Welcome to Anxiety Treatment Center

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Intensive Outpatient Treatment

The Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program is designed for individuals with moderate to severe anxiety whose needs have not been fully met through weekly individual or group therapy. It is also ideal for those whose symptoms significantly disrupt daily life—impacting work, school, relationships, and often leading to isolation and depression.

In this program, clients work one-on-one with a behavioral specialist to ensure that treatment is tailored to their unique needs. This level of individualized care is highly uncommon, as most facilities focus primarily on group-based approaches with limited opportunities for personalized treatment.

Another key benefit of the program is the opportunity for clients to connect with others facing similar challenges. This shared experience can be both comforting and empowering. Many participants have expressed, “I thought I was the only one going through this,” or, “I didn’t think anyone would understand.” Discovering that they are not alone often brings a sense of relief, validation, and renewed hope for recovery.

Programs

What Makes Our Program Different?

The ATC is the only IOP program in the Sacramento, Roseville, Folsom and surrounding areas that offers daily, one-on-one individual therapy. We believe that one’s anxiety is a very personal and a private experience that cannot be treated solely in a group setting. If exposures are needed, it’s imperative that the diagnosis is considered to tailor them to each individual’s needs. For example, one who is struggling with social anxiety will need specialized attention when compared to someone who is struggling with generalized anxiety disorder or panic disorder. Our expert staff structure the treatment plan to address individual needs based on diagnosis and other factors contributing to one’s anxiety.

Group therapy is also offered in our program to augment the individualized treatment sessions. This is an opportunity to process with others who also have been impacted by their anxiety, offering a safe and confidential setting to connect with others who can relate to their experiences.

Our IOP Program is offered twice per day

Morning Track:

Afternoon Track:

Adults can attend either time track; adolescents attend in the pm track (adults and adolescents are in separate groups).

Over the course of treatment, individuals will receive the following (modalities will be personalized based on patient needs):

Individual Therapy

Group Therapy

Specialized Children’s Track:

The Anxiety Treatment Center is nationally recognized for our expertise in working with children and adolescents (ages 8–17) whose anxiety interferes with school, social life, or other daily activities. Anxiety in this age group often manifests differently than it does in adults, sometimes appearing as depression, irritability, frustration, or even anger. Many young people have difficulty articulating what they are feeling, and some may shut down completely. Restlessness, loss of appetite, social withdrawal, and reduced ability to experience happiness or pleasure are also common.

Our specialized track equips therapists with the skills to work with children across the various anxiety disorders. Using a gentle, supportive approach, our behavioral specialists employ age-appropriate language and techniques—including art therapy and equine therapy (seasonal) —to increase motivation and participation in treatment. For children who are especially withdrawn, our therapy dog Tessa, provides a comforting presence that can help them open up and express themselves.

Like adults, children may experience various forms of anxiety, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD), Panic Disorder, and Specific Phobias. Increasingly, we also see Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as Excoriation Disorder (skin picking), Trichotillomania (hair pulling), and chronic nail biting. These conditions require a specialized approach called Habit Reversal Training (HRT).

Our Philosophy

The Children’s Track operates independently from the adult program, allowing participants to connect with peers who share similar challenges. Many find relief in relating to others who truly understand their experiences. Parents are actively involved through daily check-in’s following each treatment session to review the progress made during the treatment session, as well as what to expect for their child’s homework. Parents are also asked to provide a check-in form upon dropping off their child (provided by ATC) that allows them to review the past 24 hours and share an update on the progress of their child that helps their therapist to address any concerns addressed as well as homework progress.

While our treatment program offers a highly comprehensive approach, our philosophy is that the “treatment team” always includes the family. Parents are often struggling on how to understand the struggles their child is experiencing. Helping to build awareness, support and insight is a vital component. To support this philosophy, family meetings are a required component in working with adolescents. Once the admission and assessment process has been completed, family sessions typically occur within the first week and every two weeks thereafter (on the average). These can be scheduled more frequently depending on the needs of the patient and family. This is in addition to the daily check-ins that occur.

For children unable to attend school, our team works with the educational system to ensure a smooth reintegration. This includes collaborating with teachers, counselors, and other school personnel, completing necessary documentation, and providing support. The ATC is able to also able to provide school letters to confirm participation in treatment and corresponding letters for parents for their work to support care for their child.

The Daily Schedule at The Anxiety Treatment Center

The schedule at The ATC begins with a group process. This allows participants to discuss their homework successes and accomplishments as well as any difficulties and struggles that may surface. It is an opportunity to share with others and to hear from peers who are experiencing similar challenges and how they may have handled or resolved them. This provides an avenue for individuals to see that they are not alone, and that there are others who can truly relate to them. There is a tremendous healing that can occur during this process alone. Following group, patients take time for journaling, identifying accomplishments, self-introspection, and mindfulness. Patients can process their fears, topics to discuss with their therapist, or just let their mind take them on a pathway of private internal thoughts that can be expressed through writing. Their therapist will then begin to work one on one with them beginning addressing their needs for the day.

Equine Assisted Therapy (EAT) (Seasonal / Weather Permitting)

Equine therapy, also known as Equine-Assisted Therapy (EAT), incorporates equine activities and the equine environment to support physical, occupational, and emotional well-being for individuals with a variety of mental health conditions, including anxiety disorders.

EAT can help individuals build confidence, self-efficacy, communication skills, trust, perspective, social skills, impulse control, and healthy boundaries. Because horses display social and responsive behaviors similar to humans, participants often find it easy to establish a meaningful connection with them.

