NOCD Therapists go through one of the most rigorous evaluation processes in the field of OCD treatment. While fewer than 1% of U.S. therapists are properly trained in exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, the most effective therapy for OCD, 100% of NOCD Therapists are. Backed by research showing that ERP helps about 80% of people with OCD significantly reduce symptoms, our clinicians complete an intensive, multi-week evaluation before ever meeting with Members.
What makes a world-class OCD therapist?
A world-class OCD therapist is someone who combines deep clinical knowledge with empathy and adaptability.
At NOCD, therapists are trained to:
- Deliver ERP effectively and compassionately.
- Tailor care to each person’s needs and cultural background.
- Stay up-to-date on research and best practices.
- Provide support that helps people regain freedom from OCD.
This blend of evidence-based treatment and human connection is what sets NOCD Therapists apart.
How are NOCD Therapists evaluated?
Every NOCD Therapist is carefully evaluated before working with Members. The process includes:
- Intensive ERP training: All therapists learn ERP therapy, which is practiced by fewer than 1% of U.S. therapists who are properly trained in it.
- Mock sessions and live supervision: Therapists demonstrate clinical skill, decision-making, and empathy in practice scenarios.
“Our training for every therapist begins with lecture-style instruction,” says Chris Novak, MS, LCPC, FACHE, Chief Network Operating Officer at NOCD. “Most therapists will tell you that this is almost like a grad-school level class and that they’ve never had such intensive training.”
Another major component of NOCD Therapists’ evaluation process is Clinical Advising Meetings (CAMs), which are a series of weekly exams led by NOCD’s Clinical Leadership team—a group of OCD experts who share decades of experience treating the condition.
During these meetings, NOCD’s Clinical Leaders serve as NOCD Therapy Members, providing valuable mentorship and evaluating the ability of new therapists to apply what they’ve learned in training to real therapy sessions.
Here’s a quick look at what each of the nine CAMs entails:
Week 1: Building rapport and trust with a new Member
Therapists learn techniques to establish a safe, collaborative relationship that supports effective OCD treatment.
Week 2: Accurately diagnose OCD and related conditions
Therapists practice identifying OCD subtypes and related conditions to ensure tailored care.
Weeks 3-4: Create custom treatment plans
Therapists design individualized ERP strategies based on assessment and Member goals.
Weeks 5-6: Treat children and adolescents with OCD
Therapists focus on developmental considerations and family involvement in treatment for kids with OCD.
Week 7: Work with co-occurring conditions
Therapists learn to address anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions alongside OCD.
Week 8: Treat conditions closely related to OCD
Therapists practice managing conditions that mimic or overlap with OCD, such as body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs), tic disorders, and hoarding.
Week 9: In-depth personal reviews
Therapists reflect on performance, receive feedback, and refine clinical skills to meet NOCD standards.
How often are therapists re-evaluated?
NOCD Therapists are evaluated continuously—not just at the beginning of their careers with us.
This includes:
- Quarterly performance reviews
- Peer consultation groups
- Regular clinical supervision
- Member feedback integration
This ongoing process ensures that therapy quality remains consistent, regardless of when or where care begins.
Why does this matter for people with OCD?
Rigorous therapist evaluation directly benefits people living with OCD. Studies indicate that approximately 80% of individuals experience significant symptom reduction with ERP therapy. By holding every clinician to world-class standards, NOCD ensures that Members receive the most effective treatment available, delivered with compassion and expertise.
“OCD is unique in the way it presents, and if a therapist doesn’t understand it deeply, then Members won’t get the results they deserve,” says Taylor Newendorp, LCPC, Chief Network Clinical Director at NOCD.
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.
How does NOCD support therapist growth?
NOCD doesn’t stop at initial training.
We invest in our therapists by providing:
- Advanced continuing education in ERP and related conditions.
- Cultural competence training to better serve diverse communities.
- Real-time clinical support from a team of experts.
- A collaborative community of fellow OCD specialists.
This commitment enables NOCD Therapists to continue learning and improving, ultimately resulting in better care for Members.
Bottom line
By choosing NOCD, you’re not just meeting with any therapist—you’re working with someone who has been trained, tested, and supported to provide world-class OCD treatment. Our evaluation process guarantees that every Member receives care that is both clinically effective and deeply compassionate.
FAQs
How are NOCD Therapists trained?
All NOCD Therapists receive intensive training in ERP therapy, which is the most effective for OCD.
Why is ERP important in OCD treatment?
ERP helps about 80% of people significantly reduce OCD symptoms and is the most research-supported approach available.
How does NOCD ensure quality of care?
Therapists are continuously evaluated through supervision, peer reviews, and Member feedback, including the CAMs evaluation components, to maintain world-class standards.
Key takeaways
- NOCD therapists undergo intensive ERP training and continuous evaluation to ensure high-quality OCD care.
- The CAMS evaluation assesses clinical knowledge, applied skills, Member interaction, supervision feedback, and ongoing assessment.
- Each CAM focuses on practical skills, from building rapport to treating co-occurring conditions and customizing treatment plans.
- Continuous supervision and personal reviews help therapists maintain world-class standards over time.