At the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine, we are interested in studying any complex, psychologically relevant problem, including those with prominent medical or neurological features. We have evolved a unique model for evaluation and treatment, the Collaborative Treatment Method, which may include psychiatric, psychological, neuropsychological, and neurological components. Included as part of the evaluation may be a battery of selected neuropsychological and psychological tests, as well as consultation from specialists, and meetings with others who are central to the patient's life, such as family members and teachers. This comprehensive assessment is intended to be carried out collaboratively -- patient and evaluators working hand in hand to arrive at sophisticated and practical solutions to the patient's problems. Progress is continuously monitored and strategy modified over the course of the treatment as targeted problem areas change. While the evaluation contributes to understanding a patient's problems, it also serves as the start of a goal-directed treatment. These Center-created evaluation and treatment approaches are thoughtfully planned, and, whenever possible, time-limited.

At the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine we can make referrals, as needed, to a selected list of professionals including psychotherapists, educators, and other practitioners. While we feel quite comfortable recommending these professionals, we cannot take responsibility for their work. Each is an independent practitioner, not employed by, responsible to, or legally connected to the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine.

When invited, Center members can also temporarily enter, as consultants, into other professionals' treatments. They do so when patient, therapist, or both experience an impasse, seek a new perspective to enliven their work, or want to determine whether the treatment is productive. Again, each of these professionals is an independent practitioner.

Central to our philosophy is the notion of accountability in treatment. We advocate periodic formal monitoring of treatment and, when possible, follow-up visits after treatment has been completed, to assess that progress occurs at an acceptable rate and is maintained.

The Center is dedicated to conducting research on the delivery of effective therapeutic treatment. This research focuses on the practical application of Center-developed procedures, so they can be readily used by office-based professionals. Steve Frankel and other Center members offer educational programs, including ongoing consultation groups for psychotherapists. Our members meet regularly to discuss clinical and theoretical issues.

Steven Frankel, M.D., Diane Engelman, Ph.D., and their colleagues have established the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine in Kentfield, California, just north of San Francisco. Drs. Frankel and Engelman and other members of the Center are available privately, separate from their involvement with the Center, to provide consultations, evaluations, and treatment.

Please note again that each professional mentioned here is an independent practitioner. We are not a partnership, joint venture, professional corporation, or other business entity. No Center associate has any other than an advisory relationship to the Center. Our connection to one another is as researchers, co-teachers, and at times co-authors.