At NOCD, everything we do is centered around the people we’re dedicated to helping. Our mission has always been to spread awareness about OCD and make specialized treatment accessible to anyone who needs it, whenever they need it and wherever they are. Every decision we make is guided by that mission, including the words we use.
When you begin treatment at NOCD, you might notice that we don’t refer to the people who come to us as clients or patients. Instead, we call them Members. Why?
When you get treatment through NOCD, not only are you working with therapists specialized in treating OCD, but you’re also joining a community united by the shared goal of conquering OCD. And whether you’re just beginning treatment, actively working through exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, or continuing to apply those skills once you’ve learned to manage OCD, you remain an important part of that community.
The decision to use the word Member wasn’t made lightly. It reflects three core beliefs that shape how we think about OCD, the people we’re dedicated to helping, and the treatment journey itself.
1. OCD is a complex medical condition that needs specialized treatment
The first reason comes down to the nature of OCD itself: OCD is a complex mental health condition that requires specialized treatment. While the word “client” is commonly used throughout healthcare, we don’t believe it fully reflects the clinical nature of OCD treatment.
At NOCD, our therapists aren’t simply providing a service. They’re delivering ERP—the most effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD—to help people learn to manage the condition.
That’s why we don’t believe the word “client” fully captures the relationship. We believe “Member” better reflects the seriousness of OCD and the specialized treatment people need and deserve.
2. Being a Member extends beyond treatment
Words like “patient” and “client” have limitations. For example, someone is typically considered a patient while they’re receiving treatment. If they’re not actively receiving treatment, that label typically no longer applies.
However, even after someone gets better, the skills they learn through ERP continue to be part of everyday life. That’s another reason we use the word Member: it recognizes that even while you’re not actively in treatment, the knowledge and progress gained through treatment continue.
3. You’re always part of the NOCD Community
From your very first therapy session, our goal is to make sure you never have to navigate OCD on your own. That’s why your connection to NOCD doesn’t end when you’ve learned to manage OCD—you always remain a Member of our community.
Being a Member means staying connected to people who understand OCD and share the goal of overcoming it. Because OCD is a chronic but manageable condition, staying engaged with a community that understands what you’re going through can help reinforce the skills you’ve learned, support the progress you’ve made, and remind you that you’re never alone.
Many people continue learning about OCD, attend support groups, connect with others in our community forum, encourage people who are earlier in their recovery journey, or return for additional support when they need it. Supporting others can also reinforce your own progress by reminding you how far you’ve come and strengthening the skills you’ve built along the way.
No matter where your journey takes you, you’ll always have a place here.
More than a name
At NOCD, being a Member is more than a title. It’s a reflection of the relationship we hope to build with every person who trusts us with their treatment. From your first therapy session to long after you’ve learned to manage OCD, our commitment is to help you build a life where OCD is no longer in the driver’s seat, while also ensuring you always have a place to turn, whether that’s reconnecting with your therapist, accessing trusted resources, or finding support from a community that understands what you’re going through.