Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety

Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety CTSA advances anxiety disorder treatment with evidence-based therapies, research, and training opportunities for professionals.

The Center was founded in 1979 by Edna B. Foa, Ph.D., a world leader in anxiety disorders research, who is the Director of the Center. The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety is a division of the University's Department of Psychiatry, and is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unlike many clinical and research programs, which

specialize either in adults or children, the Center’s unique strength is in providing clinical services across the developmental lifespan: we provide treatment to children, adolescents, and adults. Our treatments are tailored to each age group and are sensitive to developmental aspects of our patients.

CTSA's Summer 2025 Newsletter is here! Packed with great information and updates: a clinical tip corner, a research upda...
07/22/2025

CTSA's Summer 2025 Newsletter is here! Packed with great information and updates: a clinical tip corner, a research update, and featured training / consultation opportunities. Take a peek inside!
https://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/assets/user-content/Summer%202025%20CTSA%20Newsletter.pdf

📋 Assessment is where great PE begins.Before imaginal exposures or SUDS tracking—there’s the foundation. Learn how to st...
07/22/2025

📋 Assessment is where great PE begins.

Before imaginal exposures or SUDS tracking—there’s the foundation. Learn how to structure trauma-informed assessments that set your clients (and you) up for success.

🧠 Join CTSA’s Special Topics in PE on September 26, 2025 to master:
✔️ Trauma history gathering
✔️ Exposure-relevant diagnostics
✔️ Clinical decision-making from Day 1

🔗 Secure your spot: bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

📌The Hidden Impact of Anxiety Disorders🔎 Did you know? Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the U.S., yet ...
07/21/2025

📌The Hidden Impact of Anxiety Disorders

🔎 Did you know?
Anxiety disorders affect over 40 million adults in the U.S., yet only one-third receive proper treatment.

💡 Evidence-based interventions, like exposure therapy, help individuals reclaim their lives. Let’s spread awareness so more people get the care they need.

💬 Tag a friend who could benefit from learning about anxiety treatment!

‍👩‍🏫Or sign up for a training yourself: bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

Not all exposure is created equal. 💡When helping clients face their fears, it’s important to choose the right type of ex...
07/18/2025

Not all exposure is created equal. 💡

When helping clients face their fears, it’s important to choose the right type of exposure for their needs. Here’s a quick breakdown of the 3 main types:

🔹 Imaginal – Facing fears through vivid mental imagery
🔹 In Vivo – Confronting fears in real-life situations
🔹 Interoceptive – Experiencing feared physical sensations

Each has its place in reducing avoidance and building resilience. Which do you use most in your practice?

Want to learn how to apply exposure effectively?

Join our CTSA workshops for hands-on training in exposure therapy techniques: https://bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

Hey Therapists! 🌟Let's dive into *anxiety sensitivity* and how exposure therapy can be a game-changer for our clients. A...
07/17/2025

Hey Therapists! 🌟

Let's dive into *anxiety sensitivity* and how exposure therapy can be a game-changer for our clients. Anxiety sensitivity refers to the fear of anxiety-related sensations, such as increased heart rate or shortness of breath. This fear can amplify anxiety and lead to avoidance behaviors.

Exposure therapy is a powerful tool to help clients confront and reduce their anxiety sensitivity. By gradually exposing them to anxiety-provoking situations in a controlled and safe environment, we can help them learn that these sensations are not dangerous and can be managed.

🔑Key Strategies:
1. Identify triggers: Work with clients to pinpoint specific situations or sensations that trigger their anxiety.
2. Response prevention: reduce compensatory behaviors, with the goal of eliminating them completely
3. Gradual exposure: Start with less anxiety-provoking situations and gradually increase the intensity.
4. Support and encouragement: Provide continuous support and positive reinforcement throughout the process.

Let's empower our clients to face their fears and reclaim their lives! 💪✨

Want to learn more about exposure therapy? Register for one of CTSA's informative ad powerful workshops: bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

🧠 Anxiety & Sexual Dysfunction: The Missing Conversation in Clinical CareSexual dysfunction is a common but often unspok...
07/16/2025

🧠 Anxiety & Sexual Dysfunction: The Missing Conversation in Clinical Care

Sexual dysfunction is a common but often unspoken consequence of anxiety disorders. Join CTSA's Dr. Diane Dallal for a 1-day virtual workshop on August 7, 2025, to explore the conceptualizations, clinical implications, and treatment strategies for this sensitive and essential topic.

