COPE fees are set based on treatment specialties and standard rates for doctoral level clinicians. Although our rates vary depending on the clinician and the specific services you are requesting, generally speaking our individual therapy rates begin at $250. Lower fee slots do occasionally become available. We welcome you to contact us to discuss your specific treatment and financial needs. If we are unable to accommodate you, we are happy to provide you referrals to lower fee mental health centers. For specific group rates or rates on IMPROVE: Outpatient Substance Use Treatment Program, please contact us for more information.

Do you take insurance?

COPE is not affiliated with a particular insurance panel and is considered an out-of-network provider. However, Dr. Rubin is a Lyra provider and can see individuals with Lyra benefits. Please check with your insurance company to inquire into possible out-of-network benefits and rates for reimbursement. Upon request, COPE providers can provide a monthly statement documenting services received that can be used for possible reimbursement from your insurance company and/or healthcare spending accounts. Some questions that may be helpful to ask your insurance company: Do I have mental health benefits? Do I have out-of-network benefits? If so, what are the benefits? How would I obtain reimbursement for an out-of-network provider? How many sessions will be covered per calendar year? What is my deductible and has it been met?

How long does therapy last?

Treatment length varies greatly depending on your specific concerns. However, research has shown that significant improvements can be made within 12 weeks and sometimes less. Some concerns may require longer-term treatment and some individuals choose to continue coming to therapy even after initial treatment gains to maintain skills, prevent backsliding, and manage weekly stressors. Your therapist will work with you closely in the initial sessions to clarify your presenting concerns and an expected treatment duration.

How do I know if therapy will work?

Finding the right therapist mixed with the right treatment can sometimes feel like finding a unicorn for those looking to begin therapy. However, at COPE we try to make this process a reality with a number of talented, specialty trained clinicians who work with you to customize a course of treatment that suits your needs.

What can I expect from the first few therapy sessions?

The initial therapy sessions are a great time for your therapist to get to know you and for you to get to know your therapist. Both are equally important. Your therapist will use this time to ask you a variety of questions in many different domains to understand as much breadth and depth of your life as possible in order to develop a thorough treatment plan. It is important to develop a set of goals that will guide treatment during these initial sessions.

Using an Integrated Treatment Approach to Treat Anxiety and Depression

Mental health disorders like anxiety and depression are often complex, involving a range of emotional, cognitive, and physical symptoms that can significantly impact an individual’s quality of life. Traditional treatments like medication and psychotherapy can be effective, but they don’t always address the full spectrum of symptoms. This is where an integrated treatment approach comes in—a holistic approach that combines different therapeutic modalities to target all aspects of these conditions.

An integrated treatment approach isn’t just about treating symptoms; it’s about treating the whole person. By blending various techniques and practices, an integrated treatment approach offers a more personalized treatment plan that can be more effective for managing anxiety and depression. In this blog, we’ll explore how combining these different approaches can help alleviate the symptoms of these mental health conditions, leading to better outcomes for patients.

The Complex Nature of Anxiety and Depression

Before diving into the effectiveness of an integrated treatment approach, it’s essential to understand the complex nature of anxiety and depression. These mental health conditions often overlap, with many individuals experiencing both simultaneously. Anxiety is a natural emotion that becomes problematic when it escalates into chronic, intense, and limiting fear. When fear is out of balance, it can lead to anxiety, which can manifest in various forms—generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), social anxiety, panic disorder, and more.

Similarly, depression goes beyond temporary feelings of sadness. It is a persistent condition that can cause a range of emotional and physical problems, impacting how a person feels, thinks, and handles daily activities. Like anxiety, depression can lead to a host of other health issues, including chronic pain, digestive problems, and cardiovascular disease. Given the interconnected nature of these conditions, a multifaceted approach to treatment is often necessary.

Why an Integrated Treatment Approach?

An integrated treatment approach is an approach that combines various therapeutic methods to create a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to an individual’s specific needs. Unlike traditional therapy, which may focus on just one form of treatment, an integrated treatment approach blends different techniques to address multiple aspects of a person’s well-being.

For instance, someone with anxiety might benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) to reframe negative thought patterns, while also using mindfulness techniques to stay grounded in the present moment. At the same time, body-based therapies like yoga or progressive muscle relaxation can help reduce physical symptoms of anxiety, such as muscle tension or a racing heart. This comprehensive approach can be particularly effective for individuals who haven’t found success with traditional therapies alone.

