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COMPREHENSIVE ASSESSMENT
We have developed a comprehensive model for assessment of
a patient's psychiatric, psychological, neuropsychological,or
neurological difficulties, involving specialized consultants
as needed. These assessments are
conducted according to the collaborative psychology and
psychiatry model described in Steve Frankel's four books
and professional articles.
Patient, therapist, and psychologist-assessor interactively develop an
understanding of the patient's psychiatric, psychological, or
neurological requirements. Other key concerns, such as those involving
learning, may be addressed by outside consultants who are expert in that
particular area. These evaluations, as conceived, range
from brief and highly focused, to extended and comprehensive.
As an integral art of this process, a psychologist-assessor meets
with the therapist and patient, and, using the principles of
therapeutic assessment, administers
a selected battery of neuropsychological and psychological tests to
provide a separate appraisal of the patient's difficulties. The
psychologist-assessor also provides and independent clinical
evaluation of the patient.
According to this system, 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, 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 therapist provided,
if requested. 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. Steve Frankel and members of our
association are available as independent practitioners, outside the
auspices of the Center, to conduct these assessments.
FOCUSED, TIME-LIMITED THERAPEUTIC INTERVENTIONS
Focused therapeutic interventions,are extended versions of the final
portion 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.
Central to this type of intervention is psychotherapy conducted in a time-limited,
goal-oriented manner, based on our collaborative psychology and psychiatry
model. Here the therapist is accountable for monitoring progress in treatment.
Therapeutic change is formally evaluated with a psychologist-consultant who meets
intermittently with the therapy partners.
In carrying out these interventions therapist and patient strive to maintain a practical
framework, working together to achieve the patient's goals within a defined period.
Medication is included, as needed. Neurological assessment and treatment, as well
as consultation with other types of professionals should also be added when required.
OPEN-ENDED PSYCHOTHERAPY
Evaluations may serve as a prelude to open-ended, in-depth psychotherapy.
As needed, referral for an evaluation or treatment can be made to one of our Center members or to other practitioners
on our select referral list. Steve
Frankel and Paul Gilbert
have psychoanalytic training and are quite familiar with psychodynamic models of psychotherapy;
Diane Engelman, Center Co-Director,
has extensive experience conducting in-depth psychotherapy. Center members provide
psychotherapy, and Dr. Mendius
in neurological assessment and treatment. Each of us is
an individual practitioner, working from a separate private 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
Dr. Frankel and other Center members can privately provide consultation to professionals
experiencing therapeutic impasses. During this procedure
the consultant meets with the patient and professional, and as a result
of their dialogue arrive at new, more productive directions for their work.
REFERRAL SERVICE
We have developed a list of professionals to whom we can refer. These people are carefully
selected by us according to their skills and style. The referrals are highly specific,
based on our observations about the patient's needs. 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
psychology and evidence-based model include consultation groups, workshops,
seminars, and lectures. Continuing education units are available for psychologists
(A.P.A. Provider #1754), and L.C.S.W.s and M.F.T.s (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.
 
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