ERP
Exposure and Response Prevention for OCD and exposure-based treatment for anxiety disorders.
Review the ERP approachFor healthcare and community professionals
Refer a Patient or Client to Whatif Therapy
Thank you for considering Whatif Therapy. Matthew Baker, LCSW provides specialized, evidence-based telehealth treatment to clients located in California.
Referral overview
Who may be a fit
Referrals are welcome from therapists, physicians, psychiatrists, pediatricians, school professionals, treatment programs, and other healthcare providers.
Whatif Therapy may be a referral option for people experiencing:
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder, including primarily mental compulsions and less visible presentations
- Intrusive thoughts, checking, reassurance seeking, rumination, avoidance, or compulsive review
- Panic disorder or agoraphobia
- Illness anxiety or health-focused fear
- Social anxiety, specific phobias, or generalized anxiety
- Perfectionism and fear-driven avoidance
- PTSD or trauma-related symptoms in adults
For detailed clinical information, review the conditions treated, OCD treatment, and PTSD treatment pages.
Clinical approach
Structured, collaborative treatment
Treatment is behaviorally focused. The aim is to identify patterns maintaining the client’s symptoms and develop a practical plan addressing avoidance, compulsions, reassurance seeking, safety behaviors, or trauma-related avoidance.
Prolonged Exposure
Structured, trauma-focused treatment for adults experiencing PTSD.
Review the PE approachAdditional methods
Treatment may incorporate Behavioral Activation, Motivational Interviewing, and Habit Reversal Training when clinically appropriate.
Referral process
How to make a referral
Have the client contact the practice
The simplest option is to invite the client or parent to request a free 15-minute consultation directly. The consultation covers the presenting concern, fit, telehealth eligibility, availability, insurance, and possible next steps.
Contact Matthew before referring
If you would like to clarify whether the practice may be suitable, email matt@whatiftherapy.com or call 714-686-9447.
Please do not include detailed clinical information, protected health information, or urgent safety concerns in ordinary email or voicemail. A brief, non-identifying description is enough for an initial fit question.
After referral
What happens next
Initial consultation
The prospective client or parent speaks briefly with Matthew about the concern and whether the practice may be a reasonable fit.
Clinical intake
If appropriate, a 60-minute intake assesses symptoms, history, goals, treatment needs, and level-of-care considerations.
Treatment planning
When outpatient telehealth treatment is appropriate, Matthew and the client develop a focused treatment plan.
Provider coordination
With appropriate authorization, relevant providers may coordinate care when doing so supports treatment.
Professional referral questions
Discuss whether the practice may be a fit
Matthew Baker, LCSW · California LCSW #121926
Emergency notice: Whatif Therapy does not provide emergency or crisis services through this website, email, or voicemail. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911. In the United States, call or text 988 for mental health crisis support.