TREATING OCD IN THE AUTISM COMMUNITY

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• The expert consensus guidelines indicate that Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) especially a technique called Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective form of behavioral therapy for OCD and most OC Spectrum Disorders. This is specialized therapy that not every mental health care provider can provide. Additional behavioral therapy techniques often enhance the therapeutic process. Psychologists [PhD, PsyD], Social Workers [LCSW, MSW], Nurses [RN] and Mental Health Counselors [LPC, NCC, MSCP, MSEd] can offer behavioral therapy. Some psychiatrists [MD] also offer psychotherapy for their OCD patients.                                                                                        

• Many people benefit from the use of medication in their treatment. Medication for OCD will most likely be prescribed by a psychiatrist [MD] although some people receive medication care from their primary care doctor. These medication issues can be complex in the treatment of OCD and you may want to seek a psychiatrist who has specialized expertise in OCD and OC Spectrum Disorders. Medication alone, however, is rarely sufficient by itself in treating OCD.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 

• The OC Foundation of Western PA recommends that you spend the time to investigate any potential treatment provider to ensure that you will receive effective mental health care for your disorder.  You have the right to ask any potential health care provider questions. IT IS YOUR HEALTH. You need to establish trust with your mental health care provider(s) as the therapy you are about to enter is not an easy process. Feel free to inquire as to how much of the psychiatrist’s or therapist’s practice is dedicated to OCD. Therapists should provide CBT/ERP at a minimum. You can ask questions to ensure that the provider you choose is adequately trained to help you get your OCD under control. ERP requires additional training beyond the formal graduate training of most clinicians, either through an internship in a specialized OCD clinic; continuing education courses- such as the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) offered by the IOCDF; or a supervision relationship with an experienced OCD therapist. A guide to “Find the Right Therapist”, including a list of suggested questions to ask is available on the IOCDF Website.