Location: Columbia Presbyterian Center
PH 11-STEM & PH 16 Center
Phone: (212) 305-9985
Fax: (212) 305-1249
Website: http://www.nyppsychiatry.org/cli_ser_cog_beh.html?name1=NewYork

Days of Operation: Monday through Friday

Appointments: Available morning, afternoon & evening
No referral necessary unless required by Insurance Company
Insurance(s) accepted are dependent on the insurance policy, call for more information.

Explanation of services

General Stress Management
The Stress Management Program is designed to help individuals manage psychological stress arising from interpersonal, work, family, or other sources. This is appropriate for individuals with or without a stress-related medical illness. An individual treatment plan is developed and patients are taught several established ways of managing stress. Techniques may include education about the causes and consequences of stress, relaxation training to reduce excessive physical reactions to stress, cognitive training to help modify ways of thinking that can lead to stress, and behavioral methods such as time management and other coping skills. The program is offered in specialized form for patients with specific stress-related medical problems such as heart disease or irritable bowel syndrome. Treatment usually involves 6-12 weekly sessions.

Anger Management Program
The Anger Management Program involves a form of stress management designed specifically to help people who are having difficulty in controlling angry emotions or behavior, or who frequently experience frustration, irritation, or interpersonal conflict. Like stress-management generally, anger management includes relaxation training, as well as cognitive and behavioral coping strategies. Treatment is administered according to a well-defined and scientifically validated treatment protocol targeted specifically for anger-related difficulties. Treatment usually involves about 12 weekly sessions.

Cognitive-Behavioral Anxiety Disorders Program
The Cognitive-Behavioral Anxiety Disorders Program offers short-term cognitive-behavior treatment for phobias, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety and other conditions in which anxiety plays a prominent role. Scientific study has established the efficacy of specific cognitive-behavioral treatment protocols for each of the different anxiety disorders, so the clinician implements the relevant protocol as tailored to the individual patient's needs. Cognitive-behavioral treatment for anxiety disorders typically involves 12-20 weekly sessions, however the duration can be longer or shorter depending on the individual case. Medication referral is available for patients requiring medication consultation and treatment.

Behavioral Counseling for Weight Control
The Behavioral Medicine Program participates in the Columbia-Presbyterian Center for Obesity Management, a comprehensive program offering medical, surgical, nutritional, and behavioral services relevant to weight loss and control. For patients who are unable to maintain diet or exercise regimens, or who are not candidates for medical or surgical treatment, behavioral counseling is often beneficial. This counseling includes weekly meetings with a psychologist to devise and establish a program for behavioral change. Thereafter, half-hour meetings are often scheduled biweekly to monitor progress. Through behavioral counseling patients learn to: monitor calories; identify and modify lifestyle habits that contribute to problem eating; manage cravings and resist binges; cope with social and interpersonal situations that may promote overeating; manage stress that may contribute to unhealthy eating; explore strategies for sustaining the motivation to exercise.

Smoking Cessation
The Smoking Cessation Program uses the most current, scientifically supported medical interventions, both pharmacologic and behavioral, to help smokers quit. Under the direction of Dr. Daniel Seidman, an individual evaluation is provided, followed by specific individual recommendations for group and/or individual treatment.

Behavioral Medicine Staff
Richard P. Sloan, Ph.D., Director
Ethan E. Gorenstein, Ph.D., Clinical Director
Kenneth Gorfinkle, Ph.D.
Catherine E. Monk, Ph.D.
Daniel Seidman, Ph.D.
Felice Tager, Ph.D.