Brian J. Schmaus
Brian J. Schmaus
Kind, warm, and supportive, Dr. Schmaus approaches patients with compassion for the challenges that anxiety has brought into their lives. He teaches patients how to manage their worries and fears so they can learn how to tolerate uncertainty. By encouraging patients to face their fears, he enhances their ability to successfully manage stressful situations. When working with children and teens, he often involves parents in the treatment plan by providing guidance and strategies that help their children feel less anxious. Dr. Schmaus motivates patients of all ages to make positive changes in their lives and is most gratified to see the progress patients can make when they are taught the skills to overcome their worries and fears.
For busy professionals, Dr. Schmaus is approved to practice teletherapy under PsyPact in participating states and can provide therapy sessions via phone and video when appropriate, based on a client’s diagnosis.
Special Interests
Dr. Schmaus is sought out for his expertise in working with patients with autism spectrum disorder. In addition, he works extensively with patients with various anxiety disorders as well as OCD and related disorders, including body-focused repetitive behaviors. He successfully treats many patients who have complex symptoms that other therapists find difficult to treat.
You’ll often find Dr. Schmaus playing with his children, watching sporting events and playing pickleball. He enjoys spending time with his family and friends.
Experience and Training
Dr. Schmaus earned his M.S. and Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science in North Chicago, Illinois. He completed his doctoral internship at Vancouver Coastal Health, where he worked in the Anxiety Disorders Clinic at the University of British Columbia, training with leading international experts in the fields of anxiety and OCD.
Dr. Schmaus presents at national conferences on the treatment of anxiety and OCD and has also authored publications in peer-reviewed journals. He specializes in the use of evidence-based treatments, including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). He has extensive experience working with school staff on how to manage anxiety problems in schools, including working with students with school refusal. He has also supervised a number of graduate students and postdoctoral fellows in the treatment of anxiety and related disorders. His professional affiliations include the American Psychological Association (APA), the TLC Foundation for Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (TLC), the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA).
