Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic

​​The Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic (TADC) is a specialty clinic within the Psychological Training and Consultation Center at Central Michigan University. We provide clinical services to the community, conduct research, and train doctoral students.

The TADC provides in-depth psychological assessment and cognitive-behavioral treatment, primarily exposure therapy, for people of all ages with anxiety and related disorders. If you or someone you know is suffering with anxiety, we may be able to help. If you are interested in seeking services, please call 989-774-3904. You will first speak with a staff member who will describe the clinic and its services in more detail and will ask you some questions about the kinds of problems you're having. If appropriate, an initial evaluation will then be scheduled. Following that thorough assessment, we will either offer treatment within the TADC or, if indicated by the assessment, will provide referrals.

Director: Elizabeth A. Meadows, Ph.D.

Anxiety Disorder Fast Facts

The anxiety disorders include a number of different problems, including panic disorder and agoraphobia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, social anxiety, phobias, and generalized anxiety disorder. It is estimated that they affect 13.3% of Americans ages 18 to 54 in any given year, which is approximately 19.1 million adults in this age group. Each of these disorders can also be seen in children and in older adults, and individuals of all ages are seen at the TADC. Separation anxiety disorder, a disorder seen primarily in children, is a common cause of school refusal and is also treated at the TADC. 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy has been shown to be one of the most effective treatments for anxiety and related disorders. It is a form of treatment that is based on research findings and tends to be goal-oriented and short-term. It typically focuses on confronting feared situations, stopping unwanted behaviors, and changing maladaptive negative thinking patterns.

Clinic Information

You can reach us by phone at 989-774-3904, or by fax at 989-774-1891. You can also send us mail at: Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic, 1101 Health Professions Building, Central Michigan University, Mt. Pleasant, MI 48859.

Center Location & Hours

The Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic is located within the Psychological Training and Consultation Center, which is on the second floor of the Health Professions Building on the campus of Central Michigan University (see map). General Clinic hours are currently arranged on an individual basis. 

Cost

The fee for assessment and treatment follows the PTCC fee structure.  The total cost of treatment will vary depending on the length of treatment.  If you have financial concerns, please let us know as we have a financial assistance program for treatment fees.  In addition, our research programs may offer some treatments free of charge.

Cancellation Policy

Except in special circumstances and cases of emergency, clinic appointments must be cancelled at least 24 hours in advance to avoid being charged for the missed appointment.

Clinic Staff

Director: Elizabeth Meadows, Ph.D.

Clinic Procedures

​Initial Phone Screen

When you first contact the clinic, you will speak with a staff member who will describe the clinic and its services in more detail and will ask you several questions about the kinds of problems you're having. If appropriate, an initial evaluation will then be scheduled.

Evaluation

The clinic conducts a thorough, comprehensive assessment, which includes one or more detailed, structured interviews by staff members. The interview typically takes approximately three hours and focuses primarily on anxiety difficulties. The interview also examines current and previous psychological functioning and past treatment experiences. In addition, you will complete a set of questionnaires to provide further information.

Our assessments are detailed and thorough because anxiety disorders are complex and often anxiety symptoms of various disorders can overlap. The evaluation procedure helps to determine the nature of the disorder. Based on our assessments, center staff are then able to make appropriate recommendations or referrals, including treatment at the Trauma and Anxiety Disorders Clinic, treatment at another clinic or agency or by another mental health professional, or no treatment at all. In cases where treatment is indicated, the evaluation also provides information that aids staff in planning appropriate treatments.

Each client will receive detailed feedback concerning the results of his or her assessment. These assessments may also provide information about anxiety for research purposes. All assessment information, both for clinical and research purposes, is strictly confidential.

Treatment

The clinic offers state-of-the-art cognitive-behavioral treatments for anxiety disorders in both individual and group formats, and tend to be goal-oriented and short-term. The treatment most commonly offered is exposure therapy, in which clients confront their fears in a gradual and controlled way; research has consistently shown this to be a very effective treatment for anxiety disorders. Treatment may also include information about anxiety, relaxation training, and/or changing maladaptive thinking patterns. The length of treatment varies depending on the type and severity of the disorder, but most treatment programs are completed within 10-12 weekly sessions.

Exclusion Criteria

Unfortunately, the clinic is not able in most cases to treat individuals with active suicidal or homicidal ideation, active serious substance abuse problems, or psychosis. In these cases, appropriate referrals will be made.