If you struggle with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it’s important to know that there are effective treatment options available. Unfortunately, many individuals with OCD struggle to find a therapist that can effectively diagnose and treat OCD. In fact, research has shown it can take an average of 14 to 17 years for patients with OCD to receive adequate treatment (Ziegler, Bednasch, Baldoski, Rummel-Kluge, 2021)
There are many reasons that OCD sufferers struggle to find helpful treatment including stigma around seeking mental health care, cost of mental health treatment, and therapists’ lack of specialized training in treating OCD. I have worked with many individuals with OCD who have shared that they spent years in ineffective therapy. Although many therapists say they treat OCD, they may lack specialized training in treating the disorder.
How do I Find an OCD Specialist?
When searching for a therapist, remember that you have the right to ask questions about their training and experience in treating OCD. Here are some positive signs that someone might be an OCD specialist:
- They utilize evidence-based treatments for OCD such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
or Inference Based CBT (I-CBT). Learn more about these treatment options here - They have received specialized training in either I-CBT or ERP that also involved consultation or supervision by an OCD specialist.
- A large percentage of their caseload has involved OCD cases.
- Their approach involves collaboration in the treatment process.
- The treatment they provide involves teaching you tools or skills, and they assign “homework” so that you can practice these skills outside of sessions.
- They monitor your progress in treatment, make adjustments to the treatment plan if needed, and are open to hearing your feedback.
If you have been struggling to find a qualified OCD therapist, the International OCD Foundation and the I-CBT website have provider directories.
