Anxiety and Related Conditions Extended Outpatient Program (ARC-EOP)

Overview

The OCD and Anxiety Related Conditions Extended Outpatient Program (ARC-EOP) is designed for adolescents and adults who are currently struggling with OCD and/or other anxiety related conditions (e.g., social anxiety, panic disorder, hair pulling, skin picking, etc.). EOP is a higher level of care compared to traditional models of therapy (e.g., seeing an outpatient therapist one day a week), but not as intense as our Intensive Outpatient or Partial Hospitalization Programs (IOP & PHP). We use a multicomponent model to help individuals achieve their goals in managing their symptoms and getting back to the life they want to live.

The Core Components

1. The Skills Group

The core of ARC-EOP is the 9-week skills group. This group is specifically designed to help individuals learn how to identify fears, develop guidelines to manage compulsions/safety behaviors, design exposure exercises, reengage in valued life activities, and use mindfulness- based strategies to navigate difficult problem situations.

2. Primary Therapy

Each individual enrolled in ARC-EOP will be assigned a primary therapist. This gives each person the opportunity to explore and navigate challenges unique to their specific life circumstances. Additionally, during primary therapy, individuals are provided the opportunity to apply the skills learned in the Skills Group to progress further in their treatment.

3. Medication Management

Individuals are assigned a prescribing provider (psychiatrist or nurse practitioner) as the third core component of the ARC-EOP. Research shows that the best results are achieved when combining therapy and medication management. Medication appointments will occur weekly.

The Optional Components

4. Case Management

Individuals are given the option to meet with a case manager during their time in the program. Due to the nature and course of the program being time-limited, case managers will help individuals locate external providers to prepare for discharge. Additionally, case managers can help to connect individuals who have specific needs that have gone unmet (e.g., childcare, rent assistance, benefits navigation, food assistance, housing, etc.).

5. Behavior Coaching

The Behavior Coach is another optional component offered to individuals enrolled in ARC-EOP. This service provides individuals with a once-a-week meeting with a trained Behavior Coach who will assist the individual in completing their Primary Therapy and Skills Group homework assignments.

6. Family Therapy

Many individuals who enter the ARC-EOP live with significant others, parents, siblings, etc. The Family Therapist can help individuals address some of the concerns they have in their relationships that may contribute to some of the challenges they are facing with their anxiety condition. This optional component can help individual improve communication in their relationships/families so they are better able to receive the support they need to move forward.

The Program Format

ARC-EOP is specifically designed for individuals who are waiting to get into IOP or PHP or are stepping down after completing one of our intensive programs. It also serves as a stand-alone program for individuals who need more than just a one day a week therapy appointment. The program is specifically designed to be time limited. ARC-EOP runs for a total of 9-weeks. Individuals can be enrolled in ARC-EOP at any time since the Skills Group modules are independent of one another. Once the individual has completed the 9th week of treatment, they will then be assessed as to whether they are appropriate for a higher level of care (e.g., IOP or PHP), require a second course of EOP, or will be referred to outpatient providers in the community (e.g., psychotherapist, prescriber, etc.). This ensures that all individuals who are waiting for the service will have the opportunity to participate while those that have already completed the program will be connected with the continued care they need in order to move forward.

Primary Strategies

• Assessment and Medication Management (Psychiatrist or Nurse Practitioner)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP)
• Behavioral Activation (BA)
• Mindfulness Based Strategies
• Individual Therapy
• Group Therapy
• Family Therapy
• Behavior Coaching
• Case Management