You just received a referral for an OCD and anxiety therapist. As you sit in your car, you glance over a list of therapists, feeling overwhelmed and unsure where to start. You need support to understand what this diagnosis means for your child and family and how to get help as soon as possible.

Let’s begin with a hopeful message: research shows that OCD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions with the right methods. How encouraging is that?! There is a well-paved path forward, and in this blog post, I will outline exactly how you can get started with the most effective treatment methods for your child.

Before you embark on your search for a therapist, there are a few key points about treating OCD that you should know. There is widespread misunderstanding about OCD and its treatment, even among therapists. Unfortunately, there is a significant shortage of specialized providers.

You might assume that if a therapist lists OCD as a treatment focus on their Psychology Today profile, they are equipped to treat this diagnosis. However, this is often not the case. In graduate school, therapists are trained as generalists, not specialists. While many conditions can be addressed using general counseling skills (like depression), OCD requires specialized treatment beyond these foundational skills.

Well-intentioned therapists may attempt talk therapy, psychodynamic methods, or insight-based approaches for OCD, unaware that these methods are ineffective at best and potentially harmful at worst. Therapists who effectively treat OCD have sought additional education and training specifically for this disorder. They are deeply immersed in understanding and treating OCD, integrating these concepts into their daily practice.

Now that you understand the specialized nature of OCD treatment, the steps below will guide you in finding a qualified therapist for your child:

1. Seek a Direct Referral: Start by asking your pediatrician for a referral to a therapist who specializes in OCD. Ideally, your pediatrician will have a direct line of communication open with an OCD provider who sees other patients in their practice.

2. Use IOCDF.org: If a direct referral is unavailable, visit IOCDF.org to find OCD specialists in your area. While BTTI-trained therapists are ideal, they are rare; prioritize therapists who have self-reported OCD expertise on this directory.

3. Consider Teletherapy: Explore NOCD.com for teletherapy options specializing in OCD and anxiety. While in-person therapy is often preferable for children, teletherapy can involve parents in sessions to increase comfort and treat the family as a whole.

4. Use Psychology Today: If needed, expand your search on platforms like psychologytoday.com. Exercise discernment; therapists who have an extensive list of specialties, including OCD, may not be specialists. Look for those who specifically mention OCD in their service descriptions.

5. Inquire About ERP: Email prospective therapists to inquire about a consultation call. Confirm if they use Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP), the gold standard for OCD treatment in children.

6. Schedule Consultation Calls: It’s a great idea to schedule calls with therapists who use ERP to see if they’re a good fit for your family. Ask about their treatment process. ERP should include detailed planning and your therapist should be able to speak to this. Parental involvement is crucial; ensure therapists involve parents to effectively address reassurance-seeking behaviors.

7. Explore Self-Help Resources: If finding a therapist proves difficult, explore self-help resources while on waitlists. Self-help can be effective, and there are many resources available to support parents in understanding and managing OCD.

For more resources, visit my Pediatric Resources Page for guidance on self-help methods.

Questions about connecting with an OCD provider? Email me at barbshepard@counselingsecure.com. I am dedicated to helping families access the support they need.

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This content is a not substitute for therapy. This blog is for educational purposes only. I cannot provide tailored therapeutic advice unless you are a therapy client. Reading this blog or listening to audio content does not constitute a therapeutic relationship. If you are seeking therapy, visit psychologytoday.com. If you are in crisis, dial 911 or visit your local emergency room.