Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of Anxiety Disorders has been shown by countless research studies to be the most effective short-term approach for working with Anxiety & Related Conditions. I am a licensed Clinical Psychologist in the state of Nevada and California, and the Co-Executive Director of the Center for Anxiety and Chronic Worry, located in Washoe County (Incline Village, Nevada). My treatment orientation and overall philosophy when working with anxiety disorders has always been best described as "evidenced-based," "solution focused," and short-term in nature (i.e., 10-15 sessions). This is NOT "talk therapy", which can last for years, is incredibly expensive, and generally goes nowhere. My sessions employ a "Cognitive-Behavior Therapy" (CBT) emphasis, psycho-education concerning the condition being treated and, when indicated, the use of gradual and systematic Exposure & Response Prevention interventions. From the onset of treatment, I want everyone I work with to have a solid understanding of their particular condition, such that they will actively engage in a treatment protocol that makes perfect sense for that individual. Sessions typically last up to 1.5 hours, and consist of state-of-the-art skills training. In addition, between sessions exercises are prescribed to ensure that fast and durable change takes place. Quite frankly, my goal for those I work with is for these individuals to no longer need to see me weekly, as soon as possible, due to the fact that they have, for the first time, finally met someone who has taught them the skills they need to successfully manage their particular condition which has, for too long, been managing them. Managing Anxiety Disorders such as OCD, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Phobias, Generalized Anxiety, or Chronic Worry is hard work. However, the results are well worth it! I've been specializing in these conditions for over 28 years, as a University Professor, and a Clinical Psychologist. It's my true passion.

Professional Memberships & Clinical/Research Interests are an important component of any therapist who states that they are a "specialist" within the field of Anxiety Disorders. I am a Professional Member of the Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation, the Anxiety & Depression Association of America (with whom I have received their highest honor as a clinician, the "Clinical Fellow" award), and the American Psychological Association. I have presented/published over 100 research articles within the field of Anxiety Disorders, and Behavior Analysis. I am also a graduate of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), which is designed to provide advanced post-licensure clinical training within the area of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is not at all unusual that I see people from around the Country who have already worked with 2, 3, or more therapists in the past; all of whom have stated that they were "specialists" at treating Anxiety Disorders. There are only a limited number of therapists throughout the United States who can truly refer to themselves as "specialists" in the treatment of Anxiety Disorders. I have earned that distinction, and remain disappointed at others who have not been entirely honest about their credentials. Although I can't control for these occurrences, what I can control is the quality of treatment which I provide for those who have an Anxiety Disorder. Our Clinic's treatment protocols are "evidenced-based", short-term, and highly effective.

My research and clinical interests include the Cognitve-Behavioral Treatment (CBT) of Anxiety Disorders; primarily Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Chronic Worry, Panic Disorder with Agoraphobic Avoidance, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, Specific Phobias (e.g., claustrophobia, acrophobia {fear of flying}, etc.), and Hoarding Disorder. I am currently conducting several clinical outcome research studies related to (a) Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) directed at Lowering the "Meaningfulness" of Specific Themes/Core Beliefs endorsed by those who Evidence an Anxiety Disorder and (b) The Design and Implementation of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) procedures related to Out-of-Office Unplanned Exposure Sessions for the Treatment of Anxiety and Related Conditions.

How can therapy help? My philosophy concerning the therapeutic process is that therapy can only help under two primary conditions: (1) the person providing the therapy is a true specialist (not a generalist) regarding the diagnosis in question (e.g., an Anxiety Disorder), and (2) the person receiving the treatment is motivated to work very hard during each session, as well as in-between sessions. Therapy is a learning process. In order to learn any new skill, you first need to find a great teacher. They can often be hard to find! Before deciding on a therapist (who will become your private teacher), be sure to research their credentials, interview them over the phone, etc. You owe that to yourself, and your prospective therapist owes that to you. If you don't ask the right questions, you won't get the right answers. Oh, and one last thing. If the prospective therapist says that he or she doesn't have the time for a phone interview, or is going to charge you a fee for such a discussion, hang up the phone, and call Dr. Barry Barmann, at 775.831.2436.