Anxiety Treatment
Treatment at ITCA is done in 10 week ‘blocks’ with a start and end date.
During a 10 week block, there are weekly sessions where your individual concerns and worries are discussed, assessed and understood. You will work with your therapist to set your own goals for therapy and agree on weekly therapeutic exercises and activities outside of the therapy session (that you feel are within your capabilities to achieve). Each week your progress is discussed and measured, and barriers and difficulties are understood and worked on.
Sessions are based on modern forms Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) as well as Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), but can also include some Mindfulness, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT) based approaches. These will be tailored to your individual needs.
How does a 10 week block of therapy work?
Why Treatment is done in Blocks?
We believe that structured, frequent sessions are an effective method for offering therapy. They enable you to gain some ‘momentum’ and help keep focus on therapy from week to week. There is also evidence suggesting that, in certain cases, this approach can be a more effective way to provide treatment.
Am I committed to the full 10 weeks?
No. If you achieve the goals we have set in a shorter time, or if you simply find that the therapy is not working for you, subsequent sessions can be cancelled. We ask simply that you give us as much notice as possible.
Will therapy at ITCA be right for me?
Therapy at ITCA is designed for adults with anxiety issues such as OCD, panic, generalized anxiety (excessive worry), social anxiety or a specific phobia. If you have any of these issues and are able to attend on a weekly basis for a 10 week period (in person or via telehealth), and are able to make time for some exercises at home between each session, then this therapy may be suitable for you.
Suitability can be discussed further during your 15 min free consultation with Mark prior to booking in.
How do I book or find out more?
We understand that booking for a 10 week treatment block is an important decision. Before you are booked in, Mark will schedule a 15 minute appointment with you (via phone or telehealth), to discuss whether this program might be right for you and to answer any questions you might have .**
If we agree that this program might be right for you, weekly appointments will be scheduled from the commencement of the next treatment block You will also be sent a link for providing us with some personal information and to fill out some questionnaires prior to your commencement. If you haven’t already done so you might need to arrange to see your doctor for a Mental Health Care Plan (if from your GP), or a letter of referral (from your treating Psychiatrist). This will allow you to access a Medicare rebate for your sessions (up to 10 sessions in a calendar year – see ‘What are the costs?’).
To make an enquiry you can phone Mark during business hours (9am-5pm weekdays) on 0413 074 844 or send an enquiry via our contact form or email (info@itca.net.au).
** Note: there is no perfect way to assess someone for a treatment program, or of knowing whether it will effective for them. The 15 minute appointment can help clarify things further, but it cannot provide an absolute guarantee of suitability or of how effective the program might be for you (see ‘Can outcomes be guaranteed’).
What are the costs?
The fee for each session is $251.80. If you have been referred by your GP or Psychiatrist under a Mental Health Care Plan you will be eligible for a Medicare rebate of $141.85 for up to 10 sessions in a calendar year. Alternatively, you may be able to claim on your private health fund, but the law prohibits claiming on both for the same session. Rebates paid by health funds vary widely. A reduced fee of $201.80 may be able to be offered to those with a Health Care Card or in genuine financial hardship, however concessional places are limited.
Who do we treat?
We specialise in treating adults who suffer primarily with anxiety issues.
Unfortunately we do not treat children and adolescents, nor do we provide assessments or reports for Safe Work SA, Victims of Crime or Third Part Motor Vehicle claims, Family Court or criminal matters.
Can outcomes be guaranteed?
While outcomes cannot be guaranteed, efforts are made to support progress and positive results. The therapy uses evidence based approaches, however research is clear that not everyone will improve with these approaches. Others may show some improvement but may not make a full recovery.
What are the next starting dates for treatment?
Treatment start and end dates for 2025 are as follows: