Clinical Services

All staff members at KCCAT are specifically trained in the use of Cognitive Behavior Therapies (CBT) and Exposure and Response/Ritual Prevention (ERP), a first-line, evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders, in addition to being well-versed in other science-supported therapeutic techniques. Please see our FAQs page to learn more about CBT/ERP and other questions about treatment at KCCAT!

New Patient/Resource Request Screening Form

The first step is completing our New Patient/Resource Request Screening Form. This helps us gather a brief history of symptoms and past treatment efforts so that we can coordinate staffing needs and/or direct you to any additional resources or alternative referrals that may be a fit for your particular situation and needs. We are happy to try and assist you in connecting to resources, regardless of your location or whether you obtain services at KCCAT. To learn more about this process, visit our Getting Started page.

The Assessment

KCCAT’s full assessment process concentrates on taking the time to thoroughly review the symptoms, impact, and needs unique to your life situation. Before your first visit, you will be asked to complete some pre-evaluation paperwork which the assigned clinician will provide to you upon scheduling. The initial assessment appointment is scheduled for two hours and consists of structured diagnostic and general clinical interviews, as well as discussion of what other individuals may be helpful for us to coordinate and consult with in considering your evaluation and treatment needs (e.g., family members/support system, your psychiatrist or other physician, a counselor, or school personnel). This first appointment is charged as flat-fee service package of $375 and, as applicable, also includes a review of pertinent background information and past records, completion and scoring of standardized symptom measures, and initial communication contacts with your other providers/support persons.

Activities beyond those described for the first evaluation session and all subsequent appointments are charged at our center’s regular service rates, which are prorated by time. Depending on your situation and needs, the first several sessions may require additional activities with assessment and planning focus.

A feedback appointment will be scheduled following completion of all assessment activities to discuss clinical impressions and a recommended care plan.

For child referrals, parents may be asked to attend one or more sessions without their child in attendance.

If a patient is home-bound, the initial assessment will include additional fees for travel time.

Consultation Services

Not quite sure if KCCAT's clinical services are the right fit? Need support and education surrounding a loved one’s symptoms, even if they are reluctant to or refusing treatment? We are able to arrange one or more consultation sessions for individuals or families separately or prior to pursuing evaluation and enrolling in clinical treatment. During a consultation you will meet with a member of our clinical staff to review general aspects of symptom education and discuss what an evidenced-based care approach or techniques might look like for a described situation. Please see our Policies & Fees for information about consultation service costs and limitations.

Elements of Treatment

Treatment at KCCAT is individualized to type and levels of need and can vary substantially—ranging from brief and focused skill building and education plans to intensive home-based services. Upon completion of the assessment process and team review, we will be able to discuss impressions of what options or structure for treatment may be most likely to meet your needs, whether at KCCAT or elsewhere. Treatment plans often include several of the following components:

Education

Gaining a greater understanding of the nature and management of anxiety.

Skills Development

Instruction in a variety of techniques for reducing the physical sensations that accompany anxiety. Identification of sources of stress and strategies for stress management are also emphasized.

Cognitive Therapy

Learning to identify and challenge beliefs related to fears and depressive thinking, developing healthier thought patterns, and increased self-confidence.

Generalized Anxiety

Behavior therapy techniques and behavioral support plans facilitate learning, motivation, and reinforcement of treatment goals.

Exposure Therapy

Considered the key therapeutic technique in combating hallmark avoidance patterns of anxiety symptoms, our therapists accompany and support individuals in gradually approaching and managing avoided locations, situations, and thoughts—providing expert instruction and appropriate levels of education and reassurance as the patient and family gain mastery for independently applying and generalizing skills.

Habit Reversal Training/Comprehensive Behavioral Model

Habit reversal training (HRT) and its evolution of the Comprehensive Behavioral Model (ComB) are behavioral therapy strategies effective in reducing tics associated with Tourette’s Disorder and behaviors associated with impulse control and Bodily-focused Repetitive Behavior disorders such as trichotillomania (hair-pulling) and compulsive skin picking.

Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)/Emotion Regulation

DBT-informed skills are often incorporated as part of services to address specific treatment challenges of emotion dysregulation, identity confusion, interpersonal difficulties and conflict, impulsivity, and risky behaviors.

Mindfulness/Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and mindfulness techniques, together with commitment and behavioral change strategies, are used to increase psychological flexibility and to more fully approach and engage in healthy, long-term management. The techniques make heavy use of paradox, metaphor, and experiential exercises towards handling thoughts, feelings, memories, and physical sensations that have been feared and avoided.

Involvement of Significant Others and/or Other Family Members

Our team approach includes regularly working with important members of a patient’s support system, regardless of age, in whatever manner or level is determined as most beneficial to treatment goals. We can help with gaining an increased understanding of and more helpful response to symptoms, and enhancement of relationships often compromised by mental health challenges.

Group Therapy & Support Groups

A group setting can be a highly effective component of care for many individuals, working with others in an atmosphere of mutual understanding and support. Free, ongoing adult and young-adult groups for support and relapse prevention are available to current and past patients. For some individuals, all or portions of CBT services may be a fit for one or more of our CBT treatment groups. Please check with your primary therapist or our website for updates on groups that may be enrolling soon.