Specialized Care From highly-trained OCD Therapists
The Center for OCD
The Center for OCD focuses on providing evidence-based treatment for individuals with OCD. Our Center also disseminates information to help destigmatize and debunk common misconceptions about OCD and how to best support loved ones suffering from OCD. Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention (EX/RP) is an evidence-based treatment that has demonstrated efficacy and durability in reducing OCD symptom severity. EX/RP is the primary treatment modality used by all providers within the Center. EX/RP is a brief CBT-based treatment that gradually and systematically uses exposures to trigger obsessional distress while the individual simultaneously refrains from rituals or compulsive behaviors.
It is important that our clients feel understood, supported, and informed as we help them confront their fears. We recognize that EX/RP therapy is difficult. Therefore, we administer evidenced based assessments, collaborate with our clients as we formulate individualized treatment plans, explain the function, efficacy, and goals of EX/RP therapy, and request consistent feedback throughout the treatment process. We believe that client-directed, compassionate care is the foundation for effective EX/RP therapy.
Mission
The Center for OCD stands by Cognitive Behavior Institute’s mission “To unlock human potential through research-informed, client-directed, and compassionate-counseling, psychological testing, research and education”.
The Center for OCD implements evidence-based practices when assessing and treating individuals who present with symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Exposure and Response Prevention, otherwise known as EX/RP, is a specific form of Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) that has proven to be remarkably effective in treating OCD. EX/RP is the primary treatment modality used by all the providers within the Center. A certain class of medication has also shown to be effective with OCD, so we often make referrals to prescribers.
It is important that our client’s feel understood, supported, and informed as we help them confront their fears. We recognize that EX/RP therapy is difficult. Therefore, we administer evidenced based assessments, collaborate with our clients as we formulate individualized treatment plans, explain the efficacy, function, and goals of EX/RP therapy, and request consistent feedback throughout the treatment process. We believe that client-directed, compassionate care is the foundation for effective EX/RP therapy.
CBI’s Center for OCD joins international efforts to spread awareness about OCD and destigmatize OCD. To this end, CBI’s Center for OCD will continue to publish blogs, develop training and EX/RP focused supervision, offer individual and group consultation, individual counseling, and expand our group offerings.
The Center for OCD offers a range of services which includes:
- Individual Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Trainings
- Individual and group consultation
The Center for OCD is co-led by Nicole Gibson, LPC, NCC (adult-lead) and Allison Aberson, PhD (pediatric-lead). Savannah Straub, LPC, and Brittany Steiner are also integral members of the development and administration of the Center for OCD.
Clinicians provide individual therapy services both virtually and in-person at all three of our locations. Training, consultation, and group therapy is currently provided virtually. Please contact 724-609-5002 for additional information regarding availability of services.
The Center for OCD is frequently researching and utilizing the most up-to-date evidence-based treatment for individuals with OCD. Given our focus on education, awareness, and prevention, we will be providing free resources and presentations each Fall during the International OCD Awareness Week. In addition, we will continue to publish regular blogs, develop training, and EX/RP focused supervision, offer individual and group consultation, individual counseling and expand our group therapy offerings.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OCD?
OCD is a brain and behavior mental health disorder which involves obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are characterized as excessive and repetitive unwanted thoughts, worries, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety or discomfort.
Who can be diagnosed OCD?
OCD affects individuals of all ages, races, and ethnicities. OCD is equally diagnosed in men, women, and children. While OCD symptoms can start at any time, the most common time frames are between 8 – 12 years old or between late teen years and early adulthood.
What causes OCD?
While the specific cause of OCD is unknown, research indicates that there are likely components of genetics, brain structure communication challenges, and an individual’s environment which cause OCD symptoms.
How is OCD diagnosed?
OCD can be diagnosed by trained mental health professionals through assessments and observations of an individual’s symptoms.
Is OCD treatable?
Yes! Psychotherapy and medication, when properly treated, have shown substantial decreases in OCD symptomology for a majority of individuals.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) Treatment?
Exposure and Response (Ritual) Prevention is an evidence-based treatment that has demonstrated efficacy and durability in reducing OCD symptom severity. EX/RP is a brief CBT-based treatment that gradually and systematically utilizes exposures to trigger obsessional distress and reduces or eliminates the ability to ritualize in order to reduce fears.
How can I help my loved one?
Compulsions are continuous and repetitive behaviors driven by a strong urge to neutralize the anxiety created by obsessive thoughts and/or images. Obsessions and compulsions are time-consuming and interfere with daily functioning (socially, physically, mentally, emotionally, spiritually, recreationally, educationally, occupationally, vocationally, and financially).
First and foremost, education regarding OCD and OCD treatment is a vital first step for helping your loved one. Family and friends are often part of treatment to varying degrees, so understanding how symptoms are maintained and strategies for symptom reduction are beneficial.
What should I look for in a provider for OCD?
CBI’s OCD providers
EX/RP Certified Therapists:
- Child PsychologistF['Anxiety / Depression', 'OCD', 'Phobias', 'Exposures']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Licensed Professional Counselor, Board Certified Art TherapistF['Trauma / PTSD', 'LGBTQ+', 'Grief', 'Domestic Violence', 'Geriatrics', 'Play Therapy']['Mt. Lebanon'][]
- Co-Clinical DirectorF['OCD']['Monroeville', 'Cranberry Township', 'Mt. Lebanon'][]
- Licensed Clinical Social WorkerM['Anxiety / Depression', 'OCD']['Mt. Lebanon'][]
- Licensed PsychologistF['Anxiety / Depression', 'OCD', 'Insomnia']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Licensed Professional CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'OCD', 'Phobias', 'Exposures', 'Insomnia', 'Trichotillomania', 'Skin-picking']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Marriage and Family TherapistM['OCD', 'Exposures', 'Family', 'Couples']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Licensed Clinical Social WorkerM['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'Eating Disorders', 'Body Dysmorphia', 'OCD', 'Phobias', 'Exposures', 'LGBTQ+', 'Coparenting', 'Premarital', 'Post-Partum/Fertility', 'Grief', 'Domestic Violence', 'Addiction', 'Drug/Alcohol', 'Bipolar Disorder', 'Borderline Personality Disorder', 'DBT', 'Other Personality Disorders', 'Sex Addiction', 'Sex Therapy', 'Insomnia', 'Concussion/ Traumatic Brain Injury', 'Anger Management', 'Autism', 'ADD/ADHD', 'ODD', 'Chronic Pain', 'Terminal Illness', 'Geriatrics/ Medicare', 'Trichotillomania', 'Skin-picking', 'Hoarding', 'Reactive Attachment Disorder', 'Selective Mutism', 'Play Therapy', 'Faith-Based']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Professional CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'OCD', 'Phobias', 'Exposures', 'LGBTQ+', 'Hoarding']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Licensed Professional CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'OCD', 'Exposures', 'Grief', 'Addiction', 'Drug/Alcohol', 'Faith-Based']['Cranberry Township', 'Monroeville', 'Mt. Lebanon'][]
- Licensed Clinical Social WorkerF['Anxiety / Depression', 'LGBTQ+', 'Grief', 'ADD/ADHD', 'Hoarding']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Licensed Professional CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'LGBTQ+', 'Addiction', 'Drug/Alcohol']['Mt. Lebanon'][]
Trained in EX/RP therapy:
- Licensed Social WorkerF['Anxiety / Depression']['Monroeville'][]
- Child PsychologistF['Anxiety / Depression', 'OCD', 'Phobias', 'Family', 'ADD/ADHD', 'ODD', 'Trichotillomania', 'Skin-picking']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Licensed Clinical Social WorkerF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'Phobias', 'Grief', 'Domestic Violence', 'Bipolar Disorder', 'Borderline Personality Disorder', 'DBT', 'Other Personality Disorders', 'Insomnia', 'Concussion/ Traumatic Brain Injury', 'Anger Management', 'Chronic Pain', 'Terminal Illness', 'Geriatrics', 'Trichotillomania', 'Reactive Attachment Disorder']['Virtual Session'][]
- Psychology Pre-Doctoral FellowF['Anxiety / Depression', 'ADD/ADHD', 'Play Therapy']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Psychology InternF[]['Monroeville'][]
- Licensed Clinical Social WorkerF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Addiction', 'Drug/Alcohol', 'Borderline Personality Disorder']['Monroeville'][]
- Professional CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'DBT', 'ADD/ADHD', 'Chronic Pain', 'Terminal Illness', 'Trichotillomania', 'Skin-picking', 'Hoarding', 'Play Therapy', 'Faith-Based']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Psychologist InternF[]['Monroeville'][]
- National Certified CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'ADD/ADHD', 'Grief', 'Trichotillomania', 'Skin-picking', 'Play Therapy', 'Faith-Based']['Monroeville'][]
- Licensed Professional CounselorM['Anxiety / Depression', 'Phobias', 'LGBTQ+', 'Coparenting', 'Grief', 'Addiction', 'Drug/Alcohol', 'Anger Management', 'ADD/ADHD']['Cranberry Township'][]
- Child PsychologistF['Grief', 'AF-CBT', 'Play Therapy', 'Faith-Based']['Mt. Lebanon'][]
- Professional CounselorF['Anxiety / Depression', 'Trauma / PTSD', 'OCD']['Monroeville'][]