✅ Live expert-led training
✅ Case discussions & clinical tools
✅ CE credits available

🔗 Register now to reserve your spot: https://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/Assessing_and_Treating_Sexual_Dysfunction_in_the_Context_of_Anxiety_Disorders.html

**Avoidance: Anxiety’s Best Friend**🔎What is avoidance?Avoidance is a short-term solution that reinforces long-term anxi...
07/15/2025

**Avoidance: Anxiety’s Best Friend**

🔎What is avoidance?
Avoidance is a short-term solution that reinforces long-term anxiety. By staying away from feared situations, clients miss the chance to learn that they can cope—and that fear isn’t permanent.

🔁 The Avoidance Cycle
Trigger ➡️ Anxiety ➡️ Avoidance ➡️ Relief ➡️ Reinforced Fear
Each time we avoid, the brain gets the message: “That fear is valid.” Over time, fear grows, and life gets smaller.

🎯 Therapeutic Strategies That Work
✔️ Help clients name their avoidance habits
✔️ Build a step-by-step exposure hierarchy
✔️ Celebrate willingness, not comfort
✔️ Use values-based goals to guide treatment

Exposure therapy breaks the cycle—with structure, support, and science.

📚 **Want to Learn More?**

Join CTSA’s upcoming workshops to build your skills in targeting avoidance and delivering exposure with confidence.

🔗 [bit.ly/CTSAtrainings]

(https://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/training_opportunities.html)

🧠 Train. Connect. Transform.

📢 Is exposure therapy too intense? Not when it’s done right.Let’s bust the myth that exposure therapy worsens symptoms. ...
07/14/2025

📢 Is exposure therapy too intense? Not when it’s done right.
Let’s bust the myth that exposure therapy worsens symptoms. While it can bring short-term discomfort, it’s one of the most effective, evidence-based treatments for anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD.

✅ Temporary discomfort is part of the process
✅ Symptom spikes are rare and short-lived
✅ Avoidance keeps anxiety alive—exposure breaks the cycle
✅ Therapy is collaborative and paced with the client
✅ Backed by decades of research and global guidelines

🧠 Learn more at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety: https://bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

🎓 Elevate Your Clinical Practice with CTSA's Center of Excellence Program! Are you a clinician or part of a mental healt...
07/11/2025

🎓 Elevate Your Clinical Practice with CTSA's Center of Excellence Program!

Are you a clinician or part of a mental health agency looking to deepen your expertise in treating anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and related disorders?

The CTSA Center of Excellence Program at the University of Pennsylvania offers customized, evidence-based training and consultation designed to transform your team into leaders in anxiety treatment.

✅ Choose from our menu of evidence-based workshops
✅ Get expert-led individual or group consultation
✅ Learn from world-renowned faculty
✅ Build your own anxiety specialty clinic

📍 Whether you're starting from scratch or enhancing existing services, this program is your path to clinical excellence.

🔗 Learn more and start building your training plan today: med.upenn.edu/ctsa/CTSA_Center_of_Excellence_Program.html

🔎Discover why exposure therapy is a gold standard for anxiety and trauma. Learn more in our upcoming workshops. https://...
07/10/2025

🔎Discover why exposure therapy is a gold standard for anxiety and trauma. Learn more in our upcoming workshops.

https://bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

In panic disorder, fear of bodily sensations fuels the cycle. Interoceptive exposure gives clients the chance to unlearn...
07/09/2025

In panic disorder, fear of bodily sensations fuels the cycle. Interoceptive exposure gives clients the chance to unlearn fear and regain control. Let’s teach them their bodies aren’t dangerous places.
Watch one of our recorded trainings: https://www.med.upenn.edu/ctsa/Recorded_Trainings.html

🌟Treating Pediatric OCD: Are You Ready? 🌟Join us July 18 for a deep dive into EX/RP for Pediatric OCD. Learn practical t...
07/08/2025

🌟Treating Pediatric OCD: Are You Ready? 🌟

Join us July 18 for a deep dive into EX/RP for Pediatric OCD. Learn practical tools and strategies from expert, Dr. Jessica Bodie.

👩🏽‍🏫Space is limited. Register today: https://bit.ly/CTSAtrainings

Address

3535 Market Street
Philadelphia, PA
19104

Opening Hours

Monday 9am - 5pm
Tuesday 9am - 5pm
Wednesday 9am - 5pm
Thursday 9am - 5pm
Friday 9am - 5pm

Telephone

+12157463327

Website

https://linktr.ee/ctsaatpenn

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The Center was founded in 1979 by Edna B. Foa, Ph.D., a world leader in anxiety disorders research, who is the Director of the Center. The Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety is a division of the University's Department of Psychiatry, and is located on the campus of the University of Pennsylvania in the city of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Unlike many clinical and research programs, which specialize either in adults or children, the Center’s unique strength is in providing clinical services across the developmental lifespan: we provide treatment to children, adolescents, and adults. Our treatments are tailored to each age group and are sensitive to developmental aspects of our patients.