Real World Applications of One-Session Treatment

Abstract

Randomized Clinical Trials (RCTs) using cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and specifically one-session treatment (OST) for the treatment of a broad spectrum of specific phobias have been conducted in both adult and child samples, and across countries. Furthermore, in clinical practice, OST has been extended to include even more unusual phobias such as fish, mushrooms, knees, and ET (the Extra-Terrestrial movie character) with equally good treatment effects overall. Despite these positive outcomes the dissemination of OST in the real world has not been as evident. There are several explanations for why clinicians might not choose OST for patients presenting with various specific phobias. They may experience problems regarding:

• 1. Finding appropriate materials and a variety of stimuli for exposure and behavioral tests (e.g., dogs, snakes, bees, spiders, snails, elevators, enclosed places, costumed characters).

• 2. How to store animals and insects appropriately to keep them healthy and fresh for exposure work.

• 3. Assisted exposure (e.g., finding and engaging dog handlers, snake owners, etc.), cost, and time.

• 4. Exposure outside of the clinic: ethical issues and insurance coverage.

• 5. Reimbursement for the OST format (up to 3 hour instead of the 1 hours/week format).