Therapy Services
OCD

OCD Support for Kids, Teens, and College Students

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Does your child or teen struggle with unwanted thoughts, images, or urges? Do they feel compelled to repeat actions or routines to relieve anxiety? As a parent, it can be overwhelming not knowing how to help—or frustrating when attempts to intervene make things worse.

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These may be signs of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), where distressing, repetitive thoughts (obsessions) lead to ritualized behaviors (compulsions). A child might fear germs, harm coming to a loved one, or feel responsible for preventing danger—and cope by repeatedly washing hands, checking locks, or silently repeating words or numbers.

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OCD can start as early as age 4 or 5. Early signs may look like repeated actions without explanation, which later may be explained as “preventing something bad from happening.” Youth with OCD often feel rituals must be done exactly a certain way and can become extremely upset if interrupted. Some even hide behaviors until they become unmanageable, leaving parents feeling unsure how to intervene safely.

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Dr. Macphee’s Approach

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• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): The most evidence-based treatment for OCD, gradually exposing children to feared thoughts while preventing compulsive behaviors, helping anxiety lessen over time.

• ERP is most effective in the settings where compulsions occur—often at home or in the community—with families actively involved.

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Treatment Options:

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• Weekly therapy sessions, with flexibility for extra sessions

• Intensive therapy at home, school, or in the community

• On-call consultation for urgent or time-sensitive compulsions

• School consultation, advocacy, and 504/IEP support

• Individual therapy intensives: single-day mini-intensives or multi-day programs targeting home, school, and community challenges

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Flexible Care:

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• In-person therapy on the Main Line

• Virtual therapy across PA and 40+ states

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Available in: AL, AZ, AR, CO, CNMI, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY