Information Regarding the Therapy Program for the Treatment of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors

Thank you for your interest in the BTC Program for the Treatment of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, and related disorders). The following will give you information about the program and how to proceed with the process. Please note that the group therapy portion is virtual whereas the individual therapy portion can occur either virtually or in-person. The program facilitator (Jeannette Reid, PhD) has authority to practice interjurisdictional telepsychology via PSYPACT; please check psypact.org/mpage/psypactmap to determine whether your place of residence is covered.

The BFRB Program 
The Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington (BTC) is currently offering an ongoing virtual/virtual plus in-person therapy program with rolling admission for individuals 18 years of age and older who suffer from one or more Body-Focused Repetitive Behavior Disorders. The program combines individual and group formats, thereby allowing the participants to benefit from the advantages of both.

Background information
BTC has been an internationally recognized leader in the treatment of BFRBs for over 30 years. One of our most significant contributions has been the Comprehensive Behavioral (ComB) model, developed by Dr. Charles Mansueto (BTC's director) and his colleagues. ComB is an enhanced cognitive-behavioral treatment approach designed for the treatment of BFRBs. It has been enthusiastically endorsed by BFRB sufferers, professionals in the field, as well as the international TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. 

The Process
The following steps will prepare you for the ongoing BFRB program:

1.  Screening Appointment (no charge).  The first step is a brief (about 20 minutes) intake/screening interview so we can learn more about you and your BFRB. If it looks like the program would be a good fit for you and you decide to move forward, we will send you an email with a link to the patient portal, through which you can submit our registration forms. At that point, you can contact us by email to schedule your introductory sessions.

2.  Two Introductory Sessions (60 minutes, $280.00 each).  The next step involves two 60-minute individual sessions. These sessions will give you an initial understanding of your unique BFRB "profile" and will introduce you to the ComB Model. 

3.  Ongoing Program Sessions Combine Individual and Group Formats.  Following your Introductory Sessions, you will be ready to join the BFRB Program at the next scheduled entry-point (in January, May, or September). The program is comprised of up to two group sessions and at least one individual session per month.

Group Therapy (up to twice a month); occurs virtually on Tuesdays, 4:35pm-5:45pm ($140 per session)
The group format has proven to be both cost-effective and beneficial for most people with BFRBs. Led by a BTC therapist, groups allow members to share concerns, successes, ideas, and questions with people who "know what it's like." Among other in-group activities, group sessions include short didactic presentations, experiential exercises, and time for group members to work on and share their individual plans.

Individual Therapy (at least once a month); occurs either virtually or in-person; sessions times to be arranged on an individual basis. 
Individual sessions focus on a detailed exploration of your unique challenges and plans as they evolve. They also provide a private setting where you can talk about sensitive topics you may not be comfortable discussing with the group. 

Note: If you are currently in treatment for your BFRB at BTC you may want to continue working with that therapist. You may already by working on your BFRB with a therapist outside of BTC. If so, a few options are available in terms of individual work. 

Effectiveness of the ComB Model
BFRBs are conditions that involve a complex combination of elements unique to each person. The ComB Model's success is based on how well it addresses and works with each person's individual "BFRB Profile." We have found that the process of improvement varies from person to person in terms of progress and pace. However, most people require four or more months of therapy to make substantial gains in "retraining" their nervous system. This involves learning how to identify and address their BFRB "triggers," protecting the affected areas from further damage, determining which interventions are helpful and which are not, and being able to recover when setbacks occur. Ultimately, our goal is to help individuals learn how to manage these challenges independently.

Materials
Upon signing up for the ongoing program, you will receive a complimentary copy of the book, Overcoming Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors: A Comprehensive Behavioral Treatment for Hair Pulling and Skin Picking, written by Charles Mansueto, PhD; Sherrie Vavrichek, LCSW-C; and Ruth Golomb, LCPC. This book will be used as a reference throughout therapy. 

Summary of Fees and Payment Policy*

Screening: (20 minutes) No charge

Two preliminary individual therapy sessions:  (60-minutes). $280 each 

Ongoing program:
Group sessions, up to twice a month (70 minutes); $140 each
Individual sessions, at least once a month (60 minutes); $280 each

For over 30 years, BTC has helped a great many people with BFRB problems. We hope to have the opportunity to help you as well. Spaces are limited and that applications are processed on a first-come, first-serve basis. Please email one of the therapists if you would like to arrange for a screening interview:

Sherrie Vavrichek, LCSW-C at svavrichek@behaviortherapycenter.com
Jeannette Reid, PhD at jreid@ behaviortherapycenter.com