The two psychologists have been working together in the area of anxiety disorders for more than 10 years. Many patients receive free treatment because the Center is a research facility that conducts clinical research funded by the National Institute of Mental Health and other organizations. One of the things that makes the Center unique is that it treats children as well as adults. The Center has a Childhood Shyness Program for children 8-12 years old. According to Beidel, children who develop social anxiety before age 11 are not likely to outgrow the disorder without some type of intervention, but they can benefit from treatment.
Treatment is tailored for each person and their phobia.
Most treatment is completed without medication, but medication is used when necessary. Interventions typically last 12 weeks. Beidel's and Turner's social phobia treatments are now being used across the country. Beidel and Turner are each the author of more than130 journal articles, book chapters and books.