Clinical Services
Because we are a research facility, we are sometimes able to offer free treatment to those who qualify for one of our research studies. If you would like to see if you are eligible for one of these programs, or for treatment in general, please see our pages regarding the disorders we treat, and view ongoing research studies. Feel free to contact us by calling our main desk at (617) 353-9610, or by emailing Bonnie Brown, our nurse administrator, at bonnieb@bu.edu.
Evaluation Procedure
The center conducts a comprehensive assessment, which entails one or more detailed, structured interviews by staff members. The interviews assess anxiety problems in particular and examine past and current psychological functioning. A number of written psychological questionnaires are administered to provide further information on psychological functioning. A noninvasive physiological assessment may also be conducted to examine the physical aspects of anxiety.
This very thorough assessment is conducted because anxiety-based disorders are complex and often misdiagnosed. The evaluation procedure helps determine the nature of the disorder. Based on these assessments, center staff make appropriate recommendations, which may include treatment at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders, treatment at another clinic or agency or by another mental health professional, or no treatment at all.
Each person receives a full report on the findings of his or her assessment. These assessments also provide information about anxiety for research purposes. Information obtained from the assessment procedures is included in a research data pool, which is used to further scientific knowledge about anxiety disorders and their treatments. The information in this data pool is strictly confidential.
How much does it cost?
The fee for an initial evaluation is on a sliding scale from $90 to $300, based on the patient's income and number of dependents. The fee for the treatment varies depending on the type and length of treatment, but the fee is designed to allow anyone to participate. That is, it is designed so that no one is turned away for financial reasons. In addition, several of our research programs offer treatment free of charge.
