OCD SoCal BOARD MEMBERS
OCD SoCal’s board members and officers are an experienced and collaborative team of expert therapists, psychiatrists, researchers, individuals affected by OCD, and family/parent advocates dedicated to promoting the mission of OCD SoCal and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). To learn more about OCD SoCal Board Members, please visit our webpage: https://ocdsocal.org
Melissa Mose, LMFT (President)
Chris Trondsen, LMFT, APCC (Vice President)
Adam Frank, MD, PhD (Secretary)
Liz Trondsen (Event Coordinator)
Sheperd Aziz, DO
Sue Chudy, LCSW
Shannon Jakubowski, CMPSS
Jennie Kuckertz, PhD
Barbara Van Noppen, PhD
KEYNOTE SPEAKERS
Stuart Ralph
Stuart Ralph is a counsellor and psychotherapist (MBACP Accred) for children and young people in the UK. He is co-founder of The Integrative Centre for OCD Therapy. He founded The OCD Stories podcast, a weekly podcast where he interviews some of the best minds in OCD recovery which has been downloaded more than 8 million times globally. In 2018 he was given the hero award by the International OCD Foundation.
To contact Stuart: https://theocdstories.com/
Andrew GottWorth
Andrew GottWorth is an IOCDF Advocate, educator, and trainer in Berlin Germany, from Louisville, Kentucky. Bachelor of Science in Physics from Western Kentucky University and Master of Science in Environmental Studies from Kentucky State University. Student Experience Coordinator at CODE University of Applied Sciences. Disc Golf trainer and amateur Disc Golf player. Long time volunteer with Teen Leadership programs, conferences, and nonprofits.
Founded the Berlin OCD Walk and launched the International Networking & Advocacy group that brings together advocates of all levels to help grow the I in IOCDF. Loves combining evidence-based practices from research background, with compassion and service from volunteering and advocacy.
To contact Andrew: https://www.instagram.com/justrught/
Natasha Daniels, LCSW
Natasha Daniels has been an anxiety & OCD therapist for over two decades. She combines both her clinical expertise with her lived experience, raising her own three kids with anxiety and OCD. She is the creator of the website AT Parenting Survival. She gives in-depth support to parents raising kids with anxiety or OCD through her books, courses in the AT Parenting Survival Online School and in her online membership AT Parenting Community. Her latest books include Crushing OCD Workbook for Kids and her memoir, Out of My Shell: Overcoming Social Anxiety from Childhood to Adulthood.
To contact Natasha: childocdtherapist.com
Chrissie Hodges
Chrissie Hodges is a Certified Peer Support Specialist living in Colorado and working with individuals worldwide providing peer support, support groups, and an online community through Treatment for OCD Consulting. She is the author of 'Pure OCD: The Invisible Side of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder'. Chrissie is the founder and executive director of the non-profit 'OCD Gamechangers'. She is the Chief Operating Officer of Peer Recovery Services, a Colorado based Government contract placing and supervising certified peer support specialists in the Colorado State Institutions. Chrissie is an advocate for OCD through Youtube, social media, and the podcast 'Intrusive Thoughts Unmasked'.
To contact Chrissie: https://ocdgamechangers.com/
Kyle King
Kyle King is a medical student at the Yale School of Medicine interested in psychiatry, neurosurgery, and social determinants of health. Kyle was diagnosed with OCD at age 13 and, for six months, was completely debilitated by the disorder. Eventually, Kyle found a therapist specializing in Exposure-Response Prevention and, within a year of beginning treatment, had reclaimed his life from OCD. Since recovering, Kyle has been heavily involved in OCD advocacy work with the International OCD Foundation, currently co-leading the Young Adult Special Interest Group and co-hosting the monthly Research Roundtable livestream. Outside of advocacy, Kyle has worked in different research labs for the past five years on projects ranging from the neurobiology of OCRDs to hospital pricing schemes. And when he wants to stop thinking about medical stuff, Kyle loves watching The Simpsons and pretty much any stand-up comedy special.
CONFERENCE SPEAKERS
| Name | Brief Bio | Website and/or Social Media | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Jennie Kuckertz, PhD | Dr. Jennie Kuckertz is a psychologist at the McLean Hospital OCD Institute in Belmont, MA, and is also in private practice. She has worked in OCD treatment and research for over 15 years with children, teens, adults, and families impacted by OCD. Her research, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, focuses on how to optimize exposure and response prevention to help individuals achieve meaningful relief from OCD symptoms. Her work takes place in real-world treatment settings across the country, and she is a faculty member of both Harvard Medical School and San Diego State University. Dr. Kuckertz is also passionate about OCD advocacy, and serves as the President of OCD SoCal, a local affiliate of the IOCDF dedicated to increasing access to resources for individuals with OCD, their families, and the professionals who treat them. | https://www.mcleanhospital.org/profile/jennie-kuckertz |
 | Austin Kang | Austin Kang is a high school student and mental health advocate focused on expanding awareness as well as supporting siblings of individuals with OCD. As the founder and executive director of Behind the Scenes, the first OCD support group solely focused on siblings in North America, he works to address the often-overlooked experiences of family members. His advocacy has been featured by regional affiliates, and he has presented on sibling mental health at international conferences. Austin’s work is informed by his academic interests in anthropology and ethics, and by his lived experience navigating OCD within his own family. He also serves as an IOCDF Advocate and member of the Orange County Regional Council for OCD SoCal. In his free time, Austin volunteers for OCD events, researches the cross-section of mental health and anthropology, and spends time with his family + friends! | https://behindthescenesocd.org |
 | Naomi Zwecker, PhD | Dr. Zwecker is a licensed psychologist in California (#28363) and Texas (#36219), with considerable experience treating depression and anxiety disorders, particularly OCD. She founded the OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California alongside Dr. Throstur Bjorgvinsson, PhD, ABPP, because together, they recognized the ongoing need in Southern California for the delivery of specialized treatment for moderate to severe anxiety disorders in a compassionate environment. She brings with her years of experience from working at the Houston OCD Program where she worked with patients at all levels of care- outpatient, intensive outpatient, and residential. She received her PhD in Clinical Psychology from Northwestern Feinberg School of Medicine and her BA in Human Development from the University of Chicago. Dr. Zwecker did her pre-doctoral internship at New York Presbyterian-Weill Cornell Medical Center and her postdoctoral fellowship at the Houston OCD Program. Over the years, she has worked with diverse populations in a variety of treatment settings including a community mental health center, a VA, a student-counseling center, a hospital setting, and with post-Hurricane Katrina families in New Orleans focusing on evidence based treatments, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure therapy. She has presented findings from her research and practice at several national conferences. | http://www.socalocd.org |
 | Emily Bailey, PsyD | Emily Bailey is a Licensed Psychologist, Assistant Professor of Psychology at Oglethorpe University, and owner of Atlanta OCD and Anxiety Treatment, LLC. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Georgia College, M.S. degrees from Augusta University and Mercer University, and her Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from Mercer University. Dr. Bailey completed advanced training during her postdoctoral fellowship at McLean OCD Institute|Texas, Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). Her expertise includes obsessive-compulsive disorders, anxiety disorders, and scrupulosity, with a focus on providing evidence-based, compassionate care. | https://www.atlantaocdandanxietytreatment.com/ @dr.emilybailey |
 | Leslie Shapiro, MSW, LICSW | Leslie Shapiro has been treating OCD and Related Disorders with a specialty in scrupulosity and moral perfectionism since 1989. She has authored 2 books on these topics: Understanding OCD: Skills to Control the Conscience and When Religion and Morals Become OCD: Understanding and Treating Scrupulosity. She has published several peer reviewed articles, written chapters, and written over a dozen online articles and several CEU courses. She has been a behavior therapist at the OCD Institute since its inception in 1997, and treats patients at Newton Neuropsychological Group and in her private practice. | |
 | Katy Manetta, PhD | Dr. Katy Manetta is a licensed psychologist and advanced-level cognitive behavioral therapist with 20 years of experience treating OCD and anxiety disorders across the lifespan. She trains and supervises clinicians and provides educational seminars on CBT, social anxiety disorder, and OCD. Dr. Manetta is a Diplomate and blog editor of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and a Board Member of the National Social Anxiety Center. She is Clinical Director at Belmont Psychological Services in Long Beach and hosts a YouTube channel focused on OCD education. | https://www.belmontpsych.com/ https://youtube.com/@ocdjuststopit |
 | Jon Hershfield, LCMFT | Jon Hershfield, MFT is the director of the Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt in Towson, Maryland, where he specializes in the treatment of OCD and related disorders in both outpatient and residential settings. He is the author of Being a Parent With OCD, When a Family Member Has OCD, Overcoming Harm OCD, and The OCD Workbook for Teens, and co-author of Everyday Mindfulness for OCD, The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD, and The Unwanted Thoughts and Intense Emotions Workbook. Jon is a member of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation and a faculty member of their Behavioral Therapy Training Institute. | http://www.ocdbaltimore.com http://www.facebook.com/jonhershfield http://www.instagram.com/ocdbaltimore |
 | Desiree Untch, LISW-S | Desiree is a clinical social worker and the owner of Aspire Anxiety & OCD Solutions, a private practice in Ohio specializing in OCD and related disorders. She has advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and completed the Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the International OCD Foundation, where she is also a professional member. Desiree currently serves as President of OCD Midwest and is committed to providing evidence-based Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help clients reclaim their lives from OCD and anxiety. | http://www.aspireanxietysolutions.com Aspire Anxiety & OCD Solutions https://www.instagram.com/aspireanxietyandocdsolutions/ |
 | Angela Springer, LCSW | Angela Springer, LCSW, is the founder of The Child Therapist Hub, a resource and training platform for clinicians who treat childhood anxiety and OCD. She has worked with children, teens, and families since 2007 and owns The Anxiety and OCD Clinic in St. Louis, Missouri. Angela is a graduate of the IOCDF's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and is trained in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) and the Family Wellbeing Approach. She is a Diplomate and Certified Trainer/Consultant through the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and serves on the board of OCD Missouri, a local affiliate of the IOCDF. | https://www.childtherapisthub.com/ Angela Springer | The Child Therapist Hub | Anxiety & OCD Clinic (@thechildtherapisthub) • Instagram photos and videos |
 | Lauren Wadsworth, PhD | Dr. Lauren Wadsworth is a board certified clinical psychologist passionate about expanding access to evidence-based mental health treatments as well as furthering diversity and inclusion efforts. She is the founding director of Genesee Valley Psychology (GVP), an insurance-based clinic providing financially accessible evidence-based treatment to the Western NY area, with offices in Rochester and Buffalo. Dr. Wadsworth is also the founding director of Meridian Psychology Practice, a private-pay clinic serving NY, MA, and GA. She is the co-founder of Twin Stars Diversity Trainers, a consultation company offering diversity and identity-related trainings for organizations and leadership, and co-authored a related book: Did That Just Happen?! Beyond "Diversity" -Creating Sustainable and Inclusive Organizations. Finally, she is a Clinical Senior Instructor in Psychiatry at the University of Rochester Medical Center. | laurenwadsworth.com |
 | Jonathan Grayson, PhD | Jonathan B. Grayson, Ph.D. (Psych license: PSY26643) is director of the Grayson LA Treatment Center for Anxiety and OCD. Dr. Grayson, author of Freedom from OCD, has specialized in OCD for over 45 years. A 2010 recipient of IOCDF’s Patty Perkins Lifetime Achievement Award, his work and expertise have been featured on, People Magazine, The Oprah Winfrey Show and Nightline. He has presented workshops and written numerous articles/book chapters for both professional and lay audiences. In 1981 he started GOAL, the first support group in the country for OCD which he continues to donate his time to this free group. | LAOCDTreatment.com https://www.facebook.com/ocdtreatment.aotcp linkedin.com/in/jonathan-grayson-84b9293a |
 | Marla Deibler, PsyD, ABPP | Marla Deibler, PsyD, MSCP, ABPP is a Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Board-Certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology, and CEO of The Center for Emotional Health (CEH), a multi-site behavioral healthcare center specializing in the assessment and evidence-based treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, and neurodevelopmental disorders across the lifespan. Dr. Deibler currently serves on the faculty of Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). She serves on the Board of Directors of OCD New Jersey, the NJ affiliate of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), on the Scientific Advisory Committee of the New Jersey Center for Tourette Syndrome and Associated Disorders (NJCTS), and as Visiting Clinical Supervisor at the Rutgers University Psychological Services Clinic, Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP). She is an author of The BFRB Recovery Workbook: Effective Recovery from Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, Nail Biting, and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors as well as Free to Be Me with a BFRB: The Ultimate Kid’s Guide to Living Well with Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, Nail Biting and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. | thecenterforemotionalhealth.com Facebook -- https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforemotionalhealth Instagram ---- @ceh_philadelphia |
 | Aureen Wagner, Ph.D. | Aureen Pinto Wagner, Ph.D., serves on the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Board of the IOCDF, and faculty of the Behavior Therapy Training Institute. She is a clinical psychologist, founder of The Anxiety Wellness Center in Cary, NC, and author of Up and Down the Worry Hill: A Children’s Book about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and its Treatment, What to do when your Child has Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Strategies and Solutions, Treatment of OCD in Children and Adolescents: A Professional’s Kit, and Worried No More: Help and Hope for Anxious Children. She provides training and consultation for clinicians, and workshops for parents http://www.anxietywellness.com | http://www.anxietywellness.com https://www.facebook.com/TheAnxietyWellnessCenter/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/aureen-pinto-wagner-ph-d-31756135/ |
 | Sarah Weber Belka, MA, LMHC, LPC, ATR | Sarah Weber Belka, MA, LMHC, LPC, ATR (she/her) is an artist, art therapist, and mental health counselor in Oregon and Washington states. She works with people of all ages who are living with anxiety disorders, OCD, and trauma using both evidence-based practices (ACT, ERP and I-CBT) and art therapy. Sarah has worked in a variety of settings from schools to higher levels of care. She is now in private practice in Bellingham and operates an Intensive Outpatient Program. Sarah also creates mental health merchandise for providers and consumers through her Etsy shop @saywithsarah and personal website. | https://www.sarah-weber.org https://www.instagram.com/saywithsarah/ https://www.facebook.com/saywithsarah/?locale=he_IL |
 | Adam Frank, MD, PhD | Dr. Adam C Frank is a psychiatrist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. He attended UCLA for medical school and graduate school and holds a PhD in neuroscience. He completed adult psychiatry residency at UCSF where he participated in additional training and research in neuromodulation treatments—such as TMS and DBS—for psychiatric indications like depression and OCD. Dr. Frank currently divides his time between caring for individuals with OCD in an outpatient psychiatry clinic, supervising and teaching psychiatry residents at USC, and conducting research on the mechanisms of OCD and improving treatment outcomes through the use of neuroimaging, wearable biosensors, and neuromodulation. | https://sites.usc.edu/FrankOCDLab/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/adam-charles-frank-md-phd-8496596/ https://www.doximity.com/pub/adam-frank-md-ca0248ab |
 | Emily Hanna, PsyD, LCSW | Dr. Hanna is a licensed psychologist at the OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California, and was clinically trained at both UCLA and Michigan Medicine. She has over 10 years of clinical experience, specializing in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, and related disorders. She is passionate about exposure treatment innovation and dissemination. | |
 | Jennifer Palmer, MD | Dr. Jennifer Palmer is a board-certified psychiatrist offering general psychiatric care to adults throughout Maryland. She is particularly interested in reproductive-related psychiatric syndromes in women during the premenstrual, post-partum and perimenopausal times, and the treatment of psychiatric symptoms during pregnancy and breastfeeding. Dr. Palmer received her medical degree from Yale Medical School. She completed her internship in internal medicine at the University of Maryland and her psychiatry residency at Johns Hopkins. Dr. Palmer completed a post-doctoral fellowship in affective disorders at Johns Hopkins during which she was involved in clinical trials studying bipolar depression and mood disorders in women during pregnancy. She continued to see patients in consultation at the Women's Mood Disorder Center as a Johns Hopkins faculty member through 2016. She treated patients in private practice between 2009 and 2024, and has spent the past 2 years as an Attending Psychiatrist at the Retreat at Sheppard Pratt. Dr. Palmer is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association and Past President of the Maryland Psychiatric Society. She is also an associate member of the Society of Biological Psychiatry. | jtpalmer.com |
 | Erin Jones, LCMHCS, PMH-C | Erin Jones, LCMHCS is a therapist at Bull City Anxiety and OCD Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, NC, where she specializes in working with children, teens, and adults with OCD and related disorders. She manages the practice’s intensive ERP program, runs multiple treatment groups, and is a clinical supervisor. She has received training through the IOCDF’s Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and serves on the board for OCD North Carolina. Outside of her work and advocacy, she enjoys spending time with her family, cooking, and finding new books to read. | http://www.bullcityanxiety.com |
