Cognitive Therapy Orange County

This website is to provide interested individuals, new and established patients, and healthcare professionals with information about Cognitive Therapy Orange County.

CTOC was founded to provide cognitive therapy (also known as cognitive-behavior therapy) and consulting services to the public with an emphasis on empirically-based and effective interventions. Treatments offered are individually designed to be collaborative, goal oriented, supportive, directive and short term whenever possible. CTOC clinicians have years of experience providing cognitive therapy services and continually receive training and education in the latest advances in the field. Treatments emphasize practical, goal focused interventions. Cognitive therapy is designed to minimize distress, to increase well-being, and to optimize individual and relationship functioning.

For more information about Cognitive Therapy Orange County please visit our full site at any of the following addresses:

Psyhealth.net

CognitiveTherapyOC.com

CognitiveTherapyOrangeCounty.com

Or call our offices at:

949-675-0545

This web site is for informational purposes only. It does not represent nor is it intended to provide, any type of psychotherapeutic interaction or treatment.
If you are in an immediate crisis call 911, contact your local police, or contact your local hospital emergency department/urgent care facility.

Designed, created and maintained by Joshua Babbitt © Copyright 2003 - 2011 CTOC. CTOC does not control, nor endorse the content of third party Web Sites.
Email to CTOC is currently not available due to limitations of electronic communications security. If you are interested in contacting any of the clinicians at CTOC, please do so by telephone. The office number is 949-675-0545.

Erik J. Abell, Ph.D.

(PSY 16096)

Dr. Erik Abell, Ph.D. Erik J. Abell, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in cognitive therapy with extensive outpatient experience in short-term, goal focused treatments.

Dr. Abell received his bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of California, Irvine, his master's degree in psychology from Pepperdine University and his doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, San Diego. He has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including non-profit counseling centers, the Trauma Research Institute, San Diego, Scripps Clinic, Division of Mental Health, La Jolla, the Center for Cognitive Therapy, Newport Beach and the Cognitive Therapy Clinic, before founding Cognitive Therapy Orange County in 2003. Dr. Abell is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

Dr. Abell enjoys working with individuals from early to late adulthood, couples and families seeking assistance with a variety of problems. They include difficult adjustments to work, relationships, marriage, parenting, and family stresses. Additionally Dr. Abell is experienced treating depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, panic, obsessive compulsive disorder and anger. Dr. Abell also works with individuals with severe disorders in thinking and their families. Dr. Abell is consistently impressed with his patients' willingness to make significant changes in their lives and the lasting improvement they experience.

Gail Simpson, MSW, BCD

Gail Simpson, MSW, BCD Gail Simpson, MSW, BCD is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker.

Ms. Simpson, received her bachelor's degree in Social Welfare from California State University Long Beach and her master's degree in social work from the University of Southern California. She has worked in a variety of mental health settings, including health maintenance organizations, private practice, the Center for Cognitive Therapy in Newport Beach and the Cognitive Therapy Clinic before joining Cognitive Therapy Orange County.

Ms. Simpson enjoys the collaborative aspects of cognitive therapy and has been extremely pleased with the improvement her clients routinely achieve. Her specialties include treatment of depression, anxiety disorders including panic, and relationship concerns. She works with adults, couples, and occasionally consults with families. She and her clients discover effective interventions for a broad spectrum of presenting and enduring problems. Clients regularly learn a number of coping strategies and take a "toolbox" full of skills with them at the completion of their therapy. Cognitive therapy is based on the principle that everyone can learn to be his or her own therapist and Ms. Simpson believes she is privileged to aid people in learning this for themselves.

Ms. Simpson is a warm, empathic and patient therapist who is committed to helping others improve their lives.

Stephen M. Savlov, Ph.D.

(PSY 4271)

Steven M. Savlov, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist with 35 years of clinical experience. He specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy and mindfulness-based stress reduction therapy with children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Savlov's approach to psychotherapy is to honor the dignity, integrity and healing resources within each individual.

Dr. Savlov received his bachelor's degree in Psychology from the University of Arizona, his master's degree in Psychology and California State School Psychologist Credential from California State University at Northridge, and his doctorate degree in Clinical Psychology from Texas Tech University. Dr. Savlov interned at Kaiser Permanente Medical Group. Dr. Savlov has worked in a variety of clinical settings: Staff Psychologist and Assistant Clinical Professor of Psychology at the University of California at Irvine Medical Center, Consulting Psychologist at the Child Guidance Center of Orange County, Child and Adolescent Psychologist at Kaiser Permanente Medical Group, Director of Pain Management and Behavioral Medicine at Group Health Cooperative Permanente Medical Group and Director of Pain Management, and Behavioral Medicine at the Arizona Neurological Institute. Dr. Savlov maintained a fifteen-year private practice in the Mission Viejo/Saddleback Valley area specializing in children, adolescents and adults. Dr. Savlov is a Fellow and Diplomate in the Academy of Cognitive Therapy.

