The Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine is an association of independent practitioners dedicated to research and teaching about psychological and psychiatric assessment and treatment. Center procedures have been developed in accordance with the Collaborative Treatment Method elaborated in Steve Frankel's five books, the most recent of which is Comprehensive Care for Complex Patients (Cambridge University Press, 2012). This work is frequently organized into comprehensive procedures that include a treatment plan that is progressively revised as the patient's requirements change, a formal diagnostic evaluation, the optional use of psychological instruments, and the input of consultants, as needed. The Center also continues the development of the Medical-Psychiatric Coordinating Physician Method, which you can learn more about at www.mpcpmethod.com.

Steven A. Frankel, M.D., directs the Center. He is a psychiatrist who is board certified in both general and child psychiatry. He also is available independently to provide the clinical assessment and treatment services described below and in the following pages. Center Co-Director Diane Engelman, Ph.D., is a neuropsychologist. Our associates are Philip Erdberg, Ph.D., a psychologist known for his work in personality assessment, Paul Gilbert, M.D., a psychiatrist who is board certified in general and child psychiatry, and J. Richard Mendius, M.D., a board certified neurologist. The members of our group teach courses and lead or participate in consultation groups about our methods. The directors and associates of the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine meet regularly to participate in the development of protocols for the collaborative treatment of emotional and cognitive disorders. This work is always conducted according to our collaborative, results-oriented treatment method. We often write together and jointly plan and teach in our educational programs. The model of treatment developed at the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine consists of a uniquely practical and effective approach to psychological and psychiatric assessment and treatment. According to this model, three minds -- the clinician's, the patient's and, in many instances, a psychologist-assessor's -- join in an evaluation of the patient's needs, capabilities, and resources. The result is a clear account of the patient's therapeutic requirements, with a detailed plan for achieving these. All members of the treatment team, with the patient as an equal participant, rely on one another to renew and revise perspective as they come to understand the patient.

Recommendations resulting from these evaluations often include psychotherapy that is focused and time-limited, or ongoing. Modalities such as cognitive and behavioral remediation, medication, neurological as well as other medical assessments and treatment, and educational or vocational services are incorporated as required. Progress is monitored until treatment stops and, if possible, throughout the follow-up period. While the cost of this careful evaluation may at first exceed that of traditional psychotherapy, it invariably leads to a more efficient, effective, and ultimately less costly procedure than when such measures are omitted.

In the model of treatment developed at the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine, other professionals with relevant areas of expertise are engaged as needed. These may include, for example, other physicians, occupational therapists, or speech therapists. Family members are incorporated when appropriate. The aim is always to enhance the objectivity and practicality of a therapeutic process.

While the independent practitioners associated with the Center are available privately for assessment, treatment, and consultation, the Center itself can provide:

• Trainings for therapists and for allied professionals, such as educators
• Ongoing biweekly consultation groups led by Steven A. Frankel, M.D., and Phil Erdberg, or by Steve Frankel alone, all of which earn continuing education units for psychologists (APA Provider #1754) and LCSWs and MFTs (California Provider #3239)

According to our method, client and therapist, in an interpersonal partnership:

• Strategize personal change in an effort that is systematic and goal-oriented.
• Identify problems and collaboratively evolve solutions.
• Make use of a broad-based approach to problems, often involving disciplines beyond psychology and psychiatry.

We hope you will find our website informative, and look forward to your inquiries about our services and publications.