 | Saharra L. Dixon, PhD, MA, CHES | Dr. Saharra Dixon is a health behavior scientist, public health storyteller, and creative methods trainer transforming brain and behavioral health equity. As a neuroarts scholar, she works to empower everyone to experience the healing power of the arts as complementary and integrative health practices. Her work has been recognized with a 2026 Renée Fleming NeuroArts Investigator Award, in which she is Co-Principal Investigator on a study examining the efficacy of arts-based health coaching for women of color living with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders. She received the 2025 Health Promotion Practice Sarah Mazelis Paper of the Year Award. In 2022, she was awarded an Active Minds Emerging Scholars Fellowship. Dr. Dixon is also a peer health coach and enjoys working with clients looking for support on their health, grief, and self-advocacy journey. She received her PhD in Public Health from the University of Massachusetts Amherst and is the founder of Creative Methods Studio.health coach. | http://www.saharradixon.com Instagram: @drsaharradixon |
 | Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD, LCSW | Elizabeth McIngvale, Ph.D., LCSW, is a clinician, researcher, and sought-after speaker on anxiety, OCD, and mental health. She serves as Director of the OCD Institute of Texas and adjunct faculty at Baylor College of Medicine, bringing both deep clinical expertise and a gift for making complex mental health topics accessible to any audience. Dr. McIngvale has authored more than 35 peer-reviewed journal articles, several textbook chapters, and has delivered over 250 talks, keynotes, and lectures to audiences ranging from clinicians and researchers to patients, families, and the general public. She's facilitated national and international webinars, including the International OCD Foundation's (IOCDF) flagship educational series and has served on expert panels for organizations including the NIH and SAMHSA. She serves as a faculty instructor for the IOCDF's Behavioral Therapy Training Institute. She founded the Peace of Mind Foundation and OCDChallenge.org, one of the first widely used online self-help tools for OCD, both now housed within the IOCDF. As the first national spokesperson for the IOCDF, where she now serves on the Board, she's helped shape the national conversation around OCD, anxiety, and mental health treatment. Diagnosed with OCD at age 12, Dr. McIngvale speaks with a rare dual perspective, as both a clinician and someone with lived experience bringing warmth, honesty, and energy to every stage. She remains deeply committed to expanding access to effective care for those living with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. | http://www.ocditexas.com DrLizOCD |
 | Isabella Sos, AMFT | I am a Marriage and Family Therapist Associate specializing in the treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, anxiety disorders, and related conditions.. My approach is collaborative, compassionate, and evidence-based, helping clients create meaningful change while moving toward a life guided by their values rather than their fears. | https://socalocdprogram.org/ |
 | Caitlin Yantsos | Caitlin is a freshman in college from New York. Caitlin was diagnosed in 5th grade with OCD and after a relentless battle with intrusive thoughts and compulsions for many years, Caitlin is now actively in OCD treatment where she works to combat her OCD. Caitlin is looking forward to studying neuroscience in college where she hopes to become an occupational therapist. She won the 2025 OCD Youth Hero Award at the OCD conference in Chicago and she continues working to break the stigma on OCD. She enjoys boxing, karate, and painting. | |
 | Thröstur Björgvinsson, PhD, ABPP | Thröstur Björgvinsson, PhD, ABPP, is the co-director of the OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California; director of the International Dissemination of Evidence Based Approaches (IDEA lab) at McLean Hospital; associate professor of psychology (part time) at Harvard Medical School. Björgvinsson current research interests and efforts focus on international dissemination of the Bergen 4-Day OCD treatment. He has published over 170 scholarly articles and given or over 400 presentations and workshops, nationally and internationally, on evidence-based treatments for OCD, anxiety disorders and depression. | https://socalocdprogram.org https://www.facebook.com/socalocdprogram/ |
 | Ben Eckstein, LCSW | Ben Eckstein, LCSW is the director and owner of Bull City Anxiety & OCD Treatment Center in Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Ben is a therapist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, and OC-related disorders. In addition to his clinical work, Ben is a speaker, trainer, and author of the book, Worrying is Optional. He is vice-president of OCD North Carolina. | http://www.bullcityanxiety.com https://www.instagram.com/bullcityanxiety/ https://www.facebook.com/bullcityanxiety |
 | Nathan Peterson, LCSW | Nathan specializes in OCD, anxiety, tics and Tourette's, and various BFRB's. His work experience is gained over many years at outpatient mental health clinics, non-profit agencies, inpatient clinics/hospitals, schools, institutes, and through his private practice in Allen, Texas. Nathan has multiple online self-directed programs to help the community in a unique way. He's also the author of Your OCD Will Hate This Book (Penguin Random House). Additionally, he has an OCD and anxiety YouTube channel that has provided hope to millions of people. | http://www.ocd-anxiety.com YouTube: http://www.youtube.com/ocdandanxiety Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ocdandanxietyonline |
 | Jose Enrique Martinez Sanchez | Mental Healt professional at Mexico City, Specialized on treatment for OCD. OCD recovered person. Trained and suppervised by IOCDF Faculty. | https://www.facebook.com/liberTcc https://www.instagram.com/liberat.toc/ https://www.instagram.com/liber.tcc/ |
 | Joali Alexandra Juárez Lujambio | Joali Alexandra Juárez Lujambio is a Mexican architect, designer, mental health advocate, and the founder of Talk TOC MX. After living for 15 years with undiagnosed Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), she established the community in 2019 to ensure that Spanish-speaking individuals would not have to face the disorder in isolation, shame, or misinformation.Talk TOC MX: Mission and EcosystemTalk TOC MX is a global, Spanish-speaking patient support and psychoeducation community recognized by international entities like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). The initiative operates across three core pillars:The Support Groups: Free, virtual peer support spaces for patients and their loved ones, including specialized branches like Talk TOC Family, Partners, and Friends.Talk TOC Podcast: An educational audio series available on platforms like Spotify. It features mental health specialists and raw patient testimonies to dismantle stigmas, explain evidence-based treatments, and normalize OCD conversations.Scientific Research: Joali serves as a research collaborator for the Latin American Trans-ancestry INitiative for OCD genomics (LATINO), contributing to global scientific equity by analyzing how OCD presents across diverse cultural and ethnic backgrounds.Historical Milestones & Future OutlookThe community is currently entering an unprecedented phase of growth and institutional impact:100 Support Sessions: The virtual mutual support groups are on the verge of hitting their 100th session milestone, solidifying their place as a vital, highly consistent sanctuary for the Spanish-speaking OCD community.The First OCD Association in Mexico: Joali is actively leading the legal and operational transition to establish Talk TOC MX as the very first official Civil Association (Asociación Civil) in all of Mexico dedicated exclusively to OCD. This formalization will allow the organization to scale its free mental health services, secure structural funding, and legally transform institutional OCD care nationwide. | linktr.ee/talktocmx https://www.facebook.com/talktocmexico https://www.youtube.com/@TalkTocMx |
 | Karen L Pickett LMFT | Karen Pickett is a licensed psychotherapist and the co-founder of The BFPA Resource Center. She is an expert in the treatment of anxiety disorders and body-focused process addictions (BFPAs), including Panic Disorder, Health Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Agoraphobia, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Skin Picking Disorder and Trichotillomania. Previously, Karen was the Clinical Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles and Faculty in Counseling Psychology at the University of Santa Monica. Karen was a featured psychotherapist on A&E's acclaimed TV series Obsessed. She has also appeared on CBS's The Doctors, Dateline NBC, and The Discovery Health Channel, as well as in numerous print, web and magazine articles. Karen is a professional member of the IOCDF and a former member of the TLC Foundation for BFRB's Board of Directors. | karenpickett.com @karenpickett.lmft @bodyfocusedprocessaddiction |
 | Khashayar Nattagh, MD | Dr. Nattagh is board-certified psychiatrist, researcher, and the Director of the Bridge OCD Program. He earned his medical degree from UCSF and completed his psychiatry residency at Harbor-UCLA Medical Center. He specialized in OCD and related disorders at the UCLA Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior, where he trained in the adult OCD Intensive Outpatient Program, the Insomnia Clinic, and pediatric clinics for OCD, anxiety, and tic disorders. Currently, he sees patients in his private practice and supports the Frank OCD Lab at USC in investigating how to combine psychotherapy with TMS to improve patient outcomes. | khashayarnattaghmd.com |
