THE COLLABORATIVE TREATMENT METHOD

At the Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine we have developed a comprehensive model for assessment and treatment of a person's psychiatric, psychological, or neurological difficulties. Specialized consultants are used as needed. These procedures are conducted according to the Collaborative Treatment Method described in Steve Frankel's four books and professional articles.

This model is applicable for evaluations and treatments ranging from brief and focused to comprehensive. Depending on the nature of the problem, a psychological and neuropsychological assessment or a neurological evaluation may be included.

All evaluations are carried out with patient, clinician, and, when involved, a psychologist-assessor, collaborating. As an integral part of this process, a psychologist or neuropsychologist assessor may meet with the clinician and patient. Other key concerns, such as those requiring specialized medical expertise or involving learning disabilities, may be addressed by outside consultants. As noted above, these evaluations may range from brief and highly focused to extended and comprehensive. Frequently, however, they are part of the comprehensive assessment and treatment process carried out in accordance with the Collaborative Treatment Method. For a detailed description of the comprehensive assessment procedure developed at the Center, please click here.

A comprehensive assessment ideally concludes with a series of meetings incorporating a trial intervention to test the value of the clinical recommendations. For example, if family therapy is one of the recommendations, one or more family sessions and, if indicated, home visits can be scheduled. Following the trial intervention period, the treatment plan is reconsidered and finalized. Feedback sessions are conducted, and a written report from the psychologist-assessor and, if requested the clinician, are provided. This comprehensive assessment serves, also, as an initial therapeutic intervention. It is part of, and contributes directly to, the treatment that follows.

For a detailed description of the comprehensive assessment procedure developed at the Center, please click here. Steven A. Frankel, M.D. and members of our association are available as independent practitioners, outside the auspices of the Center, to conduct these assessments and treatments.

FOCUSED, RESULTS-MONITORED PSYCHOTHERAPY

Focused, results-monitored psychotherapy may be initiated after the conclusion of the assessment described above. Frequently, this kind of psychotherapy continues the work started during that evaluation. It is often joined with other interventions such as work with parents, family, and other consultants such as medical specialists or educators. According to this protocol, the psychologist-assessor may rejoin the therapy pair to provide feedback about treatment progress. Also, a psychological reevaluation ideally occurs several weeks or months before the planned end of treatment to confirm whether termination of the treatment is indeed indicated.

At these points, the clinician and psychologist-assessor give feedback about their impressions to the patient. Both may deliver written reports. Written reports are never shared with others unless the patient or parents request that this be done.

In our view, this psychotherapy should be conducted according to our Collaborative Treatment Method, with the clinician continually accountable for progress in treatment.

MONITORING and FOLLOWUP: ASSESSING THE RESULTS OF TREATMENT

We recommend regular monitoring of treatment progress and followup contacts after treatment is concluded to reassess whether a therapeutic intervention has had lasting impact.

REFERRAL SERVICE

We maintain a list of professionals to whom we feel secure referring. No charge is made for these referrals. These people have been carefully selected by us according to their skills and style. The professionals on our list understand and ascribe to the principles of our Collaborative Treatment Method.

All of the professionals to whom we refer are independent practitioners, and do not represent or have any financial or legal connection to The Center for Collaborative Psychiatry, Psychology, and Medicine or practice under the auspices of the Center.

Click here for a detailed guide to the Collaborative Treatment Method.