Integrative Approaches to Anxiety

Anxiety is the most common mental health issue globally, with millions of people experiencing it at some point in their lives. One of the biggest challenges in treating anxiety is its ability to erode a person’s trust in others and in new treatments. However, an integrated treatment approach offers a promising solution by addressing anxiety on multiple levels.

Mind-Body Techniques

Mind-body approaches are a cornerstone of an integrated treatment approach, especially for treating anxiety. Techniques like mindfulness meditation, breathing exercises, and progressive muscle relaxation (PMR) can be incredibly effective in reducing anxiety symptoms. These practices work by helping individuals become more aware of their thoughts, emotions, and physical sensations, allowing them to manage their anxiety more effectively.

Mindfulness-based interventions, for example, are as effective as traditional psychotherapy in treating anxiety. Mindfulness helps individuals focus on the present moment, reducing the tendency to get caught up in anxious thoughts. Research has shown that mindfulness meditation can lower levels of stress-related chemicals in the body, which can, in turn, reduce anxiety symptoms.

In this particular study, seventy adults with Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) were randomly assigned to either a Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) program or an attention control class. The results showed that participants in the MBSR group experienced a significantly greater reduction in pro-inflammatory cytokines compared to those in the control group. Additionally, the MBSR group also had a more substantial decrease in concentrations of inflammatory cytokines. These findings indicate that MBSR leads to larger reductions in stress markers for individuals with GAD, offering the first combined hormonal and immunological evidence that MBSR may enhance stress resilience.

PMR is another effective technique, involving the systematic tensing and relaxing of muscle groups. This practice not only helps reduce physical tension but also calms the mind, making it easier to manage anxiety. The results of this study and many others have shown that PMR is effective in reducing stress, anxiety, and depression in adults.

Psychotherapy and Counseling

Psychotherapy, especially cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), is a well-established treatment for anxiety. CBT helps individuals identify and change negative thought patterns that contribute to anxiety. When integrated with other therapeutic modalities, such as mindfulness, the effectiveness of CBT can be enhanced.

Creative Arts Therapies

Creative arts therapies, such as art, music, or dance therapy, can also play a significant role in an integrated treatment approach for anxiety. These therapies provide a non-verbal outlet for expressing emotions, which can be particularly beneficial for individuals who struggle to articulate their feelings. When used alongside other treatments, creative arts therapies can help individuals process their anxiety in a more holistic way.

Integrative Approaches to Depression

Just like anxiety, depression can be resistant to treatment, especially when it presents with physical symptoms such as chronic pain or digestive issues. Integrative therapy offers a way to address these multifaceted symptoms by combining various treatment modalities.

Nutrition and Lifestyle Changes

Research has shown that diet and lifestyle play a crucial role in managing depression. Integrative therapy often includes nutritional counseling to help individuals make dietary changes that can reduce inflammation and improve mood. For example, increasing the intake of omega-3 fatty acids, reducing sugar consumption, and incorporating probiotics into the diet can all contribute to better mental health.

Medication and Supplements

While medications can be necessary for some individuals, an integrated treatment approach emphasizes the importance of using them alongside other treatments. Supplements like omega-3s, magnesium, and vitamin D are often recommended as part of an integrative treatment plan, particularly when these nutrients are deficient and contributing to depressive symptoms.

Exercise and Physical Activity

Exercise is another critical component of an integrated treatment approach for depression. Regular physical activity has been shown to be as effective as antidepressant medication in some cases, and it comes with the added benefits of improving overall physical health and reducing the risk of chronic disease. Integrative therapy often includes a tailored exercise plan to ensure individuals get the physical activity they need to boost their mood and energy levels.

The Future of Mental Health Treatment

Integrative therapy represents the future of mental health treatment, offering a more personalized and holistic approach to managing anxiety and depression. By combining different therapeutic modalities, an integrated treatment approach can address the full spectrum of symptoms associated with these conditions, leading to better outcomes and improved quality of life.

If you or a loved one is struggling with anxiety or depression, consider exploring an integrated treatment approach at COPE Psychological Center. Our team of skilled therapists is here to help you develop a comprehensive treatment plan tailored to your unique needs.

Take the Next Step Toward Healing

Are you ready to explore the benefits of an integrated treatment approach for treating anxiety and depression? Contact COPE Psychological Center today to schedule a consultation. Our experienced team is committed to helping you find the path to wellness.