At the Anxiety Disorders Center, we offer a specific type of CBT for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Several research studies indicate that exposure and response prevention is both effective and well tolerated by adults and children with OCD. Exposure and response prevention is considered a first-line treatment of choice for OCD.
Clients work with a therapist individually to develop a step-by-step plan to confront feared situations while refraining from unhelpful responses such as avoidance, compulsive behavior, or rituals that give a false sense of safety. Over time, clients learn that they can handle these situations, and they find that their fear is reduced considerably. There is a wealth of scientific evidence showing that the majority of clients respond very well to this form of therapy. The staff at the Anxiety Disorders Center are expert clinicians and scientists who specialize in the application and study of CBT for obsessive compulsive disorder in in adults, children, and adolescents.
Our outpatient clinic offers weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), with each session typically lasting about 45 minutes. However, some individuals with OCD may benefit from more frequent, and longer duration sessions than standard treatment of once weekly 45 minute sessions. Longer sessions (up to 90 minutes) can allow longer exposure practice, which can help the person to learn that they can handle anxiety provoking situations without having to engage in compulsions or rituals. Some research suggests that more frequent (up to daily) treatment sessions may be more effective for OCD, especially in the earlier stages of treatment. People who have not benefited fully from a standard course of exposure and response prevention (weekly 45 minute session) may respond well to more frequent, and longer treatment sessions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How will I know if the OCD program is right for me?
A: We have a two-step process to make sure that the ADC is the right place to help you. First, a licensed psychologist will review your referral form before we schedule an appointment to meet with you. At the initial appointment (initial consultation), we will meet with you for 2-3 hours to find out more about your concerns (More information about the initial appointment). During this initial consultation appointment, a licensed psychologist will be able to give your feedback about your diagnosis, and provide initial treatment recommendations, and whether this will include exposure and response prevention. The psychologist can also make a recommendation about frequency and duration of your treatment sessions.
Q: Is this an inpatient, partial hospital, or residential program?
A: The OCD program at the Anxiety Disorders Center is a specialized CBT program that does not fit into any of these categories. Clients do not stay overnight at The Institute of Living. Each visit lasts up to 90 minutes and clients are expected to spend additional time during the day completing homework exercises on their own.
Q: Does “frequent” or "longer duration" of sessions mean that this treatment is harder than standard once weekly 45 minute treatment?
A: Not necessarily. More frequent or longer duration of sessions means that treatment is delivered more frequently than the typical weekly schedule. This allows you to receive immediate feedback and support from your therapist about your exposure homework exercises. Treatment is more focused and possibly more effective but is not necessarily more difficult than standard weekly treatment.
Q: What is the Cost?
A: Costs vary according to the number of visits recommended per week and whether you work with a licensed psychologist or a postdoctoral fellow*. You will be informed of the structure of the program at the initial evaluation. A standard session (45 minutes) is billed with a CPT code of 90834. The extended sessions for the program are billed with a CPT code of 90837. Please call your insurance to determine your financial responsibility, and whether there are any limits to the use of extended sessions (90837).
* Postdoctoral fellows are clinicians that have their Ph.D., but are not licensed. The postdoctoral fellowship is a 1 year training program in which fellows receive specialized supervised training in Anxiety Disorders and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy prior to taking their licensing examination.
For our full list of FAQs about the ADC and our services, please visit our FAQ page.