OCD Intensive Outpatient Program

The UCSF Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to evaluate and treat patients with moderate to severe OCD and related disorders. We provide comprehensive evaluation, intensive treatment, and post-treatment planning for patients with OCD who require a more in-depth approach than would usually be available within a clinic setting. The program utilizes as its central therapeutic modality exposure response prevention, a research-validated cognitive behavioral therapy technique. Patients are assigned to an experienced behavioral health specialist who evaluates their treatment needs and works with them to develop a personalized treatment plan. We incorporate family education into our program to ensure that therapeutic gains can be sustained after completion of the program. Psychiatrists specializing in OCD evaluate patient for the use of medications and to optimize the pharmacologic regimen.

The expected duration of this program is eight weeks. Patients attend three days per week for three hours per day (1:00–4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays) at the Nancy Friend Pritzker Psychiatry Building. This schedule is designed to allow program participants to continue work or school activities as appropriate. Some patients may concurrently be enrolled in our TMS and Neuromodulation Clinic. Following completion of the program, participants typically transition back to their established outpatient mental health providers—or, if needed, can be followed in our UCSF OCD Clinic.

We believe in evidence-based care and incorporate research into our clinical practice. We currently offer several clinical trials and investigational treatments for patients who have refractory OCD. Feel free to talk with us about ongoing research opportunities.