 | Bethany Shikatani, PhD | Beth Shikatani, PhD, is a licensed clinical psychologist at Cambridge Psychology Group (CPG) who serves as the Director of Clinical Training and Director of the Adult Intensive CBT Program for Anxiety and OCD. She has more than 15 years of experience in providing adults and older adolescents with evidence-based treatment, specifically cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure therapy, with the integration of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT). Dr. Shikatani specializes in treating OCD, anxiety, perfectionism, excoriation and trichotillomania, and other conditions. She loves providing treatment using various modalities – such as through the 2-week Intensive Program and the OCD Skills & Support groups that she facilitates. Prior to joining Cambridge Psychology Group, she was a clinical assistant professor at Boston University and a psychologist at the Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders (CARD). Dr. Shikatani highly enjoys training mental health clinicians through individual consultations and professional workshops. | https://cambridgepsych.org/clinicians/beth-shikatani/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/bethany-shikatani-5b30a836/ |
 | Charles Galyon, PhD | Charles E. Galyon (Ph.D., The University of Tennessee, Knoxville, 2013) is a Licensed Psychologist, researcher, and professional consultant on Tourette’s/Tic Disorders, Autism, and OCD. He is an active member of a statewide professional group out of Vanderbilt University Medical School for the Center of Excellence for Tourette’s Syndrome and previously served as co-chair of the OCD Training Committee for the Association of Contextual Behavioral Sciences. He has worked as a support group facilitator for the Tourette Association of America. His research work focuses on developing public and professional knowledge about Tourette’s/Tics in historically overlooked and minority populations to improve the ability of professionals to aid these populations and improve quality of life. He also has created an statewide community program for neurodiversity and an app, Gilles – the Tourette’s/Tics App, to help the Tourette Community. | http://tandonline.org http://www.linkedin.com/in/cgalyon |
 | Cara Genbauffe, PsyD | Dr. Cara Genbauffe is a staff psychologist and clinical supervisor at the Center for Emotional Health who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, and PTSD. She completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at Rutgers University’s Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP), followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Stress and Anxiety Services of NJ. | https://thecenterforemotionalhealth.com/ |
 | Alyssa L. Faro, PhD | Dr. Alyssa Faro is a licensed psychologist in private practice at True North Health, PLLC in addition to serving on the faculty of Harvard Medical School and as a clinical supervisor and researcher at McLean Hospital. She has extensive experience treating OCD and related disorders across the lifespan with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and other evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), ACT, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE). She previously served as the Director of Clinical Services at McLean Hospital’s OCDI for Children and Adolescents (OCDI Jr.) where she oversaw clinical training and programming, admissions, and supervision. Dr. Faro has presented and written on treating OCD and has been featured in the press as an expert. She is the co-founder of Anchored Approach, PLLC, which provides clinical consultation, training, and educational programming on evidence-based assessment and psychosocial treatment for anxiety disorders and OCD. In addition to her clinical and training work, Dr. Faro is actively engaged in advocacy through her service on the Board of Directors of OCD New Hampshire, contributing to efforts that expand access to evidence-based care and community education. | http://www.anchoredapproach.org https://www.facebook.com/anchored.approach https://www.linkedin.com/company/anchored-approach-pllc |
 | Ceci Garrett, MSW, LICSW | Cecilia "Ceci" Garrett, LICSW, is a clinical social worker who specializes in the treatment of Hoarding Disorder, anxiety, and trauma. Ceci's perspective combines lived experience as a survivor of parental hoarding and professional experience with individuals, families, agencies, and communities impacted by hoarding for more than a decade. She appeared alongside her mother, “Judi,” on A&E’s Hoarders in 2009, and presented Hoarding as a Mental Health Issue at TEDxSpokane in 2015. | https://lighteningtheloadcounseling.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/cecigarrett/ https://www.facebook.com/CeciGarrett |
 | Mayra Diaz, LMFT | Mayra Diaz (she/her) is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and owner of the Anxiety Center of California, a private practice in Los Angeles specializing in the treatment of anxiety, OCD, ADHD, and couples. She is the author of the Panic Attack Relief Workbook. Her clinical work focuses on exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT), with additional experience in neurodiversity-affirming care. She also offers consultation for clinicians on the treatment of OCD, anxiety, and ADHD. | anxietycenterca.com |
 | Kimberley Jayne Quinlan, LMFT | Kimberley Quinlan is a licensed therapist and founder of CBTschool.com, where she helps people manage anxiety, intrusive thoughts, OCD, and panic through evidence-based CBT, ERP, and ACT tools. Alongside 1:1 therapy with her team of therapists, she creates online courses that bring the same evidence-based tools to people without access to therapy, and shares them further through the Your Anxiety Toolkit podcast and YouTube channel. Her work treats self-compassion as a clinical strategy for building a full life alongside anxiety. | http://www.cbtschool.com https://www.instagram.com/youranxietytoolkit/ https://www.youtube.com/@youranxietytoolkit |
 | Victoria Lane, LCSW | Victoria Lane, LCSW, is Program Clinician at the OCD Institute of Texas, dedicated to treating obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, and related disorders. She provides evidence-based, compassionate care to individuals and families, utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with a particular focus on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Victoria completed her clinical social work fellowship at the OCD Institute of Texas, where she received intensive training in CBT and ERP. She brings this experience to her current clinical position at OCDI, offering individualized care that empowers patients to reclaim meaningful lives. A regular speaker at the International OCD Foundation’s (IOCDF) Annual Conference, Victoria presents on topics that include navigating young adulthood with OCD, supporting loved ones with OCD, and turning points in OCD treatment. In addition, she is a co-leader of the IOCDF’s Young Adult Special Interest Group, where she serves as a voice for increasing access to effective care for individuals and families affected by OCD and anxiety. Drawing on both her professional training and lived experience with OCD, Victoria is deeply committed to helping individuals achieve freedom from OCD and anxiety through evidence-based treatment. She integrates empathy, authenticity, and advocacy into her clinical work and is dedicated to advancing education, reducing stigma, and promoting understanding of OCD and anxiety disorders. | |
 | Jason Yu, RCC, MACP | Jason Yu is a counsellor with Island Clinical Counselling. His work focuses on BFRBs (Body focused repetitive behaviours such as hair-pulling, skin-picking, nail-biting), ADHD, and Autism. He has found his way into counselling after leaving a career in civil engineering and overcoming his shame with his own compulsive skin-picking. He also hosts Fidget, a podcast for your BFRB toolbox. He lives in Vancouver, Canada. | https://islandclinicalcounselling.ca/ |
 | Samantha Deana, PsyD | Dr. Samantha Deana is a staff psychologist at the Center for Emotional Health who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, OCD and related disorders, body-focused repetitive behaviors, PTSD, and insomnia. She completed her doctorate in clinical psychology at La Salle University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at the Center for Emotional Health. | https://thecenterforemotionalhealth.com/ |
 | Michelle Massi LMFT | Michelle Massi is a licensed Marriage & Family Therapist and has been treating OCD and OC Related disorders for over 20 years. Ms. Massi has a group private practice in Los Angeles, CA where she specializes in CBT to treat OCD, OC-spectrum disorders and other anxiety disorders in children, teens and adults. She is also licensed in Arizona, Georgia, New York, Texas, District of Columbia and Florida. In addition to her private practice, Michelle is an IOCDF BTTI faculty member and provides consultations to other clinicians. Previously, Ms. Massi was the Associate Clinical Director at the UCLA OCD Intensive Treatment Program. She also worked in the UCLA Childhood OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program as well as the UCLA Adult Anxiety Research Program. | http://www.anxietytherapyla.com @anxietytherapyla |
 | April Kilduff, LCPC, LPCC, LMHC, LPC | April Kilduff, MA, LCPC, LPCC, LMHC, LPC (she/they) is a Therapist, Clinical Training Specialist & Consultant with her own private practice & also contracts with NOCD. Previously she worked in OCD/Anxiety IOP/PHPs in the Ascension & Rogers Behavioral Health Hospitals in Chicago. April also served as a Clinical Director at a group practice where she trained staff on treating OCD with Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP). As a therapist, she has enjoyed working with autistic adults struggling with OCD for the past 17 years & was identified as autistic herself in 2022. When not working, you can find her at home with her cat, reading, taking photos & planning trips to see the world. | http://www.challengeanxiety.com |
