About Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D.         

I know you don't choose your mental health care from a

brochure, an ad, or even a website. You need to feel

confidence and trust in the professional you select.

I've brought the latest refinements in anxiety and panic

therapies to thousands like you. Advances in treatment

are integrated with my own experiences of what has

worked for others with situations like yours. Over 83%

of my clients reach cure or substantial improvement

in just 9 sessions (Independent study by Simmons College).

Read on about my credentials and experience, then visit

Appointments for information on what you can expect

from sessions with me. I'm happy to talk with you about

your needs and what I can do for you.

Experience & Special Interests

The best possible care for my clients begins with a trusting, honest relationship. I chose anxiety disorders as my specialty because I've been there myself. I use all of my 30 years of professional experience to help my clients master their anxieties and enjoy a fuller life.

A Solid Educational Background

"I believe my education and learning never ends. I reach far beyond the skills my education has afforded me and keep abreast of the latest literature and refinements in treatment. I relish the trainings I have been fortunate to have attained from the leading authorities and clinicians in this field, and the collegial relations we enjoy."

State University of N.Y., Ph.D. Clinical Psychology

Yale University, Clinical Psychology, USPHS Fellow

Purdue University, Distinguished Student, Woodrow Wilson

Boston College, Dean's List, Student Senate

Diplomate, American Board of Psychotherapy

National Register, Health Services Providers in Psychology

Member, American Psychological Association

Member, Massachusetts Psychological Association

Member, New Mexico Psychological Association

Member, Anxiety Disorders Association of America

Member, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Foundation

Author & Researcher

"Sharing with others is another way for me to care. I strive for clarity and understanding, and focus on issues that may give hope and help to my clients."

Authorship

Phobia Assessment, Computerized assessment of panic disorders, 1972 © RCRaynard, PhD

Phobic Update, National Newsletter, Healthguide Publishing, 1984-1994

Agoraphobia: Diagnosis & Treatment, Healthguide Publishing, 1984

Emotional First Aid, Weekly Newspaper Column 1984-1986

Consumer's Guide to Panic & Anxiety Medications, Healthguide Publishing, 1988

Cause & Treatment of Phobias: A Primer, Healthguide Publishing, 1988

Phobia Treatment Manual, RCRaynard, 1992

Panic Free - A Guide to Complete Recovery, Trafford Publishing, 2006

Research

Comprehensive Costs of Agoraphobia, Phobia Society of America, 1989

Effectiveness of Phobia Clinics, Simmons College study of the Anxiety & Phobia Center, 1988

Influence of Personality Traits in Agoraphobic Situations, Phobia Society of America, 1988

Accelerated Testing & Phobia Treatment Outcome, Anxiety Disorders Assoc of America, 1993

Complex Partial Seizures & Borderline Personality Disorder, Eastern Psych Assoc, 1999

Post-Traumatic Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: a Three Factor Model, Psychiatry, Vol. 62, 313-324, 1999

Media Expert & Noted Speaker

"I've worked hard to gain the trust and respect of my peers. I'm honored they value my commitment to helping others. I also enjoy bringing encouragement and hope to a wider audience as well."

Over 100 guest appearances on radio programs in New England

Regular guest host on Paul Benzaquin Show, WBZ Radio 1985-1987

Over 40 television appearances on a variety of popular talk shows

Two invitations to appear on Oprah on anxiety and panic disorders 1985-1987

Consultant to newspaper and television

Member, American Psychological Association's Speaker Bureau

Member, Massachusetts Psychological Association's Speaker Bureau

Nationally recognized speaker and consultant on anxiety and phobia

Presentations at National Conventions, Hospitals and Learning Centers

What others say about Dr. Raynard

"I often receive phone calls and letters from clients about their continued successes after counseling. I consider these the best compliments I can receive because they are unsolicited, heartfelt sentiments from those I've worked with."

"I'm writing this letter to let you know that I DID IT. I conquered my last goal. Tuesday I drove into Stop & Shop parking lot and said, well I'll just try to stand inside, desensitize myself and leave. I did leave, $16.00 later! I did really well. NO ANXIETY, it was excitement and a little bit of confusion. The most important part was that I made it, and I'm really proud of myself. Now I just have to keep practicing and try to never fall behind. I don't ever want to go back to where I was 2-1/2 years ago. It will be 3 years this July when I couldn't leave my living room. Now I have my own car, and I am panic free. I know I'll have my good days and bad days, but at least now I know how to deal with my feelings.

I owe it all to you Dr. Raynard. Thank God for the first call I made to your office. I remember how desperate I was when I first called. If I could just get it across to people that the hardest step is the first one. After that everything falls into place.

Thank you all very much. Words could never express my appreciation. Thank God for Dr. Raynard and his clinic."   -  written January 26, 1989 by a woman with agoraphobia.

Independent Evaluation of my Services

"I've opened up the results of my work to the scrutiny of a formal effectiveness study conducted by a well-known school of social work. The results showed strong support for the effectiveness of my phobia treatments."

An evaluation of the Anxiety & Phobia Center was carried out in 1988 by Dr. Winston Turner, Ph.D. and his students at Simmons College in Boston.  The clinical records of 99 former clients with severe phobias were abstracted. A followup Agoraphobia Anxiety Scale was then mailed, together with a survey that questioned their satisfaction with treatment and changes in the personal and social situation since treatment ended. A non-phobic control group of 86 graduate students were compared to the study group.

An analysis of these clients showed that the average length of treatment was 9 sessions. The average age was 39 years, 34% worked for professional or technical jobs, and one-third traveled 11 miles or more to the Center for treatment. Over two-thirds had been in counseling for anxiety before, without relief, and 57% were on anxiety medication on intake.

Treatment effectiveness analysis showed 83% of the respondents felt much better in respect to their phobia. No one reported being worse. 79% reported being better able to cope with anxiety and panic. 58% claimed improvement in overall psychological functioning as well. 90% would recommend the Center to others. Of the 73% who claimed to end treatment on their own, half reported financial reasons, and the other 15% were forced by moving and other life circumstances.

48% reported their work was affected by their phobia, e.g., "I did not work for 13 years" or more commonly, "I did not attempt new jobs" or "I felt very nervous at work". 43% improved their work role since treatment by having more responsibilities, feeling less stressed at work, changing jobs and other ways.

In summary, in a short-term treatment of severe phobias averaging 9 sessions, about 4 out of 5 reported feeling significantly better (83%) or having more mastery (79%). Women experienced a 55% reduction in phobic anxiety as measured by the Agoraphobic Anxiety Scale. In all, the results show strong support for the effectiveness of Dr. Raynard's treatment program for phobics at the Anxiety & Phobia Center in Braintree.

Winston M. Turner, et al, Good News for Phobics? An Evaluation of a Fear Clinic. Master Thesis, Simmons College School of Social Work (Brandeis University),1988. Research performed at the Anxiety & Phobia Center, 670 Washington Street, Braintree, Massachusetts 02184. Richard C. Raynard, Ph.D., Founder & Director.

To be panic free is a reasonable hope,

no matter how long or severe your attacks have been.

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