For Mental Health Professionals
Working With Children & Teens With OCD
Recognizing and treating obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in children and adolescents can present unique challenges. Symptoms may look different across developmental stages, overlap with other mental health or developmental conditions, and affect the entire family.
Whether you are assessing a young person for OCD, developing a treatment plan, or helping a family navigate care, the resources below provide information on evidence-based treatment, clinical assessment, family involvement, and additional training opportunities.
Help children and teens with OCD access effective care.
Explore clinical resources designed to help professionals recognize pediatric OCD, make an accurate diagnosis, provide evidence-based treatment, and support families throughout the treatment process.
Assessment & Diagnosis of Pediatric OCD
Accurate identification of OCD is an important first step toward effective treatment. Pediatric OCD symptoms can be misunderstood or confused with other mental health or developmental conditions, and children may have difficulty explaining their obsessions and compulsions. Diagnosis & Clinical Assessment of OCD in Kids & Teens →
The State of Pediatric OCD Care
Learn more about the challenges children and adolescents face in receiving timely OCD identification, diagnosis, referral, and evidence-based treatment in the United States.
Read the Pediatric OCD White Paper →
Treating OCD in Children & Teens
Effective treatment can help children and adolescents manage OCD symptoms and return to the activities, relationships, and experiences that are important to their development. Treatment should account for a young person’s age, symptoms, family environment, and individual needs.
Treating OCD in Kids & Teens →
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), is a first-line psychological treatment for OCD. Learn about applying ERP when working specifically with children and adolescents.
Learn About ERP for Pediatric OCD →
Medication for Pediatric OCD
Medication may also play a role in pediatric OCD treatment. Learn more about medications used to treat OCD in children and adolescents and considerations for incorporating medication into care.
Learn About Medications for Pediatric OCD →
OCD Treatment Guide
Explore IOCDF guidance on evidence-based OCD treatment, including psychotherapy, medication, levels of care, and considerations for finding appropriate treatment.
Additional Pediatric Clinical Resources
Explore additional tools and educational resources to support your work with children, adolescents, and families affected by OCD.
RESPECT Toolkit
The RESPECT Toolkit provides resources designed to support evidence-based assessment and treatment and strengthen care for young people and families.
Explore the RESPECT Toolkit →
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Pediatric OCD Webinars
Continue building your knowledge of pediatric OCD with educational webinars focused on topics relevant to professionals working with children, adolescents, and their families.
Build Your Skills in Treating OCD
IOCDF offers training and educational opportunities for mental health professionals who want to strengthen their ability to identify and treat OCD and related disorders.
IOCDF Training Institute
The IOCDF Training Institute provides evidence-based training for clinicians at different stages of their careers, including intensive education in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
The Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) provides intensive training in the assessment and treatment of OCD, while pediatric-focused training addresses considerations specific to treating children and adolescents.
Professional Membership
Connect with the broader OCD professional community through IOCDF membership. Professional members can access opportunities to network with other clinicians and researchers, continue their education, and connect with IOCDF resources.
Expert Opinions
Explore articles on specialized OCD topics written by members of the IOCDF Scientific & Clinical Advisory Board and other experts in OCD and related disorders.
Annual OCD Conference
The Annual OCD Conference brings together mental health professionals, researchers, individuals with lived experience, and families to learn about OCD and related disorders, emerging research, treatment approaches, and recovery.
Research & Collaboration
IOCDF supports research and collaboration aimed at improving our understanding and treatment of OCD and related disorders.
IOCDF Research Grant Program
The IOCDF Research Grant Program supports investigators conducting research into the causes, mechanisms, and treatment of OCD and related disorders.
IOCDF Genetics Collaborative
The IOCDF Genetics Collaborative brings together researchers working to advance understanding of the genetic factors associated with OCD.
Help More Kids Access Effective OCD Treatment
Continue building your knowledge of pediatric OCD through IOCDF clinical resources, professional training, and evidence-based treatment guidance.