Dr. Rochelle Frank

Professional Training and Experience

I began my career over 20 years ago as a volunteer counselor on an emergency room crisis team, which fueled my passion to help others. I have a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Syracuse University, and completed my clinical training at the Yale Psychiatric Institute in New Haven, Connecticut. I specialize in evidence-based treatment of clinically complex emotional and behavioral problems in adolescents and adults. I also have expertise with couples and families, including parenting skills training and development of behavior modification plans. I conduct group therapy, psychological assessments, diagnostic evaluations and treatment consultations, and provide informational workshops and training seminars for both professional and lay audiences. I have particular interest and expertise in treating the following conditions:

Anxiety, Mood & Bipolar Spectrum Disorders
ADD, ADHD & Disruptive Behavior Disorders
PTSD & trauma-related problems
Personality Disorders and self-harmful behaviors
Asperger's Disorder

Much of my professional career has been devoted to working with individuals with diagnostically complex disorders, and their families. I provide both short- and long-term treatment interventions for a range of issues, and my experience in inpatient, outpatient, and residential treatment programs contributes to my success in facilitating patients’ transitions across settings. At the New York State Department of Mental Health, I was a Boystown-certified trainer of social and parenting skills for seriously disturbed youth and their families. I have extensive training and certification in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and DBT Skills Training, which was provided by Drs. Marsha Linehan and Alan Fruzzetti, and Behavioral Tech clinicians. I also have certification pending in Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PET) with Dr. Edna Foa and associates. DBT currently is the only treatment consistently proven in controlled research studies to reduce suicidal risk and self-harming behaviors, and PET is highly effective in treating PTSD. I believe in a "lifelong learning" approach to professional training and expertise, and am committed to bringing the most effective available treatments to my work with patients.

Treatment Approach

Whereas my core philosophy of patient care integrates cognitive-behavioral, family systems, and psychodynamic constructs, I practice an empathic, collaborative approach to assessment and treatment within the context of a confidential and supportive environment that emphasizes individual and family strengths. I employ evidence-based interventions to help patients build confidence and reduce symptoms, while facilitating meaningful and lasting positive changes to effectively resolve their problems and enhance their overall quality of living. Ongoing monitoring of progress, practicing learned skills in naturalistic settings, encouragement of patient/family feedback, and continual adjustments to the treatment plan are crucial aspects of the therapeutic process -- all of which facilitate more rapid symptom reduction and increased likelihood for success in achieving identified goals. My eight years of public service as the Clinical Director of an intensive care management and wraparound services agency in the San Francisco Department of Public Health, along with my work on quality improvement and assurance committees for both the public and private sectors, have enhanced my understanding of individuals' and families' needs, contributed to my strengths-based and family-focused philosophy of care, and honed my skills in providing effective and compassionate treatment to my patients and their families.

Professional Affiliations

In addition to my work at GPS, I am a consultant for another area group practice that specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of complex mood disorders and co-occurring psychiatric conditions, and I have a private practice in Oakland (www.apapo.org/DrRochelleFrank). I also am on the adjunct faculty of Argosy University and The Wright Institute, providing teaching and supervision to students and post-doctoral candidates in APA-accredited doctoral training programs in clinical psychology. I am a member of the American Psychological Association, including Division 12 (Clinical Psychology) and the Society for a Science in Clinical Psychology; the Alameda County and California Psychological Associations; and the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies.