Child & Adolescent OCD Intensive Treatment Program

Treatment for Child & Adolescent OCD

Our child adolescent OCD Intensive Outpatient Program is managed somewhat differently than an adult Intensive Outpatient Program, for OCD, as it is important to take into consideration the manner in which OCD impacts the entire family, relationships, with peers, and participation at school. As such, it is common practice for your OCD therapist to involve the parents of children and adolescents participating in an IOP. Not only does this help parents and family members understand what OCD is, but it also affords them the opportunity to recognize triggers and warning signs that their child might be relapsing. By offering the family 24 hour support during the three-week Intensive outpatient program, they can be assured of the presence of a support network that is always present.

Child & Adolescent OCD Intensive Treatment Program Features

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — ERP is recognized as the front-line treatment approach for OCD, and involves systematically exposing oneself to identified fears and triggering situations, while resisting the urge to engage in the compulsive behavior one would typically employ to neutralize anxiety. Exposure exercises are conducted outside of the office and at home when necessary in order to ensure generalization of treatment gains. Each daily session is followed by additional exposure exercises assigned as homework, which closely parallel the exercises that were performed during that day’s sessions. Learn more about Exposure Response Prevention.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) — Each client will learn cognitive strategies in addition to exposure therapy, and the importance of Mindfulness Based Behavior Therapy (MBBT) and how to apply it daily. Learn more about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.

Psychoeducation — Education about OCD is one of the most important components of the initial phase of treatment. When clients and their families have a clear understanding how OCD operates in the brain and how it manifests itself, they are better prepared to face the challenges OCD presents. Through no fault of their own, families often enable their loved one’s OCD by giving into his or her compulsive demands, such as providing reassurance, but only at the expense of reinforcing the vicious OCD cycle. The Gateway Institute provides critical psychoeducation to help minimize unintended reinforcement, and firmly establishes tools that can help facilitate the healing process in a productive manner.

Home Visits — For local residents, making home visits during the Intensive Outpatient Program is often an important part of the overall success of the program. The Gateway Institute is committed to doing what it takes to support its clients and has found that providing professional assistance in the home environment where triggers often manifest themselves can help clients follow through on exposure assignments and can ultimately make a significant impact on the overall success of treatment.

Multi-Disciplinary Team — During the assessment process, The Gateway Institute’s therapist will determine if a need exists for utilizing and communicating with psychiatrists and other healthcare professionals during and after treatment.

Co-occurring Anxiety Disorder Treatment — With the high level of comorbidity in those suffering from OCD, other anxiety disorders will be assessed for and treated during the Intensive Outpatient Program. These include panic attacks or disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), body-dysmorphic disorder (BDD), or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

24-Hour On-Call Support — Each client or family member has access to contact their therapist after-hours over the course of the 3-Week Intensive Outpatient Program for support and to answer questions or concerns.

Gateway OCD Peer Support Options — Some of The Gateway Institute’s team of professionals have gone through OCD treatment and ended their OCD cycle. For those in need, these individuals are happy to offer their time, experience and wisdom to those in treatment.

Support Group — If available at your Gateway location, support groups are available for those in the OCD Intensive Outpatient Program. Typically, the OCD therapist will want to verify that this is a good fit, and if so, clients are welcome to join our ongoing OCD support groups.

Family Support Group — If you attend the Orange County location during the second Saturday of each month, you are welcome to join our ongoing Family Support Group for loved ones suffering from OCD. This group provides a safe place for parents, siblings, friends, and significant others to learn more about how to help support their loved ones suffering from OCD. For more information, please visit out OCD Family Support Group page.

Relapse Prevention Program — The Gateway Institute offers an optional phase of aftercare to help clients maintain their progress and ensure that therapeutic gains are occurring in all areas of one’s life. This is vital when working with anyone, and especially so with younger individuals, as it is important that each client can utilize the skills they need to remain successful in their lives.