 | Murron O'Neill, LICSW | Murron O’Neill, LICSW is the co-founder of Reveal Counseling, an outpatient clinic focusing on the treatment of anxiety, OCD, and trauma-spectrum disorders using ERP, ACT, and CPT to serve clients located in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and Maine. Murron has received training from and provided treatment at a range of facilities specializing in OCD, including McLean Hospital’s OCDI Jr., CBTeam, and the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety. Murron more recently served as the Clinical Director at a trauma-focused clinic to provide treatment to those experiencing comorbid OCD/trauma symptoms. They particularly enjoy working with members of the queer and neurodivergent community. | revealcounseling.org |
 | Hilary Weingarden, PhD | Hilary Weingarden, PhD, is Clinical Research Director at HabitAware and a practicing licensed psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatments for obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRDs) in MA. Prior to her role at HabitAware, she was an Assistant Professor at Harvard Medical School and the Massachusetts General Hospital Center for OCRDs. Dr. Weingarden researches shame in OCRDs and the use of technology to enhance assessments and treatments. Her work has been supported by NIMH and Harvard Medical School and she has published >50 peer-reviewed manuscripts. At HabitAware, she contributes to securing and executing NIH-funded research and developing innovative tools for individuals with BFRBs and related conditions. | http://www.hilaryweingardenphd.com @hilaryweingardenphd (Instagram) |
 | Gina Abbondante, MSW, LCSW | Gina began her education at Rider University, with a Bachelors of Psychology and concentration in Cognitive Neuroscience. She went on to obtain a Masters of Social Work from Rutgers University in 2009, and completed her clinical licensure in 2012. Gina’s specialty and passion is treating anxiety disorders and OCD, particularly in pregnancy and postpartum. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention, Inference-based CBT for OCD, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, and Metacognitive Therapy. She is a co-owner of OCD Training School, and was an early adopter of Inference-based CBT in the United States, and was one of the first to provide training on this modality in the maternal mental health space. In addition to teaching and private practice, Gina provides ongoing consultation for other clinicians working with perinatal anxiety disorders and OCD. | http://www.changeofmindcounseling.com, http://www.ocdtrainingschool.com |
 | Alexandra Riedel | Ali is a Master of Social Work student at Simmons University and a Clinical Support Specialist at Clearview OCD Counseling, LLC. After living with undiagnosed OCD for two decades and eventually receiving effective ERP treatment, she developed a deep passion for learning about OCD treatment and expanding access to compassionate, evidence-based care. Her clinical interests include mental compulsions and OCD presentations such as religious and moral scrupulosity, existential OCD, and emotional contamination. With a background in clinical psychological research, Ali is particularly interested in translating research findings into clinical approaches and case management. She also has a strong interest in evidence-based approaches to co-occurring conditions, including ADHD, social anxiety disorder, and autism spectrum disorder. Her broader interests include studying and applying theories underlying clinical approaches, including contextual behavioral science and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), as well as mechanisms of exposure and the integration of person-centered, compassionate care into evidence-based treatment. | https://ocd-therapy.com/ali-riedel/ |
 | Anna Morgan, LCSW | Anna Morgan, LCSW, is an OCD and Anxiety Disorders specialist and founder of Serene Minds Wellness. She specializes in treating OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), with extensive experience supporting individuals across a wide range of OCD presentations. In addition to her private practice, Anna develops ERP-based treatment programs and provides training on evidence-based approaches to OCD and anxiety treatment for clinicians and graduate students. She is also dedicated to increasing awareness and support for the OCD community through her service on the San Diego Regional Council for OCD SoCal. Anna integrates movement and mind-body wellness into her work through walk-and-talk therapy and community wellness activities. | https://www.serenemindswellness.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgananna/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100066285113826 |
 | Sean McCartney | Sean McCartney is an individual whose OCD and other anxiety-related disorders have significantly impacted his life. In 2022, at the point of being completely debilitated by his OCD, alongside the support of his family, he decided to pursue residential treatment at OCDI Texas. Having had great success in treatment, Sean wants to spread his story to show that recovery is more than possible and that no matter how dark it gets, there is always hope. Inspired by his journey and that of those around him, Sean has decided to pursue a degree in psychology at the University of Houston. | |
 | Carly Samach LMHC | Carly Samach, LMHC, is the Clinical Director and co-founder of Upstate Center for OCD & Anxiety. She earned her Master’s degree in Clinical Counseling from the University at Albany and brings over a decade of experience across inpatient, intensive outpatient, and outpatient settings, working with individuals ages 4 to 80. Carly specializes in the treatment of OCD and complex anxiety disorders, with a strong emphasis on evidence-based care delivered through a humanistic, person-centered lens. In addition to her clinical work, she provides advanced training and consultation to fellow clinicians and leads ongoing professional development at the Upstate Center. Her current research explores the role of hope in treatment outcomes, informing both the Center’s clinical philosophy and its commitment to helping individuals move toward fuller, values-aligned lives. | http://www.upstatecenter.org @ocdupstatecenter @counselingwithcarly |
 | Zach Pacha, LCSW | Zach is the owner and therapist at The Anxiety and OCD Center of Iowa. He currently provides individualized therapy to clients. His focus is using evidence-based therapies for all Anxiety and OCD related disorders (including ERP). Zach is an ardent supporter of exposure therapy and continues to train others and provide this daily. He provides consultation to professionals, training with individuals, groups and organizations, presentations, webinars, and podcasts. | http://www.iowaanxietycenter.com |
 | Evelyn Gould, PhD | Dr Gould (they/she) is a Clinical Psychologist from N. Ireland. Evie is passionate about addressing issues of diversity, equity and inclusion in OCD treatment, and their work reflects personal and professional values of authenticity, compassion, and social justice. Dr Gould is a Fellow of the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science and previously served on the board of directors for OCDSoCal (an affiliate of the IOCDF). Dr Gould recently joined the IOCDF DEI Action Council and co-facilitates the task force on disability accessibility. Evie identifies as neuroqueer and has lived experience of disability and chronic illness. | http://www.newenglandocd.org @dr_evelyn_gould (Instagram) |
 | Scott Granet, LCSW | Scott Granet, LCSW holds an MSW degree from New York University and specializes in the treatment of OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). He has presented at numerous conferences worldwide and has taught continuing education classes at universities and other institutions throughout the U.S., including the Rutgers University School of Social Work, the UC Berkeley Extension, the University of Chicago Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice and the NYU Silver School of Social Work. Mr. Granet is the author of The Complete OCD Workbook: A Step-by-Step Guide to Free Yourself from Intrusive Thoughts and Compulsive Behaviors and Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Mine and Yours: A Personal and Clinical Perspective. A third book, The Body Acceptance Workbook for Teens: Break the Cycle of Obsessive Thoughts and Heal Body Dysmorphic Disorder, is scheduled to be published by New Harbinger Publications in March 2027. Mr. Granet is also a founding board member and former president of OCD San Francisco, the Bay Area affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. | ocd-bddclinic.com |
 | Diana Matthiessen, LCSW | I am a therapist at the OCD and Anxiety Program of Southern California and treat OCD in adults and adolescents. | http://www.socalocdprogram.org |
 | Barbara Lally, CPC | Barbara Lally is a trichotillomania advocate, author, certified professional coach, and peer coach with HabitAware. Drawing from more than two decades of lived experience, Barbara is passionate about helping people with body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs) move toward self-love and self-acceptance. She is the author of The Trichster Diaries and host of the Trich Talks podcast, where she creates honest conversations that help people feel seen, supported, and less alone. | barbaralally.com @itsbarbaralally |
 | Amy Mariaskin, PhD | Amy Mariaskin, Ph.D. is a clinical psychologist and owner of the Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center. She has experience working with OCD, anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, and OC spectrum disorders across the lifespan. She is passionate about working with children, families, and couples as well as serving individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. Dr. Mariaskin is the author of the book Thriving in Relationships with OCD and is active in training and community education. She serves as faculty for the IOCDF’s BTTI, adjunct faculty at Vanderbilt University, and a board member for OCD Tennessee. | ocdnashville.com IG: @ocdnashville |