Dr. Savlov's approach to psychotherapy is holistic. He identifies barriers and subsequent solutions with a comprehensive focus and understanding of how the individual's thoughts, mood, behaviors, physical functioning and environmental influences are contributing factors. Dr. Savlov is passionate about helping individuals learn and master problem solving skills that will be helpful throughout the lifespan.

Heather Tomilowitz, Ph.D.

(PSB 35111 for E.J. Abell, Ph.D. PSY 16096)

Heather Tomilowitz, Ph.D., is a psychological assistant working under the license and supervision of Erik J. Abell, Ph.D., preparing for independent licensure for the practice of psychology.

Dr. Tomilowitz received her bachelor's degree in cognitive science from the University of California, Irvine, cum laude, She earned her doctorate in clinical psychology from the California School of Professional Psychology, Los Angeles. She has clinical experience in a range of mental health settings including the Wellness Center, a cancer counseling center; Providence Community Services, a children's and family clinic; and Adult Mental Health of Orange County, before joining Cognitive Therapy Orange County.

Dr. Tomilowitz enjoys working with individuals from adolescence to late adulthood seeking assistance with a variety of challenges. She warmly and empathically collaborates with her clients to discover effective solutions and develop individualized coping skill. Ms. Tomilowitz believes she is fortunate to be able to teach individuals to make changes and improve their lives. She admires the resilience and courage of her clients

Lisa K. Phillips, Ph.D.

(PSB 35830 for E.J. Abell, Ph.D. PSY 16096)

Lisa K. Phillips, Ph.D. Lisa K. Phillips, Ph.D., is a psychological assistant working under the license and supervision of Erik J. Abell, Ph.D., preparing for independent licensure for the practice of psychology.

Dr. Phillips received her bachelor's degree in psychology from San Diego State University summa cum laude, her master's degree in clinical psychology from California State University, Fullerton (CSUF), and her doctorate in clinical psychology from the University of Hawaii (UH). She completed her clinical internship at USC's school of medicine, and has practiced psychology for 10 years in a wide range of settings - including hospitals, community clinics and schools. Being from Sweden and having worked in melting-pot locations such as Hawaii and inner city L.A, Dr. Phillips has an international perspective and embraces diversity in her clients. In addition, Dr. Phillips has taught university courses in psychology at UH, CSUF and the University of the Rockies. She has also trained other professionals in the delivery of cognitive-behavioral therapy.

Dr. Phillips is passionate about providing the best possible treatment for her clients and continues to stay abreast of current research findings. She enjoys working with individuals from childhood to late adulthood, and specializes in - but does not limit herself to - the treatment of anxiety, depression and disruptive behavior disorders. Dr. Phillips infuses her optimism and energy into every aspect of therapy and finds the process very rewarding. She loves watching her clients grow and lead more fulfilling lives as a result of therapy.

Cognitive Therapy Orange County is located at:

Cognitive Therapy and
Consulting Associates

949-675-0545

151 Kalmus Dr. Suite B/220
Costa Mesa, CA 92626

CTOC On Google Maps

What is Cognitive therapy?

Cognitive therapy was originally developed by psychiatrist Aaron Beck, M.D. Dr. Beck discovered that people could recover from depression and anxiety problems more quickly once they could identify specific thoughts that accompanied uncomfortable feelings, like sadness, fearfulness, and hopelessness. Years of research has shown that people can learn to resolve immediate and long standing problems, as well as decrease negative feelings, by changing they way they think. Cognitive therapy is an holistic approach to improving people's lives.

How can Cognitive Therapy help me?

We can all feel overwhelmed at times. Job stress, family or relationship problems, health concerns, losses and worries can make anyone struggle. Cognitive therapy can help you pinpoint problems and learn new ways to cope. Cognitive therapy is an educational and collaborative approach which can aid you to improve your outlook about yourself, people important to you and your future.

How do I know if I am struggling?

Sometimes it is obvious to our loved ones. However, as individuals, it can be hard to know when something is wrong. Nearly fifty million Americans experience emotional or behavioral problems during the course of any given year. Most of us do not seek treatment for these problems. Partly because we do not recognize the symptoms. They can be hard to identify. One way to determine if you are distressed is to ask yourself some of the following questions:

Do people who care about me say I'm not myself or recommend I get help?
Do I feel sad or even hopeless most of the time?
Am I anxious or worried about things that never used to bother me?
Do I think about something or a situation over and over without any resolution?
Am I irritated, mad, or angry with people or about things most of the time?
Am I sleeping poorly; waking up several times, not falling asleep easily, or waking up much earlier than usual?
>Am I eating a lot more or a lot less than I usually do?
Are activities that used to be enjoyable for me now boring, or have I just stopped doing them?
Am I drinking or using drugs more or more often than I plan on?

While these questions are not a scientific test, answering yes to some/several of them may be a way to tell if you are feeling distressed or could benefit from cognitive therapy.

