My child has OCD. Should I start with the school counsellor or a therapist?

School counsellors can provide valuable support, but many teenagers with OCD also benefit from working with a therapist who provides targeted OCD treatment.

What therapy is most commonly recommended for OCD in teenagers?

ERP remains one of the most widely researched treatments for OCD. Other approaches, including I-CBT, may also be appropriate depending on the individual and the treatment plan.

Can OCD therapy be done online?

Yes. Many aspects of OCD treatment can be delivered effectively through secure virtual therapy platforms.

How involved should parents be in OCD treatment?

Parent involvement varies depending on the teenager's age and circumstances, but parents are often an important part of supporting treatment and reducing accommodation.

How do I know if a therapist really understands OCD?

Ask about their experience treating OCD, the approaches they use, and how they conceptualize OCD symptoms. Therapists who regularly work with OCD are often comfortable discussing the condition in a detailed and nuanced way.

Author: Dr. Marlene Taube-Schiff

Dr. Marlene Taube‑Schiff, Ph.D., C. Psych., R. Psych. is a registered psychologist in Ontario and BC. She is the founder and director of Forward Thinking Psychological Services®. She has practiced for 20 years, providing evidence-based assessment and treatment to individuals with OCD and anxiety. She is one of the founding professionals of the Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre residential program for OCD, the first of its kind in Canada. She is the Past President of the Ontario Psychological Association and the President Elect of the Canadian Association of Cognitive and Behavioural Therapies. She also holds an Adjunct Lecturer Position in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of Toronto and has published over 25 scientific articles, including book chapters.

OCD | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy | Exposure and Response Prevention | OCD Therapy | Online Therapy Sessions | Teens and OCD

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