Cognitive Behavior Therapy information for referring providers

At the Northwest Center for Cognitive Behavior Therapy, we make conscientious and explicit use of research evidence in forming clinical judgments and making treatment decisions. In fact, CBT has been shown in over 375 peer reviewed studies to be effective and potent in the treatment of mental health disorders. We utilize the best available evidence, moderated by individual patient factors, to ensure quality clinical services and cost-effective care for your patients.

If you have a patient with an emergent mental health issue whom you believe needs to been seen within 24 hours, please call Dr. Hergenrather directly to discuss the case. She will ensure the patient is scheduled.

If you are concerned your patient needs to be seen sooner than scheduled, again, contact Dr. Hergenrather directly and she will schedule the patient within a few days.

You may want to refer a patient even though you are uncertain of the patient’s diagnosis. In fact, the diagnosis of mental health disorders is “bread and butter” psychological science and we are experts at accurate diagnosis. We will often utilize objective tests along with clinical interviewing methods to determine an appropriate diagnosis and treatment plan.

After the first visit with your patient, you will receive an initial report, detailing symptoms of concern and our initial treatment plan. Once therapy is completed, you will receive a discharge note. Unless you specifically request, we typically do not forward treatment notes.

Patients are often reluctant to engage in psychotherapy, worrying “getting help” means they are “weak,” that it will be too costly or that therapy might take “years.” Your patient might benefit from the reassurance that CBT is evidence based, and that the protocols and procedures we follow have been shown to be effective for treating the disorder in question. Managing depression or panic or any number of mental health problems requires learning specific skills, just as does the effective management of diabetes, heart disease or any chronic illness.

CBT is relatively short term, and the average patient attends four to twelve sessions. This fact, coupled with the fact that insurance companies are required by law to reimburse major psychiatric illness (including bipolar disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and major depression) at the same rate as medical illness, makes psychotherapy an affordable and practical option.

Please do not hesitate to contact us or our staff with any questions or concerns. As always, we appreciate your referrals.