OCD Resources: When You Need More Support
Continuum of Care for OCD
Twice-weekly therapy is effective for many people with OCD—but not everyone. Sometimes symptoms are severe enough that even two sessions per week aren't sufficient to create the momentum needed for recovery. Other times, progress stalls despite consistent effort, or daily functioning becomes so impaired that more intensive support is necessary to get unstuck.
Needing a higher level of care doesn't mean you've failed, that your symptoms are untreatable, or that therapy "didn't work." It often means that the intensity or frequency of treatment needs to match the severity of symptoms you're experiencing right now. Just as a broken bone might need a cast before physical therapy, severe OCD sometimes requires intensive treatment before transitioning to twice-weekly or weekly sessions.
Higher levels of care—such as Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP), Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP), or residential treatment—offer daily therapy, structured skill-building, and multiple hours of support each day that can accelerate progress in ways that twice-weekly sessions cannot. Many people complete intensive treatment and then transition to ongoing therapy to maintain and build on the gains they've made.
This page provides an overview of different levels of care, reputable OCD treatment programs, and additional resources to help you find the right support—whether that's twice-weekly therapy, something more intensive, or connecting with peer support and educational materials. You don't have to navigate this alone.
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Understanding Levels of Care for OCD
1. Outpatient Therapy
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Frequency: Typically 2 sessions per week initially, with frequency decreasing as progress is made (transitioning to weekly, then bi-weekly as symptoms improve)
- Session length: 50-60 minutes per session
- Focus: Understanding how OCD works, building exposure hierarchies, practicing exposures in session, assigning homework between appointments
- Format: Allows for steady progress while maintaining normal daily routines, work, school, and other responsibilities
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
2. Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Frequency: Typically 3-5 days per week, 3 hours per day (9-15 hours of treatment per week total)
- Session structure: Group ERP therapy, individual therapy sessions, psychoeducation, and structured exposure practice
- Format: Higher intensity than outpatient therapy but less restrictive than residential—you attend treatment during the day and return home in the evenings
- Duration: Programs typically run 4-8 weeks, though length varies based on individual progress and symptom severity
- Setting: Can be in-person or virtual (telehealth IOP options are increasingly available)
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Frequency: Typically 5-6 days per week, 5-6 hours per day (25-30+ hours of treatment per week total)
- Session structure: Individual ERP therapy, group therapy, exposure practice, skills training, psychiatric monitoring, and case management
- Format: Most intensive outpatient option—you attend treatment during the day (similar to a full work or school day) and return home each evening
- Duration: Programs typically run 2-6 weeks, with length determined by symptom severity, progress, and treatment goals
- Setting: Primarily in-person at specialized treatment facilities, though some programs offer hybrid or virtual components
4. Residential Treatment
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
3. Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Frequency: 24-hour care, 7 days per week with multiple therapy sessions daily
- Session structure: Individual ERP therapy, group therapy, continuous exposure practice throughout the day, 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, fully immersed in a therapeutic environment designed to support intensive OCD treatment
- Duration: Programs typically range from 30-90 days, though length depends on symptom severity, treatment response, and insurance coverage
- Setting: Specialized residential facilities with clinical staff available at all times
Resources
Rogers Behavioral Health
Locations: Multiple locations throughout California (Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco)
Levels of care: Residential, PHP, IOP
Overview: One of the oldest and most established OCD treatment programs in the country. Rogers pioneered intensive ERP-based treatment for OCD and offers specialized tracks for adults, adolescents, and children. Known for structured, evidence-based programming and experienced clinical staff.
Website: rogersbehavioralhealth.org
UCLA Health – Resnick Neuropsychiatric Hospital
Locations: Los Angeles (Westwood)
Levels of care: Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP), Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)
Overview: University-affiliated psychiatric programs offering structured, evidence-based treatment for adults requiring a higher level of care than standard outpatient therapy. Programs include multiple specialized IOP tracks, including an Adult OCD Intensive Outpatient Program using cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure-based interventions. Care is delivered by UCLA-trained clinicians within a research-informed academic medical setting.
Website: https://www.uclahealth.org/hospitals/resnick/partial-hospitalization-intensive-outpatient/adult-partial-hospitalization-intensive-outpatient-programs
Westwood Institute for Anxiety Disorders
Locations: Los Angeles
Levels of care: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Overview: Specialized anxiety and OCD treatment program providing intensive outpatient care using exposure-based cognitive-behavioral therapy. Treatment includes structured group and individual interventions for adults with moderate to severe OCD and anxiety disorders.
Website: https://www.hope4ocd.com/three-week-intensive-ocd-program.php
Rogers Behavioral Health
Locations: Multiple states including Wisconsin, Florida, Georgia, Pennsylvania, and others
Levels of care: Residential, PHP, IOP
Overview: One of the oldest and most established OCD treatment programs in the country. Rogers pioneered intensive ERP-based treatment for OCD and offers specialized tracks for adults, adolescents, and children. Known for structured, evidence-based programming and experienced clinical staff.
