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COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENTS
At the Center for Collaborative Psychology and Psychiatry we have developed a comprehensive model for assessment and treatment of a person's psychiatric, psychological, neuropsychological, and related neurological difficulties. These procedures are conducted according to the Collaborative Treatment Method described in Steve Frankel's four books and professional articles. These evaluations and treatments range in length from brief and focused to comprehensive.
All evaluations are carried out with patient, clinician, and, when involved, psychologist or neuropsychologist assessor, collaborating. Other key concerns, such as those requiring specialized medical expertise or involving learning disabilities, may be addressed by outside consultants. Generally, these evaluations are intended to be part of the assessment and treatment process associated with the Collaborative Treatment Method. For a detailed description of the comprehensive assessment procedure developed at the Center, please click here.
A comprehensive evaluation ideally concludes with a series of meetings incorporating a trial clinical 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, at times, 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.
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 THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
Focused therapeutic interventions are derivatives of the comprehensive assessment described above. The objective is to identify and specifically target areas of personal distress, and simultaneously monitor progress as these areas are addressed therapeutically.
In carrying out these interventions, clinician and patient maintain a practical framework, working together to achieve the patient's goals within a reasonable period of time. Medication is included as needed. Neurological assessment and treatment, as well as consultation with other types of professionals, are added when required.
Steve Frankel and Paul Gilbert are quite familiar with a variety of biological and interactional (e.g. psychotherapy) models. Both also have psychoanalytic training, adding to the breadth and depth of their interpersonal work. Diane Engelman, Center Co-Director, has extensive experience using psychological and neuropsychological assessment and is a skilled psychotherapist. Center members are available privately to provide these evaluations and treatments, and Richard Mendius for neurological assessment and treatment. Each of us is an individual practitioner with a separate practice. We do not conduct these evaluations under the auspices of the Center, and none of us has legal or financial connection to the Center.
MONITORING and FOLLOWUP: ASSESSING THE RESULTS OF TREATMENT
We advocate the regular monitoring of progress during treatment, and then regular followup contacts after treatment has been concluded to assure that treatment gains are maintained. Treatment monitoring and followup visits ideally occur on a regular schedule. The psychologist-assessor involved in the initial assessment should, if possible, be available to carry out these activities.
CONSULTATION TO THERAPISTS, EDUCATORS, AND OTHER PROFESSIONALS EXPERIENCING IMPASSES
Center members can privately provide consultation to professionals experiencing therapeutic impasses. As a result of their dialogue, they together arrive at new, more productive directions for the work.
REFERRAL SERVICE
We have developed a list of professionals to whom we can refer and with whom we have worked. These people are carefully selected by us according to their skills and style. Any professional we refer to is an independent practitioner, and does not represent or have any legal or financial ties to the Center.
TRAINING FOR PSYCHOTHERAPISTS AND ALLIED PROFESSIONALS
Educational offerings elaborating our Collaborative Treatment Method include consultation groups, workshops, seminars, and lectures. Continuing education units are available for psychologists (APA Provider #1754), and LCSWs and MFTs (California Provider #3239) who participate in Steve Frankel's trainings. Through these activities, we endeavor to create a community of like-minded professionals who can work together, understand, trust, and refer to one another.
Click here for a detailed guide to the Collaborative Treatment Method.
 
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