Dr. Tom Hicks specializes in the assessment and treatment of anxiety disorders and impulse-control disorders. He sees adult and adolescent clients interested in overcoming problems such as obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, agoraphobia, social anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder (chronic worry), posttraumatic stress disorder, and phobias. Though trained in a variety of treatment approaches, Dr. Hicks specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). Empirical research and controlled studies have demonstrated that CBT is the type of psychotherapy most consistently shown to be effective for treating anxiety disorders.

Dr. Hicks received his doctorate degree from the University of Vermont. He was trained in cognitive-behavioral methods by Dr. Harold Leitenberg, one of the original pioneers of CBT approaches to anxiety disorders. Though primarily a clinician, Dr. Hicks also conducts research on factors affecting the way individuals with anxiety disorders respond to cognitive-behavioral and pharmacological treatments. Dr. Hicks teaches a course at Macalester College on anxiety and mood disorders. He also lectures on the treatment of anxiety disorders to professional, academic, and community audiences.

Dr. Hicks' approach to treatment emphasizes empowering his clients to overcome their fears and avoidance through methods that have been scientifically demonstrated to be effective. Recognizing that currently only one third of the 19 million Americans suffering from an anxiety disorder will ever seek treatment, Dr. Hicks is passionate about increasing community awareness of effective treatments for anxiety. Though extremely debilitating, anxiety disorders are also highly treatable using CBT, medication, or a combination of these approaches. Many of Dr. Hicks' clients are already taking medication at the start of treatment. Often an individually tailored treatment plan developed with Dr. Hicks and the prescribing physician will involve gradually weaning off of medication as the client makes progress in using cognitive-behavioral methods to gain control of their symptoms.