 | Sonakshi Bidyadhar, M.Sc. | Sonakshi is a psychotherapist shaped by her journey with OCD, clinical training and experience working with youth in India. Having witnessed how distress does not always fit into neat diagnostic boxes, especially across cultures, she advocates for culturally attuned research and care that transcends Western diagnostic boundaries. Sonakshi prioritizes service beyond the therapy room through community centered efforts and serves on DEI committees with IOCDF and OCD Texas. She hopes to bridge training and cultural reality to better serve immigrant and marginalized youth. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonakshi-bidyadhar-94490b190/ |
 | Jane Fuller, LPC | Jane Fuller is a Licensed Professional Counselor (MS, CO) and owner of a private practice specializing in anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. She has extensive experience treating individuals with OCD and related disorders and provides evidence-based, formulation-driven care tailored to each client. Jane is extensively trained in I-CBT and has developed particular expertise in applying this approach to complex and co-occurring presentations. She has also regularly offered consultation within the I-CBT community of therapists, supporting clinicians in case conceptualization and the application of I-CBT principles in practice. She is an EMDR Certified Therapist and Consultant and has a strong interest in the intersection of OCD and trauma, helping clinicians navigate these overlapping processes. | fullermindcounseling.com @fullermind_counseling |
 | Jesse Verhoeven, MA, LMHC | Jesse Verhoeven is a licensed mental health counselor (LMHC) working as a clinician at Clearview OCD Counseling, LLC. Jesse graduated with her Master’s degree from Northeastern University following undergraduate studies at Skidmore College. Jesse takes a holistic and individualized approach to client care, working with children and adults to address their unique needs. Jesse takes a particular interest in supporting persons who have OCD, Anxiety, PTSD, and Depression. Jesse has received specialized training in evidence based exposure therapies (ERP, and Prolonged Exposure) alongside CBT, ACT, and expressive arts therapies. Jesse is committed to fostering a safe, inclusive, and collaborative space for all. | https://ocd-therapy.com/jesse-verhoeven/ |
 | Rev. Katie O'Dunne, DMin | Rev. Dr. Katie O’Dunne (she/her) is an ordained minister in the United Church of Christ and founder of Stick with the Ick, a virtual inclusive interfaith community app for those navigating faith and OCD, offering resources across traditions. She spent seven years as Academy Chaplain and Chair of Religious Studies at Woodward Academy in Atlanta while consulting on interfaith programming nationwide. Katie now educates clinicians and clergy on culturally responsive treatment across religious/spiritual contexts, leads the IOCDF Faith & OCD Leadership Circle, and consults with OCDI Texas on Religion & OCD. She received Vanderbilt’s Doctor of Ministry Award for Distinction in Integrative Care Practices. | faithandocd.com https://www.instagram.com/stickwiththeick/ https://www.youtube.com/@stickwiththeick |
 | Ariane Myers, PhD | Ariane Myers, PhD is a clinical psychologist based in San Diego, where she works with children, adolescents, and adults. She runs a private practice specializing in OCD, anxiety disorders, Tourette’s disorder, and neurodevelopmental disabilities. Her clinical work emphasizes collaborative family involvement, helping parents and adults navigate the complex relationship between OCD, neurodivergence, and disability. She facilitates a therapist peer consultation group, serves as adjunct faculty, and is committed to improving access to evidence-based care for individuals with OCD and related conditions. | https://pointlomaclinic.com |
 | Sidney Lodge | Sidney studies psychology and occupational science at the University of Southern California. She has lived experience with OCD, PTSD, and treatment-resistant depression. Although experiencing symptoms of OCD since a young age, Sidney wasn't diagnosed until age 21. After engaging in ERP, she found a passion for speaking to others about her experiences, hoping to reduce stigma and increase awareness. Through the IOCDF, Sidney is a co-leader of the Young Adult SIG, helps host monthly livestreams, and a member of the LGBTQIA+ SIG and the Trauma/PTSD SIG. Outside of advocacy, Sidney enjoys connecting with all types of people, animals, and nature. | |
 | Jacob Cross, MD | Hello! I am Dr. Jacob Cross, a Yale-trained, board-certified psychiatrist and the founder of Curious Minds. My practice is passionate about helping people who are struggling with OCD, Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, and PTSD. Curious Minds offers virtual psychiatric services to adults in Illinois. | https://www.curiousmindspsychiatry.com/ Instagram @curiousmindspsychiatry |
 | Mike Heady, LCPC | Mike is the co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute. He is a faculty member with the IOCDFs Training Institute, co-chair of their ICBT SIG, and serves on the advisory board for OCD Training School. He is recognized for his leadership in educating and advocating for evidence-based treatments, especially ICBT for OCD among U.S. clinicians and consumers. Appearing in numerous podcasts, webinars, and recently guest editing and co-authoring an issue of the journal, The Maryland Psychologist, dedicated to understanding ICBT. He is a sought-after national speaker and consultant on implementation of evidence-based treatments like ERP and ICBT. | http://www.anxietyandstress.com |
 | Andrew Cohen, M.S., LMFT | Andrew Cohen, M.S., LMFT, is the Founder of Cohen OCD Therapy and an OCD specialist whose work is deeply shaped by his own lived experience with OCD, including Relationship OCD. Having personally known the pain of intrusive doubt, uncertainty, reassurance-seeking, and the fear that OCD can attach itself to the people and values we care about most, Andrew brings both professional expertise and personal understanding to his work. He is passionate about helping individuals and families feel less alone, better understand how OCD operates, and access treatment that is compassionate, practical, and evidence-based. Andrew has received specialized training through the International OCD Foundation’s BTTI programs, the Tourette Association of America’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute, and ongoing consultation with leaders in the field. His approach integrates ERP, ACT, CBT, SPACE, ComB, and CBIT, with a focus on helping people move toward uncertainty, discomfort, connection, and a more meaningful life. In addition to therapy, Andrew is committed to education, advocacy, reducing stigma, and creating spaces where people with OCD can speak honestly about their experiences without shame. | cohenocdtherapy.com @cohenocdtherapy instagram |
 | Danielle Cohen, LMFT | Danielle Cohen is a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) specializing in OCD and anxiety-related disorders, with both professional and lived experience with OCD shaping her compassionate, collaborative approach to treatment. She utilizes evidence-based therapies including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), ComB, CBIT, and SPACE to help children, teens, and adults face fears, tolerate discomfort and uncertainty, and build more fulfilling lives. In addition to her clinical work, Danielle supports the clinical and operational growth of Cohen OCD Therapy through clinician training and practice oversight. She earned her BA in Psychology and Master’s in Counseling Psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy from California Lutheran University and developed additional clinical and leadership expertise through specialized training from the International OCD Foundation’s BTTI program for pediatric OCD and anxiety disorders, the Tourette Association of America’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute, and her previous work at NOCD. Danielle’s own experience with OCD gives her a personal understanding of how consuming fears and compulsive behaviors can become, and she works closely with clients to create individualized treatment plans that foster meaningful, lasting change. | cohenocdtherapy.com |
 | Melissa Mose, MA, LMFT | Melissa Mose is a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in private practice in Los Angeles for over 30 years. Since 2011 she has run a group practice specializing in the treatment of individuals with OCD and their families, where she supervises and trains her clinical team in an integrative, systems-focused approach grounded in evidence-based treatments specific to OCD. Melissa is the immediate past-president and current treasurer of OCD Southern California, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation, and an international speaker on OCD and its treatment. She is the author of Internal Family Systems Therapy for OCD: A Clinician's Guide. Her mission is to expand awareness, earlier identification, and accessible treatment options for individuals with OCD and their families. | http://www.MelissaMoseMFT.com |
 | Mayra Cecilia Martínez Mallen, MD | I am a psychiatrist a cognitive behavioral psychotherapist, and a certified mindfulness teacher. I have seeing patients with OCD and OCD spectrum disorders since 2003. | https://centromedicoabc.com/medico/mayra-cecilia-martinez-mallen/ instagram: @mayramtzmallen tiktok: @mayramtzmallen |
 | Michelle Witkin, Ph.D. | Michelle Witkin, Ph.D., is a licensed psychologist with over 30 years experience. She is in private practice in Valencia, CA, where she specializes in treating children, teens, and adults with OCD and anxiety disorders. She is a regular presenter at conferences and on podcasts, and volunteers extensively leading support groups for anxiety and OCD sufferers and their loved ones. Dr. Witkin has specialized interests in how OCD and Jewish identity interact and how the menopausal transition impacts women’s mental health. She is a Clinical Fellow of the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. | https://drmichellewitkin.com/ https://www.instagram.com/drmichellewitkin/ |
