Caring for Pediatric OCD
When a child is struggling with OCD, understanding what is happening—and finding appropriate care—can make an important difference.
A new white paper from the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), Losing Childhood to America’s OCD Care Crisis: The State of Pediatric OCD Care in the United States, highlights significant gaps in how OCD is identified and treated in children and adolescents.
The findings underscore the need for greater awareness and access to specialized treatment. They also offer an important message for families:
OCD is treatable, and support is available.
What the Report Found
The IOCDF analyzed 10 years of electronic health record data from more than 2.3 million children and adolescents. Among its findings:
- Only 0.74% were identified as having OCD, compared with an expected population prevalence of up to 3%.
- Only 4% of young people identified with OCD had documented evidence of receiving Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a leading evidence-based treatment for OCD.
- More than 64% of those identified with OCD had no referral for ERP or any form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), despite most receiving a documented mental health assessment.
These findings reflect what was recorded in the health records studied. Missing documentation does not necessarily mean a child never received treatment. Even with that limitation, the report raises important concerns about recognition, referral, and access to effective care.
Why Recognition Matters
OCD can interfere with school, friendships, family relationships, and everyday activities.
Children and teens may also feel embarrassed by their symptoms or struggle to explain what they are experiencing.
For families, understanding the symptoms is an important step toward getting help. A professional assessment can clarify what is happening and guide an appropriate treatment plan.
What Is ERP?
Exposure and Response Prevention is a specific form of cognitive behavioral therapy used to treat OCD.
With guidance from a trained clinician, clients practice approaching situations, thoughts, or feelings that trigger distress while learning to resist compulsions—the actions or mental rituals they feel driven to perform.
Treatment is individualized and collaborative. For children and teens, it should be adapted to their developmental needs and may include family participation.
ERP is recommended as a first-line treatment for pediatric OCD. Medication may also be considered as part of an individualized treatment plan.
Questions Families Can Ask About Treatment
Finding care can feel overwhelming.
These questions can help families understand a provider’s approach:
- Do you have specific training and experience treating OCD in children and teens?
- Do you provide Exposure and Response Prevention?
- How do you adapt treatment to a child’s age and needs?
- How are parents or caregivers involved?
- How will you assess progress and determine the appropriate level of care?
Families can also explore the IOCDF’s educational resources and provider directory for help understanding treatment options.
Specialized OCD Care at Anxiety Institute
At Anxiety Institute, ERP is central to our treatment of OCD. Our clinicians work with clients and families to develop individualized plans that address symptoms and support participation in school, relationships, and everyday life.
Our individual therapy, Intensive Outpatient Programs, and Integrated Psychiatric Services offer different levels of support based on each client’s needs. Family Coaching and Support helps caregivers understand treatment and support their child’s progress.
If you are concerned about possible OCD symptoms in your child or teen, our admissions team can help you learn about our services and discuss next steps.
Contact Anxiety Institute to learn more about specialized OCD treatment.
Explore the Research
Read the IOCDF’s full pediatric OCD white paper, or visit OCD in Kids for resources for parents and families.
This article discusses findings published by the International OCD Foundation. Anxiety Institute did not conduct the analysis.
