Intensive Child Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Program

For youth ages 10-24 years with more severe anxiety disorders, the Child Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Program periodically offer an intensive therapy program. This therapy is typically conducted during school vacations, although alternative times may be arranged on a case-by-case basis.

Intensive CBT is offered for three hours per day, for two to ten days (though sometimes this may be extended) and focuses on teaching skills to tolerate and manage anxiety and prolonged practice of facing fears in a gradual, progressive manner. There is also the opportunity for the therapist to travel with the patient to their home or other places in the community where the anxiety is occurring.

Advantages of this approach:

• It offers the possibility of making greater progress more quickly
• Therapy can be scheduled during a school break or vacation
• Skills can be practiced directly in the environment in which they are needed, which may make therapy more effective

The intensive therapy program is only for individuals whose primary concerns are anxiety and who are otherwise medically and psychiatrically stable. Because it proceeds more rapidly and intensely, it is not appropriate for individuals who are at a higher risk of harming themselves, are highly aggressive or non-compliant, or are not motivated for treatment.

What to Expect

The first session is an evaluation of your child in which the clinician will conduct a thorough assessment to determine whether the intensive program is appropriate. If so, he/she will discuss goals for treatment and decide together with you what an appropriate length for treatment will be, then create a contract. At the end of the program, families are provided with tailored treatment recommendations going forward. We also encourage a follow-up appointment with the clinician approximately one month after program completion to refresh skills, assess progress, and troubleshoot obstacles that may have arisen.

Program Costs

The program costs $360 per hour of treatment. Fees for travel by clinicians to and from locations outside of the hospital are charged in addition to this hourly rate.

Please note: The Intensive Therapy Program does not accept any insurance and is self-pay only. Because of the format of the program and the services provided, it is considered an elective treatment that is not reimbursed by the vast majority of insurances. You will be responsible for payment of all fees at the beginning of treatment, regardless of whether or not you/your child attend all of the contracted days. We cannot assist you in obtaining any insurance reimbursement for these services, either prior to or following completion of the intensive program.

Enrollment in Intensive CBT

Please also know that the intensive program has limited availability. If you are interested in the intensive therapy program, please complete the Intensive CBT Referral Form.

Go to Intensive CBT referral form