 | Bronwyn Shroyer, LCSW | Bronwyn Shroyer is a Co-Founder of OCD Training School (OCDTS), and a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 20 years of experience. Her clinical practice focuses on treating those with OCD, OCD+PTSD, and/or infidelity/integrity violation trauma. In addition to her private practice and training work at OCDTS, Bronwyn provides OCD and PTSD consultation to clinicians around the world and is a founding co-chair of the International OCD Foundation's Inference-based CBT (I-CBT) Special Interest Group. Bronwyn gives presentations about OCD treatment and OCD+PTSD in various conferences/group settings and has been a guest on multiple podcasts to discuss OCD and PTSD diagnosis and treatment. Bronwyn is also an EMDRIA Approved Consultant and is certified in Ex/RP (ERP) by the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety at UPENN. | http://www.ocdtrainingschool.com @ocdtrainingschool |
 | Alejandro Arellano Espinosa | I´m an engineer, OCD patient and mental health advocate from México City. I love dogs, food and college football. Unfortunately, OCD has been a very intense in my life since I was a kid, but with the help of therapy, medication and dearest friends, I have been able to improve and chase my dreams. I have the privilege to participate in Talk TOC as administrator and collaborator since 2019. Throughout the advocacy and educational work, I had met the most amazing and dearest people in my life: Talk TOC, Joy (the founder of Talk TOC) and all the people that conform the community saved my life though empathy, friendship and community. | https://linktr.ee/TalkTOCMX https://www.facebook.com/talktocmexico https://www.instagram.com/talktocmx/ |
 | Matthew McCutcheon | Matthew lived with unrecognized symptoms of OCD since childhood. After finally being diagnosed at 22 and receiving life changing treatment with ERP, ACT, and I-CBT, as well as support from the wonderful communities in OCD New Hampshire's peer support group, IOCDF's Young Adult SIG, and the OCD and Chronic Illness SIG, Matthew now enjoys giving back to the OCD community as chair of OCDNH's Community Education and Engagement committee, as a host of OCDNH's peer support group, and by speaking about his lived experiences with OCD and the OCD recovery journey. | |
 | Jessie Birnbaum, LCSW | Jessie Birnbaum, LCSW, has a Bachelors degree in Psychology from Wake Forest University and a Masters of Social Work from Boston University. She is an Associate Therapist at NOCD. Her own diagnosis of OCD at an early age ignited a passion for advocating for OCD and becoming a therapist. She is an IOCDF Advocate, a co-leader of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Young Adult Special Interest Group, and co-founded the IOCDF Chronic Illness/Disability SIG after noticing a gap in resources for individuals with chronic health conditions and OCD. | https://www.treatmyocd.com/therapists/771419/jessie.birnbaum @chronically.courageous |
 | Sarah Redzikowski | Sarah Redzikowski is a Los Angeles-based content creator, beauty professional, and mental health advocate who openly shares her lived experience with dermatillomania and OCD. After decades of keeping her skin picking private, Sarah began sharing her journey publicly on social media, using her platform to challenge the shame and secrecy surrounding BFRBs and help others feel less alone. In 2025, her story of breaking decades of silence around dermatillomania was featured in The New York Times. Sarah continues to use her platform to have honest conversations about mental health, self-worth, beauty, and what it means to be seen while living with a disorder that is often hidden. | https://www.instagram.com/beautybysarah?igsi=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr https://www.tiktok.com/@sarahredzikowski?_r=1&_t=ZP-999UQS52zzb |
 | Kelly Flanagan, LPC-MHSP | Kelly is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Counselor Supervisor. As Clinical Director at Nashville OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center, Kelly works to teach and train new clinicians in evidence based practices including ERP, ACT, and DBT. Additionally, she provides education and consultation on best practices for treating OCD and related disorders to clinicians in the community. Kelly works with clients and families across the lifespan and is appreciated by her colleagues for her direct yet validating therapy style. | http://www.ocdnashville.com |
 | Ellen Crupi | Director at HabitAware, Ellen Crupi leverages over seven years in trichotillomania recovery to foster mental health improvements. She is trained in Yale University’s SPACE program and actively advocates for BFRB awareness, enhancing lives through education, community, peer coaching, and technology. | http://www.habitaware,com IG HabitAware |
 | Alyssa Goodman, PsyD | Dr. Alyssa Goodman is a licensed psychologist who provides psychotherapy, parent training, and comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for individuals across the lifespan. She specializes in working with autistic and neurodivergent individuals, particularly those experiencing co-occurring anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), depression, and executive functioning difficulties. Her clinical approach is evidence-based, collaborative, and neurodiversity-affirming, with particular expertise in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and a clinical interest in the intersection of Autism and OCD. She works closely with individuals and families to develop skills and support their generalization across home, school, work, and other settings. Dr. Goodman received her Psy.D. in School Psychology from St. John’s University in 2024 and is a New York State Certified School Psychologist. Her clinical training has included externships at the Child Mind Institute’s Autism Center and the Commack Union Free School District, as well as a predoctoral internship at Family of Kidz, where she provided psychotherapy, psychological and psychoeducational assessment, and school-based services. Dr. Goodman also conducts comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations to provide diagnostic clarification, identify individual patterns of strengths and challenges, and develop tailored recommendations to support functioning across settings. | |
 | Madison Di Silvio MA, LPC | Madison Di Silvio, LPC (she/her), is a Chicago-based Licensed Professional Counselor specializing in OCD, anxiety, panic disorders, and body-focused repetitive behaviors (BFRBs). A lived experience clinician, Madison integrates professional expertise with personal understanding and utilizes evidence-based approaches including I-CBT, ERP, ACT, and ComB. She is on the board of OCD Midwest and has presented at local and national conferences, including the Illinois Counseling Association and the International OCD Foundation. Her work focuses on making OCD and anxiety treatment more compassionate, accessible, and understood. | https://www.chicagocounselingcenter.com/madison-di-silvio Instagram: Obsessivelystrong Tiktok: Obsessivelystrong |
 | Aneela Idnani | Aneela Idnani is a lived-experience expert in Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) and co-founder of the tech startup HabitAware, which creates innovative solutions with sensor technology for mental health recovery and behavior change. HabitAware is a TIME Magazine “Best Invention” and has secured large external funding from both the National Science Foundation and National Institute of Health. Aneela is also an author, TEDx and keynote speaker. Aneela knows that when we lead with love, we find peace and purpose. Her memoir, Aneela, Where are Your Eyebrows? with New Harbinger Publications is available now. | http://www.habitaware.com instagram.com/habitaware instagram.com/aneelaidnani |
 | María Andrea Arellano, PhD | Maria Andrea Arellano, PhD is a licensed clinical psychologist in California who provides therapy for adults with a range of mental health concerns, and specializes in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and OCD-related conditions. Dr. Arellano completed specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) at the UCLA OCD Adult Intensive Outpatient Program, where she also conducted research examining the relationship between OCD and co-occurring conditions before and after ERP treatment. She is certified through the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and integrates additional evidence-based approaches alongside ERP to provide individualized care. | |
 | Sandy M. Robinson, MA, MLIS | Sandy M. Robinson holds a Master of Library and Information Science Degree, and an MA in Literature with a focus on disability and aging studies. She has a physical disability, a chronic bowel condition, and OCD. Sandy co-leads the Chronic Illness SIG and DEIAC’s Disability Taskforce (both IOCDF). Sandy’s dedicated to sharing her own experience with mental illness to squash stigma and improve knowledge about evidence-based treatments for OCD. She lives and works in Ontario, Canada. | https://www.instagram.com/chronically.courageous/ https://www.instagram.com/sandyreadsbooks/ |
 | Meredith Hettler, LMFT | Meredith A. Hettler, MS, LMFT is the National Director of OCD and Anxiety Services at Newport Healthcare, where she leads the development, implementation, and expansion of evidence-based OCD and anxiety programming across levels of care. A licensed marriage and family therapist with more than 15 years of experience in behavioral healthcare, Meredith specializes in obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, exposure and response prevention (ERP), program development, and clinical workforce education. Meredith teaches a course at the Yale Child Study Center and is pursuing her PhD in Health Professions Education at the MGH Institute of Health Professions. Her work focuses on improving access to evidence-based behavioral healthcare through clinical innovation, interprofessional education, and scalable approaches to workforce development. She has developed national ERP training initiatives for clinicians and direct care staff and has presented nationally on topics including OCD, anxiety, family treatment, clinical innovation, and the use of artificial intelligence in behavioral healthcare. Her scholarly work includes a published case report examining the integration of Attachment-Based Family Therapy with ERP in residential OCD treatment. Meredith’s broader professional interests center on closing the gap between evidence and practice and designing behavioral healthcare systems that make specialized, high-quality treatment more accessible. | http://www.linkedin.com/in/meredith-hettler-lmft-8373459 |
