Steven Pence, Ph.D.

Name

Steven Pence, Ph.D.

Location

Credentials and Degrees

Dr. Pence’s credentials include completing a fellowship at the University of Florida where he focused on treating severe and refractory cases of OCD in the Department of Psychiatry. He later joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of South Florida (USF) Rothman Center for Neuropsychiatry. He was trained by internationally recognized OCD expert, Dr. Eric Storch and was an active member of the USF OCD Program. At these programs, Dr. Pence supervised postdoctoral fellows, psychiatry residents, & graduate students and provided lectures and presentations in the Department of Psychiatry. Dr. Pence’s education also includes obtaining a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University, a Master’s Education in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University, and a B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University. His practicum, 2 advanced, and APA-Accredited internship all emphasized evidenced-based cognitive-behavioral interventions with a particular focus on OCD and anxiety disorders.

Therapy methods

Dr. Pence has currently relocated his private practice from Tampa Bay, FL to the Greater Detroit, MI area (Bloomfield Hills). 95% of his patients have OCD and or other related anxiety disorders. His treatment modalities include evidence-based treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Social Phobia, Trichotillomania, Excoriation (Skin-Picking) Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Depression, and Selective Mutism. Dr. Pence’s comprehensive treatment programs include a 2-hour medical diagnostic assessment, evidence-based treatment of cognitive behavior therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), habit reversal training (HRT), cognitive restructuring, mindfulness, behavioral activation, and psychoeducation for families. A two-hour comprehensive research-supported psychological evaluation is provided to all new patients. The purposes of this extensive assessment are to develop an initial rapport with patients, to determine accurate diagnoses, and to provide patients with an evidenced-based treatment plan. As part of the initial evaluation, patients are assessed for all psychological conditions, psychological comorbidity, as well as information about their medical, developmental, biological, social, family history and educational background. The impact of the stressors or traumas on the developmental and/or maintenance of anxiety or other symptoms need to be thoroughly assessed. Dr. Pence assesses all patients based on DSM-5 criteria and utilizes appropriate assessment tools as needed. Lastly, the comprehensive psychological assessment is helpful in tracking patient progress.

Description

I specialize in the treatment of children and adults with obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders (e.g., obsessive-compulsive disorder, body dysmorphic disorder, skinpicking, trichotillomania, etc.) and anxiety disorders.

Dr. Pence earned his B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University in 1995. Subsequently, he completed an M.A. in Counseling Psychology from Western Michigan University in 1999 and a Ph.D. in Counseling Psychology from Michigan State University in 2006. He completed a fellowship at the University of Florida where he focused on treating severe and refractory cases of OCD. He joined the faculty of the Department of Pediatrics at the University of South Florida (USF) in 2008 where he was an active member of the USF OCD Program. He is currently in private practice in the Trinity area where he is providing weekly and intensive cognitive-behavioral interventions to patients with OCD and other anxiety disorders.

The intensive cognitive-behavior therapy program is for individuals who lack access to trained cognitive-behavior therapy professionals and for patients with severe or treatment-refractory obsessive-compulsive disorder. Treatment is condensed into a three week time frame. The patient completes an initial assessment and screening of their medical, emotional, educational, developmental and social history. Assessment includes cognitive-behavior treatment goals, a generation of exposure exercises, and creation of gradual exposure hierarchy. The treatment plan is tailored to meet the needs of the individual patient and may include a combination of techniques. The patient meets for daily treatment sessions and graduated nature of exposures and response prevention exercises. The patient may have exposure and response prevention homework assignments, individual psychotherapy, education to correct maladaptive beliefs, and training in problem solving and social skills.

Contact info