The most effective form of treatment for OCD is referred to as exposure and response prevention (ERP).  ERP is a form of behavioral therapy that focuses on helping the sufferer remain in the presence of a fear, discomfort or disgust evoking stimulus in the absence of compulsive or avoidance behaviors for a sufficient duration and frequency so as to allow new learning to take place, leading to a reduction in OCD symptoms over time.  Research on OCD treatment strongly supports "massed" exposure and response prevention sessions (longer and more intense sessions) spaced closely together as effective in bringing the most rapid treatment response.

Behavior Therapy Center of Greater Washington (BTC) offers intensive treatment for OCD in an outpatient setting, which consists of multiple sessions per week of a longer duration than the standard 45-minute session.

The intensity of BTC's treatment services, which includes the number of clinicians involved on the treatment team, frequency and duration of sessions, and length of treatment, is determined during our initial intake and assessment sessions and revised as necessary during the course of treatment.  Factors considered are the client's financial and time resources, co-occurring disorders, severity of symptoms, commitment and readiness for treatment, and preferences and needs of the client.  During treatment, the client's progress and needs are frequently communicated between treating providers, and discussed with the entire team in our weekly meetings.

BTC is staffed by psychologists, clinical social workers, and professional counselors with diverse skills and backgrounds. The team treatment approach at BTC provides unique opportunities for clients to work with one or more BTC staff members over the course of their therapy. Therapists work in close collaboration with local medical professionals when medication is a component of treatment.

If you are interested in receiving intensive treatment at BTC, please contact 301-593-4040, extension 110 to schedule an appointment for an intake assessment with the director of our center, Dr. Charles Mansueto.