Evidence-Based Assessment and Treatment of Specific Phobias in Adults

Specific phobias are among the most prevalent psychological problems, and are often associated with serious life impairment and complex symptom profiles, including physiological symptoms, impairing coping and avoidance behaviors, and unhelpful or distorted cognitions. Therefore, a thorough assessment using multiple methods is important to evaluate the idiosyncrasies of each client’s presentation. The purpose of this chapter is to review the elements of a comprehensive, evidence-based assessment and treatment plan for specific phobia. The chapter provides an overview of diagnostic and clinical features of specific phobia, reviews the empirical status of commonly used assessment and treatment methods, and concludes with recommendations for assessment and intervention.