Equine-assisted therapies are recognized in the mental health and medical fields in many countries worldwide. While EAT is not considered a frontline treatment for anxiety disorders, it serves as a powerful complement to our core services and has had a profound impact on those who have participated.

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Phobia Track

From our perspective, phobias can be considered a distant cousin to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In OCD, individuals experience a perceived fear that is far greater than the actual threat—and the same is true for those with phobias. In both cases, the person is afraid of certain places, situations, or objects that are unlikely to cause harm; however, the key is that the fear feels very real to them.

The distinction lies in the focus of the fear. In OCD, the thoughts are often considered to be bizarre or irrational in nature, while in phobias, the fear is typically tied to a specific object or situation. Examples include:

Academic Perfectionism Track

The Anxiety Treatment Center offers a Academic Perfectionism Track, the first program of its kind. Academic Perfectionism includes school-interfering behaviors such as procrastination and excessive time spent on work, which ultimately contribute to anxiety, depression, and negative academic outcomes. Students may benefit from cognitive therapy to challenge their perfectionistic beliefs, behavior therapy to help with problematic behaviors, and time management and organizational skills. The program will serve high school, undergraduate, and graduate students as well as medical students, residents, and fellows from across the country.

Your Greater Good!

Integral to our program is Jeff Bell, San Francisco News Anchor and Author of Rewind, Replay, Repeat: A Memoir of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and When In Doubt, Make Belief . Regularly, Jeff facilitates a group introducing how to apply his “Greater Good” principles to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention techniques in treating OCD and other anxiety-related conditions. This group is an hour and a half, and is open to both clients and family members who are interested in learning the application of these principles. For those who are not in the Partial Hospitalization Program or Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program, this workshop is offered periodically on Saturdays, and is open to consumers, professionals, educators, family members and friends. More information can be located at http://www.YourGreaterGood.com.

Options for Other Services at The Anxiety Treatment Center

The Anxiety Treatment Center is a full-service clinic also offering lower levels of care also. For those who do not require day treatment, there are various options. These allow for little to no disruption in ones daily work, educational, and social schedule.

Individual Therapy is for those with mild to moderate levels of anxiety, who feel that they can learn and apply the principles on an outpatient basis. Outpatient behavioral therapy usually consists of one to two 45-50 minute sessions (or longer if needed) per week, depending on the symptom severity. Individuals will receive the same services offered in day treatment programs, however over a longer period of time. For those who would like to be seen more frequently, our behavioral specialists can accommodate seeing clients up to five times per week which can include either single or double sessions.

Group Therapy is for those who have mild levels of anxiety and can benefit from a therapeutic group and supportive experience. Group therapy can be an adjunct to any of our day treatment programs or to individual therapy. Current groups offered include: Aftercare, Social Anxiety, Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, and Generalized Anxiety.

Family Therapy. We recognize that a person’s anxiety symptoms can directly impact their family members. It is common that family members feel frustrated and experience confusion about how to work with their loved one’s symptoms. As such, an integral part of treatment is to provide education and support to family members and friends. This helps validate the difficulties family members are having, and provide an opportunity to answer any questions that will help clarify how their presence and involvement can support the therapeutic process.

Collaboration with Other Professionals is a critical component of the treatment provided at The ATC. This includes an individuals psychiatrist, current or previous therapist, general practitioner, or any other mental health or medical professionals involved. For those who require referrals, staff can assist in locating specialists in one’s area and contracted with their insurance company.

Admission Process

Evaluations typically involve a 45-50 minute office visit, and can occur at the treatment facility or over the telephone (for those that having difficulty leaving their home or for those who live out of the area). Our behavioral specialists can also travel to one’s home to do an evaluation if needed.

During the evaluation, individuals will complete a few brief assessment forms, have an opportunity to discuss their symptoms, and receive feedback regarding how they can benefit from therapy. The optimal treatment modality will be discussed, as well as estimated length of time one can expect to remain in treatment. Time will be provided to ask/answer questions.

To inquire about admission into The Anxiety Treatment Center of Sacramento or to seek information about our services, feel free to contact Dr. Robin Zasio, Psy.D., LCSW, Director, at 916.366.0647, or go to the Contact Us Page and send us an email. Calls can be received from individuals seeking treatment, family members, loved ones, mental health professionals, or caring friends.

Insurance Considerations

The Anxiety Treatment Center is the longest standing specialty facility in Northern California treating solely anxiety disorders and related conditions. Our reputation has fostered a very positive relationship to be in-network with the most predominant nationally-based insurance companies, including Kaiser. If we are not contracted, it is possible that your insurance company will consider a special waiver (Single Case Agreement SCA) if there are no other facilities similar to The Anxiety Treatment Center and our services offered. Additionally, many individuals are not familiar with The Parity Law which mandates that most insurance companies must provide specialized treatment services for certain chemically based conditions such as OCD and Panic Disorder. All insurance authorizations will be completed by the intake department upon admission and members only need to check on their financial responsibility such as deductible, co-insurance, or co-pay. Please note that The Anxiety Treatment Center is not contracted with Medicare, Medi-Caid, Medi-Cal or Tricare (These are not insurance companies that we are able to obtain an SCA).

Practice Announcement!

THE ANXIETY TREATMENT CENTER OF SACRAMENTO is looking for professionals who are interested in joining their team of experts in their PHP & IOP Programs. Part-time/full-time positions with opportunity to build or enhance an existing private practice, with office space available. Specialty services include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Exposure and Response Prevention. Contact Dr. Robin Zasio,Psy.D.,LCSW at 916.366.0647 or drrobin@atcsac.net.