Website: rogersbehavioralhealth.org
NOCD - Virtual IOP
Location: Nationwide telehealth (In multiple states)
Levels of care: Virtual IOP
Overview: Telehealth-based intensive outpatient program with California-licensed OCD specialists. Offers structured virtual IOP and ongoing outpatient ERP therapy accessible from anywhere in California.
Website: https://www.treatmyocd.com/intensive-treatment
Evidence-based information to help you better understand OCD, ERP therapy, and available support:
International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
Website: iocdf.org
Overview: The leading organization dedicated to OCD education, research, and advocacy. Offers comprehensive information on OCD subtypes, treatment options, how to find specialized care, and the latest research. Hosts an annual conference and maintains a provider directory of OCD specialists nationwide.
Key resources:
- OCD subtype fact sheets
- "What is OCD?" educational materials
- Provider directory (search by location and specialty)
- Support group listings
- Family resources and guidance for loved ones
Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA)
Website: adaa.org
Overview: Professional organization providing evidence-based resources on OCD, anxiety disorders, and related conditions. Offers educational articles, webinars, podcasts, and a therapist directory.
Key resources:
- Articles on OCD symptoms and treatment
- Tips for managing anxiety and OCD
- Therapist finder tool
- Free educational webinars
Recommended Books on OCD & ERP
"The OCD Workbook" by Bruce Hyman and Cherry Pedrick
Evidence-based self-help workbook covering ERP principles, exposure exercises, and practical strategies for managing OCD.
"Freedom from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder" by Jonathan Grayson
Comprehensive guide to ERP therapy written by a leading OCD specialist. Includes detailed exposure strategies and addresses common treatment challenges.
"Overcoming Unwanted Intrusive Thoughts" by Sally Winston and Martin Seif
Focuses specifically on understanding and managing intrusive thoughts using acceptance-based approaches and ERP principles.
"Is Fred in the Refrigerator? Taming OCD and Reclaiming My Life" by Shala Nicely
First-person memoir offering insight into living with severe OCD and the recovery process through ERP therapy.
"The Imp of the Mind" by Lee Baer
Addresses taboo intrusive thoughts (harm, sexual, religious obsessions) with compassion and clinical expertise. Helpful for understanding "Pure O" presentations.
"When a Family Member Has OCD" by Jon Hershfield
Resource for loved ones learning how to support someone with OCD without enabling compulsions or accommodating rituals.
Online Communities & Peer Support
IOCDF Support Groups
Website: iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/supportgroups
Directory of in-person and virtual OCD support groups facilitated by trained volunteers. Groups are peer-led and follow evidence-based guidelines.
NOCD Community
App-based peer support community for individuals with OCD. Offers moderated forums, live support groups, and connection with others in recovery.
Website:https://app.treatmyocd.com/community/posts
Reddit: r/OCD
Online community for individuals with OCD to share experiences, ask questions, and offer support. Moderated to ensure adherence to evidence-based principles and to discourage reassurance-seeking.
Website: http://reddit.com/R/OCD
Facebook OCD support group
website:https://www.facebook.com/groups/intrusivethoughts
If you're in immediate danger or experiencing a mental health emergency, the following resources provide free, confidential support 24/7:
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline
Phone: Call or text 988
Website: 988lifeline.org
Available: 24/7, nationwide
Overview: Free, confidential crisis support for anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts, emotional distress, or mental health crisis. Trained crisis counselors provide immediate support, de-escalation, and connection to local resources. Calls are routed to local crisis centers. Also offers chat support through their website.
Crisis Text Line
Text: Text HOME to 741741
Website: crisistextline.org
Available: 24/7, nationwide
Overview: Free crisis support via text message. Trained crisis counselors respond to texts and provide real-time support for anyone in crisis, including those experiencing anxiety, panic, OCD-related distress, or suicidal thoughts. Helpful for individuals who prefer texting over phone calls.
NAMI Helpline (National Alliance on Mental Illness)
Phone: 1-800-950-NAMI (6264)
Text: Text NAMI to 741741
Website: nami.org/help
Available: Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET
Overview: Information, resource referrals, and support for individuals living with mental health conditions and their families. NAMI helpline staff can provide guidance on finding local mental health services, support groups, treatment options, and navigating the mental health system. Not a crisis line, but a valuable resource for non-emergency support and referrals.
Veteran Crisis Line
Phone: Call 988 and press 1
Text: Text 838255
Website: veteranscrisisline.net
Available: 24/7
Overview: Specialized crisis support for veterans, service members, and their families. Staffed by trained VA responders who understand military culture and veteran-specific mental health concerns.
The Trevor Project (LGBTQ+ Youth)
Phone: 1-866-488-7386
Text: Text START to 678678
Website: thetrevorproject.org
Available: 24/7
Overview: Crisis intervention and suicide prevention services for LGBTQ+ young people (ages 25 and under). Trained counselors provide affirming, confidential support.
Emergency Services
Call 911 if you or someone else is in immediate, life-threatening danger.
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