NOCD Therapy is designed to treat even the most severe OCD symptoms using exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, the most effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD. Our therapists are highly trained in ERP and specialize in working with the most complex and distressing cases. Studies show that ERP helps about 80% of people with OCD significantly reduce their symptoms, and NOCD Members report an average 43% reduction in symptoms in as little as eight weeks.
Continue reading to discover how we support individuals with severe OCD.
What is considered severe OCD?
Severe OCD is when intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors interfere with nearly every aspect of life and cause nearly constant distress.
People with severe OCD may:
- Spend several hours a day on compulsions.
- Avoid work, school, or social settings due to symptoms.
- Feel unable to function without rituals.
- Experience intense distress or hopelessness.
Severe OCD doesn’t mean untreatable OCD. With the right approach, recovery is possible.
Does ERP work for severe OCD symptoms?
Yes. ERP has been scientifically proven to be highly effective for people with severe OCD. This therapy works by gradually facing intrusive thoughts and fears while resisting compulsions. Over time, the brain learns that anxiety naturally decreases without rituals, breaking the OCD cycle.
- In clinical research, ERP helped about 80% of people with OCD improve their symptoms.
- In a peer-reviewed study of NOCD Therapy, members saw an average 43% reduction in OCD symptoms within eight weeks and continued improving after treatment.
Other approaches that may be done in combination with ERP therapy include:
- Medication (typically SSRIs)
- Mindfulness-based strategies
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Severe or treatment-resistant OCD may benefit from the following therapies:
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Partial hospital programs (PHPs)
- Residential treatment centers (RTCs)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS)
How does NOCD Therapy treat severe OCD?
At NOCD, therapy is delivered by licensed clinicians who complete intensive ERP training before working with Members. This ensures every therapist can confidently treat even the most severe symptoms.
Key features of NOCD Therapy include:
- Specialized ERP sessions tailored to your subtype and symptom severity.
- Ongoing support between sessions through secure messaging.
- Community connection with thousands of people who understand OCD firsthand.
- Flexible scheduling to fit therapy into daily life.
Is online therapy effective for severe OCD?
Yes, virtual ERP therapy is just as effective as in-person care for OCD, including severe cases. Research indicates that teletherapy delivers outcomes comparable to those of office-based treatment, while also offering added accessibility and convenience.
With NOCD, Members can begin treatment quickly, avoid long waitlists, and connect with therapists who specialize in OCD—something many local providers cannot provide.
What if I need more support than outpatient therapy?
NOCD now offers a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) for Colorado residents and those willing to relocate to Colorado for treatment. This program is designed for people with moderate to severe OCD who need more frequent sessions and structured care than traditional outpatient therapy.
The virtual IOP allows you to:
- Access individual and group ERP sessions four days a week over the course of three to six weeks.
- Work closely with a care team that understands OCD.
- Stay at home while receiving intensive support.
This fills the gap between outpatient therapy and residential care, making specialized OCD treatment more accessible.
When you become a NOCD Member, you’ll start with standard ERP, and if your therapist thinks you need more support, they’ll suggest stepping up to the IOP for additional care.
What support does NOCD provide beyond ERP sessions?
Severe OCD can feel overwhelming, which is why NOCD goes beyond standard therapy sessions.
Members also have access to:
- Secure therapist messaging between sessions.
- Peer support through the NOCD Community through free forums and live support groups.
- Expert-reviewed educational articles in the NOCD Library.
- Crisis planning and step-up care when needed.
This wraparound support helps people stay engaged and supported throughout their recovery journey.
Find the right OCD therapist for you
All our therapists are licensed and trained in exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD.
Start treatment for severe OCD with NOCD
Severe OCD can take over your life, but you don’t have to face it alone. With ERP therapy, specialized therapists, and support programs like our virtual IOP in Colorado, NOCD offers proven care for even the most severe cases of OCD.
Key takeaways
- NOCD Therapy uses ERP, a research-backed treatment proven effective for even severe OCD.
- Members experience an average 43% reduction in OCD symptoms within eight weeks.
- Virtual care makes specialized ERP therapy accessible, with support beyond sessions.
- NOCD now offers a virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Colorado for people needing more structured treatment.
