Great question! ERP stands for exposure and response prevention. You might also see it written as EX/RP. 

Long story short: ERP is considered to be the gold standard treatment for OCD in youth. It is also shown to be highly effective in treating anxiety disorders. When ERP is combined with ACT (see below) we tend to see even better results. 

Long story long: Broadly, ERP is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) meaning that it involves a cognitive component (thoughts) and a behavioral component (typically exposure). For example, in our work we will practice noticing and accepting intrusive thoughts rather than fighting them and ending up in a bigger OCD spiral. We will also work together to face fears or other situations you typically avoid (exposure) and actively choosing to resist, modify, or delay engaging in rituals, compulsions, avoidance, or safety behaviors. 

ACT stands for acceptance and commitment therapy. If you are wondering whether ACT is also a type of CBT, you would be correct! In brief: ACT promotes living with (accepting the presence of) difficult emotions AND more pleasant emotions and living your life based on personal values (as opposed to living life to satisfy OCD or anxiety). Basically, when practicing ACT concepts, we practice accepting emotions as they are, rather than working hard to shove down or avoid them. 

*Note, this doesn’t mean we have to LIKE anxiety (more on that in our sessions!)

Ultimately ACT promotes psychological flexibility, something that OCD and anxiety can make quite challenging. Learning ACT makes it easier to engage in ERP, which then helps you engage in treatment more effectively.  

When treatment/ therapy is “evidence-based” it has been extensively studied through research. On top of this, the research tends to show that the treatment/therapy is effective. In sum, we won’t be moving randomly through therapy, and I am not throwing exposures at you willy-nilly. We will use therapy methods that have plenty of evidence to help you reach your goals.

Overall length of treatment is different for everyone, as is the time it takes to start noticing a difference in your symptoms. For some people, they might feel like they only need 12 sessions, for others, they will have closer to 20. If we work together, you will engage in focused weekly, 50-60 minute sessions for anywhere up to 20 weeks. We might also include parent sessions which would take us over 20 weeks.

I am Out-of-Network with all insurance networks at this time and do not acceptance insurance. However, I would be happy to provide you with  a treatment statement/summary that you can submit to your insurance company for reimbursement, if they allow it.

Costs of services are as follows:

• Consultation Call: Free

• Individual Therapy (weekly, 50-60-minute sessions): $300 per session

• Parent/Caregiver Session: $300 per 50-60 minutes, or pro-rated down depending on time

Let’s begin with a phone call. Leave your contact information here to schedule and I will walk you through the next steps and answer any questions along the way.