves participants with a strong, solid base that continues to expand as they put their newfound skills to work in their home environment. Prior to completing the program, they are given follow-up assignments, directions for practical applications of what they have learned, and detailed instructions for continued and ongoing practice at home. It is suggested that individuals begin to use their three 15-minute phone sessions, which are included in the Accelerated Treatment Program, a week or two after they have completed the program. Armed with an array of specific tools, techniques and anxiety management skills, patients leave the program energized and highly motivated to continue the momentum of their recovery.
For more information on our Accelerated Treatment program, please call The Ross Center office where you would like to schedule your treatment.