At the Kentucky Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (KYCARDS), we offer specialized intensive treatment programs for individuals experiencing specific phobias, panic disorder, and agoraphobia. Our programs use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), with an emphasis on exposure-based treatment, to help individuals confront feared situations, reduce avoidance, and develop skills for managing anxiety more effectively.
Unlike traditional weekly therapy, intensive treatment provides an opportunity to engage in focused, structured treatment over a shorter period. Research supports exposure-based interventions as highly effective treatments for anxiety-related disorders, with improvements that can be maintained long after treatment concludes.
We currently offer two intensive treatment options
One-Week Intensive Treatment
For individuals experiencing phobias, panic attacks, and/or agoraphobia.
Our one-week intensive program provides five consecutive days of individualized, structured treatment designed to help you better understand your anxiety and make meaningful progress toward your treatment goals.
What to Expect
Day 1: Assessment & Treatment Planning
Your first appointment consists of a comprehensive clinical assessment, development of an individualized treatment plan, and preparation for your intensive sessions. You will also receive educational materials and resources to support your understanding of anxiety and the treatment process.
Approximately 3 hours.
Days 2–5: Intensive Exposure-Based Treatment
The remaining four days consist of individualized, three-hour treatment sessions focused primarily on exposure therapy. During these sessions, you and your clinician will gradually and systematically approach feared situations, sensations, or experiences while learning new ways to respond to anxiety without relying on avoidance or other unhelpful coping strategies.
Depending on your treatment goals, sessions may take place both in our office and in real-world settings. Our team coordinates appropriate out-of-office exposure activities.
Approximately 3 hours per day.
Follow-Up & Continued Support
Following the intensive program, you will receive four booster sessions, available in person or virtually, to help reinforce treatment gains, address ongoing challenges, and support continued progress.
One-Session Treatment for Specific Phobias
A concentrated, exposure-based treatment option for individuals with specific phobias.
Our One-Session Treatment (OST) program is designed for individuals experiencing specific phobias, such as fears involving animals, heights, enclosed spaces, or other particular objects or situations. This research-supported approach uses an extended exposure session to help individuals confront their fears and develop new learning within a highly structured treatment experience.
Although called One-Session Treatment, the program includes an initial assessment and follow-up support in addition to the primary treatment session.
What to Expect
Day 1: Assessment & Preparation
Your clinician will conduct a comprehensive assessment, develop an individualized treatment plan, and help you prepare for the exposure-based treatment session. You will also receive educational resources and materials to support your treatment.
Approximately 3 hours.
Day 2: Extended Exposure Session
The primary treatment session consists of approximately 4–6.5 hours of individualized, exposure-based therapy, including a lunch break. Your clinician will guide you through structured exposure exercises tailored to your specific fears and treatment goals.
Depending on the nature of your phobia, portions of treatment may take place outside the office in real-world environments. Our team coordinates appropriate exposure activities and related arrangements.
Follow-Up & Continued Support
The program also includes four booster sessions, available in person or virtually, to reinforce treatment skills and support the maintenance of progress.
What’s Included in Both Programs?
Both intensive treatment options include:
- An individualized assessment and treatment plan
- Structured, evidence-based exposure therapy
- Educational materials and a treatment resource binder
- Coordination of appropriate real-world exposure activities
- Four follow-up booster sessions, available in person or virtually
- Text-based communication with your clinician throughout the treatment process
- Local hotel and dining recommendations for clients traveling to our office
Who May Benefit From Intensive Treatment?
Intensive treatment may be particularly helpful for individuals who:
- Experience significant fear, panic, or avoidance that interferes with daily life
- Have a specific phobia they would like to address through focused treatment
- Experience recurrent panic attacks or avoid situations due to fear of panic symptoms
- Want a more concentrated treatment experience than traditional weekly therapy
- Are traveling from outside the Louisville area to receive specialized care
The appropriate treatment format will depend on your symptoms, clinical needs, and individual goals.
Getting Started
Insurance & Payment Information
KYCARDS is an out-of-network provider with insurance companies. Payment is collected directly by our practice, and clients are encouraged to contact their insurance providers to determine whether they qualify for out-of-network reimbursement benefits.
Our team can provide additional information about program costs, payment policies, and scheduling during the consultation process.
Take the Next Step
If panic, phobias, or avoidance are interfering with your daily life, intensive treatment may provide an opportunity to make meaningful progress through focused, evidence-based care.
Contact KYCARDS to schedule your complimentary phone consultation and learn more about our intensive treatment programs.