HOW TO FIND A THERAPIST

SERVICES AVAILABLE

The OCD Resource Center of Florida specializes high-quality, state-of-the-art, cognitive-behavioral treatment services for the following disorders:

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) - excessive checking, repeating, washing rituals, obsessions with contamination, neatness, orderliness, perfection
Pure obsessions - unwanted intrusive,"out of the blue" thoughts of possibly causing harm or danger to others
Trichotillomania - compulsive hair-pulling
Body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) - "Imagined Ugliness Syndrome"
Compulsive hoarding - excessive saving, collecting; inability to throw things away leading to unlivable household
Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD)
Compulsive Skin-Picking / Self Mutilation
Major Depressive Disorder
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder with Agoraphobia (Intensive Program Available - for more information, click here )
Social Anxiety Disorder
Specific Phobias
Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Family and relationship problems resulting from neurobehavioral disorders

Assessment and Evaluation Services for Adults and Children

A thorough evaluation is conducted with emphasis upon a correct and accurate diagnosis of your or your child's problem. Depending upon the needs of the individual patient, a wide range of psychological tests and evaluation services are available from a Licensed Clinical Psychologist on our staff. From this data an individualized treatment plan is designed - consisting of a variety of psychiatric/behavioral interventions including medication and cognitive-behavior therapy utilizing exposure and response prevention.

Medication Evaluation with Board Certified Psychiatrist - Adults and Children

For patients needing ongoing medication management, we offer information and referral to qualified psychiatrists in the south Florida area with expertise in the pharmacological management of OCD and related disorders.

Intensive Individual Cognitive-Behavior Therapy (CBT) for Adults and Children

This is a three to four-week course of intensive individual cognitive-behavior therapy under the direction of Dr. Hyman or his associates, utilizing the principles of exposure and response prevention. Cognitive-behavior therapy is very different from traditional talk therapy in that it is action-oriented and encourages the person to face and confront his or her fears rather than be controlled by them. It is this "doing" instead of "thinking about it " approach that makes it so helpful to persons with OCD. Following the initial assessments, an individualized treatment plan is devised to help the person reduce and control OCD symptoms. The intensive phase of the treatment often involves frequent, extended cognitive-behavior therapy sessions at which time the patient is taught to manage anxiety in fear provoking situations and overcome maladaptive, compulsive behaviors. Wherever possible, treatment sessions are conducted "in vivo," meaning that the therapist and patient work outside the office setting, for example, the home, or a mall - wherever the symptoms most frequently occur. Following the intensive phase of treatment, ongoing follow-up sessions are available to monitor and maintain treatment progress.

Cognitive-Behavioral Group Therapy Treatment Program - NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

Group cognitive-behavioral treatment for OCD and Trichotillomania is gaining increasing acceptance as an effective option. It combines the effective components of cognitive-behavior therapy, the psychotherapy of choice for obsessive-compulsive symptoms, and interpersonal support and mutual self-help. The group program offers a cost-effective alternative. The OCD Resource Center of Florida is offering three treatment groups:

Adult Cognitive-Behavioral OCD Treatment Group

Adolescent Cognitive-Behavioral OCD Treatment Group

Trichotillomania (Compulsive hair-pulling)
Treatment group

Adults Cognitive-Behavioral OCD Treatment Group - NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

This is an ongoing intensive treatment group of six to nine persons (maximum) that meets weekly to focus upon controlling OCD symptoms through group interaction and support. The group is led by a licensed, trained group cognitive-behavior therapist skilled in treating OCD with exposure and ritual prevention. Following an initial individual assessment, each group member works on an individualized "action plan" for confronting feared situations and reducing compulsive rituals.

All group members are encouraged to "contract" at each group session to carry out specific practice tasks using exposure and ritual prevention at home. Group sessions are used for monitoring progress or problems that arise while carrying out the home practice tasks. The group provides mutual support, guidance and encouragement to members in their efforts to overcome OCD. For more details about group cognitive-behavior therapy, click here.

Relapse Prevention Group - "Optimal Living with OCD for the Long Haul" - NOT AVAILABLE AT THIS TIME

The purpose of the group is to provide ongoing support to adult patients who have successfully completed a course of cognitive-behavior therapy for OCD, are stabilized on medication, but who wish to maintain their treatment gains in a group format. The group will address the following areas related to maintaining successful relapse prevention and living optimally with OCD:

Stress management skills
Strengthening life coping skills
Lifestyle management
Integrating exposure and ritual prevention into daily life

This group is open-ended, meets weekly and consists of between eight to 12 persons. If you have further questions about the group, click here or contact our office.

Telephone/Internet Based Cognitive-Behavioral Treatment for OCD and Related Anxiety Disorders

This service involves telephone or Internet-based video conference consultation and cognitive-behavior therapy with a qualified member of our behavioral treatment staff. Today's Internet technology offers possibilities previously unavailable to persons with OCD and related disorders. Not intended to take the place of "in-person" cognitive-behavior therapy, telephone or Internet-based treatment may be particularly useful for patients who may not have a qualified behavior therapist with expertise in the treatment of OCD and related anxiety disorders available in their locale, patients who are severely house bound by their illness, or persons who, for various reasons, require the utmost in confidentiality. Internet-based video conference consultation requires that the patient have their own broadband Internet connection and web cam operability.

NOTE: Due to the infancy of this technology, the effectiveness of Internet-based treatment has not been fully assessed scientifically, and therefore should not replace qualified "in-person" treatment if such treatment is available in your community.

Family Therapy

OCD and related anxiety disorders often affects family members and loved ones in profound ways. Family members can greatly benefit from consultations aimed at helping increase understanding of these disorders, and learning the best ways to help both the patient AND themselves deal most effectively with the disorder.

Consultation with School Personnel

Often parents of children with OCD have difficulty communicating the nature of their child's problem to teachers and principals who simply are unaware of OCD and its effect upon a child's behavior and performance in school. By gaining solid knowledge of OCD and its effects upon the child, teachers and other school personnel can more effectively deal with the child in the classroom setting.

Psychoeducational Programs, Lectures and Professional Training

Dr. Hyman and his associates are available for lectures and workshops on OCD and other anxiety disorders for both professional and lay audiences. We have trained hundreds of licensed mental health professionals in treatment approaches to OCD and other anxiety disorders, and regularly speak to lay audiences offering hope and encouragement to patients and loved ones.

Free Adult Support Group for Patients and Families

This group provides an opportunity for adult patients and families to gather together in an atmosphere of respect, support and hope. The group which meets twice every month, encourages participants to share their feelings, overcome isolation, gain knowledge and increased understanding of OCD. In its 13th successful year, it is ably led by a recovering person with OCD who provides a safe, caring and confidential atmosphere that offers something helpful for everyone who attends. For more information, call click here, or call our office at (954) 962-6662, Ext. 5.

Back to Home Page