Treatment Approach

 

Evidence-based treatment consists of therapies that have been shown to be effective and are backed by scientific research. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Exposure Therapy are all key parts of Dr. Barkin’s practice. Not all problems yield themselves to the same solution, so every patient’s particular set of challenges will guide the approach taken and the skills fostered.

 

In evidence-based practice, the clinician and the client work together. Dr. Barkin will share with you an outline of the potential treatment plan, what information was used to create it, and what research there is to support the approach. You will then work jointly to confirm which strategies are working to achieve the goal, which are not, and reevaluate the plan together as you go along. 

FAQs

 

Why should I see an evidence-based provider?

Evidence-based practice is considered ‘best practice’ by the American Psychiatric Association and the American Psychological Association. The American Psychological Association defines this approach as “the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of the patient characteristics, culture and preferences.”

 

Some mental health challenges or goals may have a variety of ways to approach them. Some mental health problems have very clear and effective research-based approaches. Doing a consultation session with an evidence-based provider or researching potential approaches on your own can help clarify what approach makes sense for you. 

How important is fit with a therapist? 

Very important. Even if two therapists are using the same approach (Cognitive Behavior Therapy), a person feeling comfortable and confident with the person they are working with is critical. In fact, research consistently demonstrates that a person’s confident and connection to their therapist as well as confident in the treatment greatly impact how helpful it is. 

Is Cognitive Behavior Therapy a manual or is it personalized? 

Evidence-based treatment is a personalized approach. Understanding the details of your goals and your life will help guide the tools that will work best for you. 

What are some arguments again a research-based approach?

Research has flaws. You may remember when we thought kids should avoid peanuts/peanut butter until 2 years old, only to find out through additional research that doing so increases the likelihood of having an allergy. The mental health research we have today will continue to evolve and change. That is a good thing because it means we will get better.

I love the nitty gritty. How much data is there behind an evidence-based treatment?

It varies. There are four levels of support for a treatment. The highest level has at least two randomized control trials based on treatment manuals. Some treatment, like Cognitive Behavior Therapy for Depression or Exposure and Response Prevention for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, have a large body of research behind them. This body of research covers diverse populations and ages. Other approaches, like the treatment for Misophonia, has very limited research behind it. In short, evidence-based treatments may have varying levels of support, so it is always important to understand if the challenge you want to work on has a clear approach that is more effective than others. 

So if there are different research supported treatments, what do they have in common? 

The following list can be accomplished and approached differently depending on the therapist. But most, if not all, research based approaches share these elements:

 

  • The initial assessment using combined methods (rating scales, background questions, and the initial consultation)  

  • Setting clear measurable goals as much as possible

  • Skill development

  • Tracking progress

  • Having homework or skills to practice between sessions

  • Therapy is time limited

  • Work is present focused

  • Outcome measurement or assessment