Intensive OCD and Anxiety Treatment

The OCD and Anxiety Disorders Intensive Outpatient Program is a specialized program designed to help adults experiencing persistent obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), intense fears (phobias), panic disorder, health anxiety (hypochondriasis), and social anxiety.

Built upon a cognitive behavioral therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP) or prolonged exposure, the program is geared towards people who have not responded to traditional outpatient treatment and uses the treatment of choice for these conditions. Treatment takes place Monday through Thursday from 2 to 5 p.m., over an average six-week period. The program includes individual therapy twice a week, daily group therapy, as well as home-based ERP, family consultations, and expert psychiatric medication consultation.

Learn More About the Program

In the OCD and Anxiety Disorders Intensive Outpatient Program, the primary treatment approach is ERP, a behavioral therapy that involves learning how to face your fears and cope with distress. Exposure exercises are planned and implemented systematically and patients are encouraged to challenge themselves in order to reach their goals.

On the first day, a therapist with expertise in ERP will meet individually with you to complete an evaluation. The therapist will discuss treatment options and begin to design an individualized treatment plan. You will also be asked to complete some questionnaires and attend a group therapy session.

Typically, during the first week the focus is on gathering information that will help you and your clinical care team understand your challenges and develop a treatment plan. A psychiatrist with specialized training in prescribing medication for OCD and anxiety disorders will meet with you to discuss medication options. Your therapist will also encourage you to schedule a consultation session with a family member or support person to enhance your treatment plan.

During the first few weeks, the staff will help you practice exposure exercises in individual or group formats, in the office or in another setting like the cafeteria or outdoors. Homework exercises are a key component of the program and you will be asked to practice the exercises daily on your own. The groups are designed to help you learn to practice the exposure exercises on your own, staying motivated, and talking to others who are also suffering from similar issues.

During the final weeks of the program, staff will help you to focus on your most challenging exercises and build support outside of the program in the form of outpatient providers and family and friends. Family and treatment provider consultations will be encouraged as well as a concrete plan for transitioning to outpatient therapy. A plan will be developed to maximize progress once you leave the program.

Program Registration

To start the process of registration in the program, providers are asked to complete a Referral Form. If you are self-referring, please complete the Patient Information Form. Please fax either form to (401) 680-4122. Our clinical team will be in touch to explain next steps.

Please click on the button below and complete the form to have a copy of the Patient Information Form mailed to you rather than print the documents from the PDF provided.

What is a typical day like?

• Check-in
• Homework review
• Exposure therapy group*
• Homework planning group
• Check-out

What should I bring with me?

• Picture identification
• Insurance card
• List of current medications
• Name and contact information for current outpatient providers
• We have a café that sells beverages and snacks, but you may also bring snacks from home

*Individual therapy sessions take place two days per week during this time. Medication sessions are scheduled as needed during program time or breaks.

Family Involvement

The involvement of a family member or support person is important to your success. We encourage you to schedule at least one session that includes someone supportive in your life. No contact will be made with your family or others without your consent, except in the case of an emergency.

What happens when I’m ready to leave the program?

The clinical staff will coordinate care with your outpatient providers as well as help you come up with a plan to continue to make progress once you leave with the support of family, friends and your outpatient provider.