Overview

In the Semi-Intensive Treatment Program, patients undergo treatment in long blocks of time (e.g., 2-3 hours), but not necessarily all day and not every day, as is done in the Intensive Treatment Program.  The Semi-Intensive Treatment Program covers all of the skills learned in the traditional 12-week treatment program, but has the advantage of faster change for those who qualify.   

We will tailor the Semi-Intensive Treatment protocol to your needs and schedule.  As with the Intensive Treatment Program, it can be used to treat the following disorders:

    » Panic Disorder

    » Agoraphobia

    » Social Phobia

    » Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

    » Specific Phobias (e.g., fear of heights, bridges, etc.)

It is possible to adapt the protocol for other disorders, but this can only be done on a case-by-case basis. 

People travel from around the country to participate in our Semi-Intensive Treatment Program.  If you are traveling to the area, we can assist you in your travel arrangements. 

Treatment Schedule

The schedule for the Semi-Intensive Treatment Program varies from patient to patient, but is generally conducted Monday through Friday.  Breaks are provided as needed.  Patients also have brief assignments to complete between sessions (e.g., breathing techniques). 

Patients spend a predetermined time working directly with a licensed psychologist.  In this Semi-Intensive Treatment Program, it is not uncommon for much of the time to be spent "in the field" overcoming the feared situation or stimulus.  

The treatment begins with psychoeducation and moves quickly into the other four components of treatment (e.g., breathing retraining, cognitive restructuring, exposure, and lifestyle management).  For a review of these treatment components, please read the About Treatment section.

On the last day of treatment, the focus is on consolidation of the skills and relapse prevention.  

Patients end the treatment with a written plan that will help them maintain the treatment gains made, along with scheduled follow-up phone-calls and emails. 

Like all of our treatment protocols, we tailor the Semi-Intensive Treatment program to fit each patient's needs.

Qualifications for Participation

This Semi-Intensive Treatment Program is not for everyone; it is designed for individuals who prefer a short-term, intensive treatment in place of the traditional weekly 12-session treatment.  To be admitted into the Semi-Intensive Treatment Program, patients must meet the following criteria:

» Patients must meet  the diagnostic criteria for Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or Specific Phobia. 

» Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or Simple Phobia must be the principle problem, not depression, substance abuse, or other psychiatric condition. 

» Patients must be willing to experience high anxiety, and even possible panic attacks, during the course of treatment.

» Patients must be cleared medically by their physician to ensure that the panic does not have a medical origin and that they are medically stable enough to participate in the program.   

» Patients must also be willing to stay in the area during the course of treatment and to cover all travel, housing, and other expenses during the treatment period. 

Research on the treatment of panic disorder suggests that people who are taking medication for panic disorder while undergoing treatment have a greater chance of relapse than people not taking medication.  For this reason, we recommend that patients not be taking medications for Panic Disorder while undergoing treatment. 

In particular, taking benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax) on an as-needed basis (i.e., PRN) is not recommended during treatment. Exceptions to this would be the use of anti-depressant medication.  If you are on this type of medication and are still experiencing anxiety and panic, then discontinuation of the medication would not be necessary.  We evaluate this medication criterion on a case-by-case basis.

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Cost of the Program

The cost for the Semi-Intensive Program is variable and can be determined once we set up a treatment plan for you.   Payment is due in full at least one week before treatment is scheduled.  Payment may be made using any major credit or bank card, cash, or money order. 

Because of the unique nature of this treatment program, it is possible that your insurance will not cover all of the treatment.  Please inquire before beginning the program.  Our staff is willing to assist you in completing your claim in any way we can.

In accordance with our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee policy, you are eligible for a full refund up until the end of the first day of treatment.  After this period, no refunds are provided.  Should unseen circumstances cause you to have to end treatment prematurely, treatment can be rescheduled for a later date.   

Patients are responsible for all costs related to traveling to, and staying near, the office.  These costs include transportation, lodging, and meals.  The staff at the Florida Anxiety Clinic can help you arrange your trip by providing you with driving directions, a local map, and a list of nearby hotels and eateries. 

Patients are also responsible for all costs related to any therapy conducted out of the office. This includes, but is not limited to, transportation, meals, admission fees, and rental fees.  if the psychologist accompanies the patient on these out-of-office therapy sessions, he or she is responsible for paying the psychologist's expenses as well. 

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Disclaimer

This program is intense and requires a significant investment of time and money.  Please evaluate it carefully before you enroll to determine if it fits your needs.  We are happy to answer any questions or provide any information you need to make your decision.

Please be aware that, even if you want to participate in the program, we might not admit you into the program if our experts believe it is not appropriate for you.

You also need to be aware that there are less expensive, traditional forms of treatment, including our traditional 12-Session Program, that involves one session weekly approximately three months. 

We designed this intensive program for people who desire intensive treatment, cannot go to weekly sessions, have time constraints, or have some other reason for not attending standard treatment. 

Contact us today to find out more about the Semi-Intensive Treatment Program.

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