How long does Cognitive Therapy take?

Generally, people greatly improve or resolve their problems within ten to twenty sessions. Most people experience some improvement in the way they feel after the first session, usually stating they feel more hopeful. Research indicates fifty percent of people feel markedly better 6 months after they first started treatment. Seventy-five percent of people feel much better about most things in their lives one year after beginning cognitive therapy.

The length of treatment depends on several factors:

The relationship between the clinician and the client. A comfortable, trustworthy, and positive relationship is necessary and essential.
Severity of the problems at the outset of treatment. Are problems more recent or have they been going on for a long time?
The motivation and capacity of the patient to make changes.

How do I know if Cognitive Therapy is working?

The time line talked about in "How long does Cognitive Therapy take?" should help you recognize changes in how you feel, think and act. Another way to tell is by using specific measurement tools. These are specific paper and pencil tests that you can take at the beginning and at various points during treatment. Another way is to ask your clinician about your progress. A competent clinician will be able to make this determination without bias.

What if Cognitive Therapy is not working?

Cognitive therapy does not work for everyone. Just like some people do not respond to certain types of antibiotics, the same can be true of Cognitive therapy. It is important to understand that sometimes therapy can make people worse. If you feel worse after a few visits tell your clinician. It is very important that your clinician knows how you are responding. You and your clinician can do several things:

Re-evaluate your treatment plan and make necessary adjustments.
Make a possible referral to another clinician.
Combine cognitive therapy and medication.

A negative response to Cognitive therapy does not mean you have no hope of feeling better. You and your clinician can discover what's best for you in a supportive environment.

What about medication?

Knowledge about brain function and biochemistry has expanded tremendously in the past several years. Many psychotropic medications work quite quickly and effectively. However, research on depression, anxiety and phobias indicates that most people improve as much with Cognitive therapy alone as they do with a combination of Cognitive therapy and medication.

Medication alone is usually effective only while the person takes it. Once medication is discontinued, relapse is common. This is especially true of anxiety disorders, like panic attacks and phobias. Also, medications have physiological side effects that some people find difficult to tolerate, like headaches, weight gain and loss of sexual interest.

Medication is important for certain mental disorders like schizophrenia, bipolar disorder and severe depressions and is quite helpful in stabilizing people with these problems.

If you are currently taking medication for depression, anxiety or other emotional problems, it is important to continue taking your prescription unless you have discussed discontinuation directly with your medical doctor. Medical doctors are the only professionals who can legally prescribe psychotropic medication. These are people with M.D. or O.D. after their name and include primary care doctors, OB-Gyn doctors and mental health specialists called psychiatrists.

The importance of taking medication regularly.

When medications do not work, sometimes it can be due to inconsistent use by skipping doses or forgetting. Medications prescribed by your medical doctor are only effective if used as directed. Identifying obstacles to taking medication precisely as directed by your medical doctor would be part of the focus of your participation in cognitive therapy treatment.

If you are in an immediate crisis call 911, contact your local police, or contact/go to your local hospital emergency department/urgent care facility.

This web site is for informational purposes only. It does not represent, nor is it intended to provide, any type of psychotherapeutic interaction or treatment.

Fees

CTOC is pleased to offer services in a stepped rate schedule when qualified providers are available.

Licensed clinical psychologists and licensed clinical social workers:

Intake appointment, 60 minutes: $220.00
Standard appointment, 45-50 minutes: $185.00

Please note all licensed clinicians are also certified by the Academy of Cognitive Therapy which has established the "gold standard" for delivery of cognitive therapy:

Registered Psychological Assistants*:

Intake appointment (60 minutes) and standard appointments (45-50 minutes): $90.00 or $115.00

Payment

All services provided by CTOC are due and payable in full at the time of service. CTOC does not accept credit cards as payment.

Insurance

CTOC does not accept insurance as form of payment. Upon request CTOC will provide billing statements which patients may send to their insurance company. Please note reimbursement from your insurer is not guaranteed. CTOC recommends you contact your insurer about coverage prior to your first appointment.

All CTOC providers are "out-of-network". Additionally, patients seeing Registered Psychological Assistants will not be eligible for reimbursement by insurance. Registered Psychological Assistants are not licensed for independent practice and therefore not recognized as providers by insurance companies.

Medicare: CTOC clinicians do not provide services under Medicare. Medicare eligible patients may not seek reimbursement from Medicare or their supplemental coverage if they elect to seek services from CTOC. Additionally, Medicare requires patients seeking services from non-Medicare professionals to sign a written contract acknowledging they may not bill Medicare or their secondary insurance for services. This contract will be provided to you by your clinician.

*Registered Psychological Assistants (RPAs) are accruing required clinical hours of experience. They are not licensed for independent practice and work under the license of Erik J.Abell, Ph.D. Their availability is based in part on patient needs and requisite experience. Therefore, not all persons seeking services from RPA will be eligible. This will be discussed in detail when you contact CTOC