Effective Treatment Approaches for OCD in Adults

Available with English captions and subtitles in Spanish.

OCD is often misunderstood—but with the right treatment, meaningful recovery is possible. In this on-demand training, Jeff Szymanski, PhD, explains how OCD works, why it persists, and how evidence-based interventions help adults reclaim their lives.

Why This Training Matters

Adults with OCD frequently face delayed diagnosis, stigma, and treatment approaches that don’t address the core mechanisms of the disorder. This session helps participants understand how OCD develops, how it’s defined in diagnostic frameworks, and why targeted treatment—especially ERP—is effective.

By increasing awareness and clinical confidence, this training strengthens the support system for individuals living with OCD and encourages more accurate, compassionate care.

What You’ll Learn

  • How obsessions and compulsions interact within the OCD cycle
  • The many ways OCD presents in everyday life
  • How common OCD is, its causes, diagnostic definitions, and distinctions from anxiety disorders
  • OCD-related disorders and conditions like PANS/PANDAS
  • Key components of CBT, ERP, ACT, DBT, and medication-based treatment
  • Treatment barriers, hierarchy applications, and real-world exposure examples
  • Co-occurring conditions, relapse prevention, and strategies for support
  • How to find qualified OCD providers and improve clinical competency

Who Should Watch

  • Mental health professionals (psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, counselors, therapists)
  • Primary-care providers
  • Educators, school staff, and workplace leaders
  • Public health professionals
  • Parents, caregivers, and support networks
  • Community and faith leaders
  • Executives, managers, and HR professionals

Event Details

  • Date Recorded: August 22, 2025
  • Length: 60 minutes
  • Presenter: Jeff Szymanski, PhD

Watch this on-demand session to learn how effective, evidence-based treatment can create meaningful change for adults living with OCD.

Topics Covered During This Training

  • Can you explain the OCD cycle and its main components?
  • What are some common ways OCD shows up in people’s lives?
  • How common is OCD today?
  • What do we know about the causes of OCD?
  • How is OCD defined in diagnostic manuals like the DSM?
  • How is OCD different from anxiety disorders?
  • We sometimes hear the term “OCD-related disorders.” What are those referring to?
  • What are PANS and PANDAS? What should we know about them?
  • How treatable is OCD?
  • What does the term “evidence-based” mean when talking about treatments?
  • What are the main components of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)?
  • What is exposure and response prevention (ERP), and how does it work?
  • What are some of the challenges people face when starting and sticking with ERP?
  • What different types of exposures might be used in ERP?
  • Is using a hierarchy still the best way to tackle ERP?
  • Can you give an example of what treatment might look like with exposures at different anxiety levels?
  • What should people know about how medication fits into OCD treatment?
  • What is acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), and how can it help with the treatment process?
  • How does dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) fit into the treatment process?
  • What are the most common co-occurring issues that people with OCD face?
  • How is the field improving at recognizing and treating OCD when it shows up with other conditions?
  • What should clinicians know about relapse prevention?
  • What advice would you give general clinicians who want more training in OCD treatment?
  • What should people look for when trying to find a qualified OCD therapist?
  • Looking back over the past 25 years of OCD treatment, what changes stand out the most?

The information discussed is intended to be educational and should not be used as a substitute for guidance provided by your health care provider. Please consult with your treatment team before making any changes to your care plan.

Resources

You may also find this information useful:

About Dr. Szymanski

Jeff Szymanski, PhD, a clinical psychologist, is the founder of Getting to the Next Level Consulting and has over 25 years of experience in mental health as a clinician, supervisor, trainer, and administrator. He served as the executive director of the International OCD Foundation for 15 years, following his role as the director of psychological services at McLean’s OCD Institute.

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