UB’s QUIT Program offers smokers—especially heavy smokers—a proven way to kick the habit and stay off cigarettes permanently.

Using three-week treatment programs that involve a combination of group therapy and nicotine-replacement treatment, the QUIT Program is based on the most up-to-date research.

“Our combination of group therapy and medication has been proven to result in the highest likelihood of staying quit,” says Lisa Germeroth, creator and primary clinician of the QUIT Program, who has treated smokers through the program for two semesters. Germeroth and all other QUIT Program clinicians are advanced clinical psychology students who have earned their master’s degrees and are working toward their PhDs.

Group therapy sessions take place from 6-7:30 p.m. on Mondays and Wednesdays, and the Friday of week two. The program is open to anyone 18 years or older. While it is geared toward heavier smokers—10 or more cigarettes smoked per day—clinicians also have used the program successfully to help lighter smokers.

There is a one-time, $65 fee paid to UB’s Psychological Services Center. The QUIT Program is affiliated with UB’s Department of Psychology, whose faculty has offered full support of their doctoral students in providing this program to community members.

“If you are interested in quitting smoking and would like to see if you are eligible for our program, please call the Psychological Services Center at 645-3697,” says Germeroth. “Remember, it is never too early or too late to quit smoking.”