OCD and Anxiety Resources

1. Outpatient Therapy

Frequency: Typically 2 sessions per week initially, with frequency decreasing as progress is made.

Session length: 50-60 minutes per session.

Focus: Understanding how OCD works, building exposure hierarchies, practicing exposures in session, and assigning homework between appointments.

Format: Allows for steady progress while maintaining normal daily routines, work, school, and other responsibilities.

2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)

Frequency: Typically 3-5 days per week, 3 hours per day.

Session structure: Group ERP therapy, individual therapy sessions, psychoeducation, and structured exposure practice.

Format: Higher intensity than outpatient therapy but less restrictive than residential.

Duration: Programs typically run 4-8 weeks.

Setting: Can be in-person or virtual.

3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)

Frequency: Typically 5-6 days per week, 5-6 hours per day.

Session structure: Individual ERP therapy, group therapy, exposure practice, skills training, psychiatric monitoring, and case management.

Format: Most intensive outpatient option.

Duration: Programs typically run 2-6 weeks.

Setting: Primarily in-person at specialized treatment facilities.

4. Residential Treatment

Frequency: 24-hour care, 7 days per week with multiple therapy sessions daily.

Session structure: Individual ERP therapy, group therapy, continuous exposure practice, psychiatric care, meal support, recreational therapy, and around-the-clock clinical monitoring.

Format: You live at the treatment facility for the duration of the program.

Duration: Programs typically range from 30-90 days.

Setting: Specialized residential facilities with clinical staff available at all times.

5. Acute / Emergency Psychiatric Care

Frequency: Immediate, short-term stabilization.

Session structure: Crisis assessment, psychiatric evaluation, medication stabilization, safety planning, and continuous observation.

Format: Hospital-based inpatient psychiatric unit or emergency department admission.

Duration: Typically 3–14 days, depending on safety needs and stabilization.

Setting: General psychiatric hospitals or acute behavioral health units with 24/7 nursing and psychiatric supervision.