We are currently offering free treatment to people with social anxiety at Stanford University. The treatment study’s goal is to better understand the mechanisms of therapeutic change and its long-term impact in individuals who suffer from social anxiety.

We are seeking people with English fluency who are right handed, ages 21-55, and who are willing to discontinue use of mood or anxiety medications and concurrent therapy for the duration of their participation in the study. 

Here is more information about the two social anxiety treatment studies we are running.  Both of these programs are completely free.

1. Stress Reduction (SR)
In this study we are offering two different types of stress reduction programs. 

The Wellness Program works on:

1. Improving your physical fitness through cardiovascular and/or weight training
2. Expanding the type and frequency of exercise in your life
3. Implementing a more steady routine of exercise and fitness activities to improve quality of life and reduce stress

The Mindfulness Program works on:

1. Training in purposefully directing your attention from moment to moment, without critical judgment
2. Enhancing awareness and acceptance of external events as well as internal thoughts, feelings, and bodily sensations
3. Implementing a meditation practice in your life to cultivate these skills

Timeline:
Mindfulness classes are once a week, 2.5 hours long, and take place either on Stanford campus (Palo Alto), in the South Bay (Mountain View, Campbell, San Jose), Santa Cruz, San Francisco, or in Oakland.  The mindfulness classes are in a group format, but the focus is on each individual's practice and skills.  The Wellness program involves a one-on-one meeting with a coach, to tailor a Wellness course for you, with a requirement of participation in a group fitness class of your choice. It also involves a weekly 10 minute phone check in throughout the program.  The Stress Reduction (SR) study is 8 weeks long, with research assessments before and after the treatment.

2. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
In this study we are offering individual (i.e., one-on-one) cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).  This therapy works on:

1. Understanding the nature of social anxiety, and factors that may cause and maintain social anxiety
2. Becoming more aware of the types of thoughts, actions, choices and bodily sensations that are related to social anxiety
3. Developing more adaptive, realistic and helpful ways of thinking and acting

Timeline:
CBT sessions are once a week, one hour long.  Most are held on the Stanford campus (Palo Alto) between 9 am and 5 pm, though we do have one therapist practicing in San Francisco, and some with more flexible hours.  The CBT program is 16 weeks long, with assessments before and after the treatment.  50% of participants in this program are randomly assigned to a preparatory period of 4-5 months before receiving CBT, however all eligible participants do receive CBT.

The first step to determine eligibility for either of these studies is a 15-20 minute phone interview. If you are interested in participating or would like more information, please contact us by calling #650.723.5977 or email us at caan@psych.stanford.edu with your name, number, and some good times to call and we will try to reach you.