 | Breanna Myers, LCSW | Breanna Myers, LCSW is a child and adolescent therapist at InStride Health currently based in New York City. Breanna received her master’s in social work from New York University with a focus on clinical services and integrated behavioral health care for youth. Breanna specializes in the treatment of anxiety and OCD and holds an additional specialization in trauma, having previously worked with children and adolescents presenting with symptoms of PTSD and adults and families struggling to cope after surviving domestic violence. Breanna comes to this work because of her love of serving young people and desire to break down barriers to quality mental health care for those from marginalized communities. Outside of work, Breanna is a dancer who loves to share her passion for mental health with young artists. You can catch her teaching both hip hop and Mental Health in Dance seminars at Embody Dance Conference. Breanna has been a speaker at the IOCDF annual conference, the IOCDF online camp, ABCT conference, and the NYMHCA annual conference. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/breannamyers/ |
 | Mary Walters, LMHC | Mary Walters, LMHC, is passionate about treating obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, panic attacks, and severe phobias. She takes a special interest in working with clients who present with taboo themes and uses ERP and ACT to help her clients live a shame-free and fulfilled life. She also enjoys working with the LGBTQIA+, polyamorous, and neurodivergent communities. Mary lives with chronic illness, disability, and OCD and is passionate about accessibility to care, advocacy, and living life shamelessly. Mary has also given talks through OCDRI, OCDMA and has provided trainings at both the undergraduate and professional levels. | |
 | Stephanie Yin, LICSW | Stephanie Yin, LICSW is a child and adolescent therapist at InStride Health who is currently based in New York City. She received her master’s in social work from Boston College and bachelor’s in psychology from Tufts University. Stephanie specializes in treating anxiety, OCD, and related disorders in children, teens, and young adults. Prior to joining the InStride team, Stephanie worked in the psychosocial pediatric oncology team at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute, where she provided grief counseling to patients diagnosed with life-threatening illnesses and their families. Stephanie has extensive experience working with underprivileged youth in public school and outpatient hospital settings, and is passionate about providing compassionate and evidenced-based treatment to families. Outside of work, she enjoys running, rock climbing, and trying new recipes and cuisines. | |
 | Carl Robbins, LCPC | http://www.anxietyandstress.com | |
 | Jonathan Stoll, LMFT | Jonathan Stoll is an LMFT working within the OCD population in Ventura County, nestled just west of Los Angeles proper. Jonathan has a history of working with addiction, autism, and teenage populations before this, with a significant history related to immediate family work within an ABFT lense. Jonathan is always excited to learn more and understand a new element of the world and life around him. | |
 | Elyssa Steinberg, LPC | Elyssa Steinberg, LPC, is a therapist specializing in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders at Newport Healthcare in Leesburg, Virginia. Her clinical work focuses on the treatment of adolescents and young adults utilizing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Attachment-Based Family Therapy (ABFT), and evidence-based interventions for OCD and anxiety-related conditions. In addition to direct clinical care, Elyssa has supported clinician training and consultation in ERP and collaborated on the development of OCD-specific programming and therapeutic materials within residential treatment settings. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/elyssa-steinberg-748858365?utm_source=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=member_android |
 | Dustin Miller, LCSW | Dustin Miller, LCSW, is the founder of DM Therapy, a Los Angeles-based private practice focused on OCD, anxiety, mood difficulties, and related problems in living. He is a Diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies and provides treatment grounded in CBT, ERP, and DBT. Dustin is especially interested in taking treatment beyond the therapy office and into everyday life. His work includes in-home and community-based treatment, with thoughtful integration of ERP and DBT. He also helps patients work on the everyday factors that shape how they feel and function—including sleep, exercise, nutrition, daily structure, and meaningful activity. In addition to his clinical work, Dustin supports the Los Angeles County Fire Department through its behavioral health peer support program. On some weekends, you may even spot him in red trunks at a lifeguard tower. | dm-therapy.com instagram @dmtherapy__ |
 | Moselle Campbell, PhD | Dr. Campbell specializes in providing evidence based treatments to children, adolescents and young adults with OCD and anxiety disorders. She specializes in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) with exposure and response prevention (ERP), as well as comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) and habit reversal training (HRT) for skin picking and hair pulling. Dr. Campbell is the Director of Child and Adolescent Intensive Programs at Cambridge Psychology Group. She developed the BRAVE Crew Programs, which were specifically designed for children and adolescents experiencing anxiety, OCD, and other difficult emotions. | https://cambridgepsych.org/child-therapy-services/#brave-programs |
 | Michelle Gomez-Salazar, LCSW | Michelle Gomez-Salazar is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in private practice serving adults throughout California and New York, with a focus on OCD and anxiety disorders. She began her career as a medical social worker at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital, where her work with patients living with HIV/AIDS gave her an early appreciation for the impact that stigma and shame can have on people navigating often-misunderstood conditions. Michelle’s interest in OCD began during the pandemic, when she saw a growing number of clients seeking help for OCD symptoms and became drawn to learning more about the disorder and its treatment. Since then, she has pursued specialized training and ongoing consultation in evidence-based approaches, including ERP, ACT, and I-CBT. Michelle has also presented to clinicians and undergraduate audiences and serves on the OCD SoCal Regional Council in Orange County. | http://www.michellegomezsalazar.com |
 | Yumi Terajima, PsyD | Dr. Yumi Terajima (she/her) is a licensed Clinical Psychologist specializing in the treatment of OCD and anxiety-related disorders, and couples therapy. In addition, she enjoys working with first- and second-generation individuals navigating through various intergenerational dynamics and struggles. She utilizes a culturally informed, integrative approach that draws from various evidence-based modalities such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Gottman Method for Couples Counseling, and Emotionally Focused Therapy (EFT). In addition to founding her virtual solo practice, Yumi Terajima Psy.D., she is a practicing clinician at Beverly Hills-based group practice Straight Up Treatment. While Yumi has previously given trainings and presentations on therapeutic interventions for vulnerable minority populations, this is her first time presenting on OCD-related topics. | https://yumiterajimapsyd.com/ |
 | Tarik Hadzic MD PhD | Tarik Hadzic, MD, PhD, is a physician scientist and Medical Director of National OCD Services and Southern California Programs at Newport Healthcare, where he directs residential treatment for adolescents and young adults with severe OCD and has led intensive programs across levels of care. Dr. Hadzic has substantial experience treating complex and treatment-refractory OCD and anxiety across residential and partial hospitalization settings, where OCD frequently co-occurs with Autism Spectrum Disorder and other neurodevelopmental conditions. He completed the MD-PhD program at Washington University in St. Louis, psychiatry residency at Washington University and a child and adolescent psychiatry research fellowship at the UCLA Semel Institute, where he published on genomic structural variation and autism. Board-certified in adult and child and adolescent psychiatry, he specializes in refractory OCD, OCRDs, anxiety, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Tourette’s and neurodevelopmental disorders. He has developed expertise in combining ERP with biological interventions and adaptations for treatment-refractory cases. His approach combines evidence-based psychotherapy, innovative psychopharmacology, and neurointerventional referrals when indicated, integrating emerging therapeutics and technology to improve outcomes in complex OCD care. | https://www.newportinstitute.com/programs/obsessive-compulsive-disorder/ |
 | Brie Godin, MPH | Brie currently works as a research coordinator at the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Outside of work she has been involved in multiple mental health advocacy pursuits and activities including serving as an advocate for the International OCD foundation, writing for Not Alone Notes, and sharing her experience in various social media spaces. Brie also enjoys art and music. She plays violin in multiple community orchestras and loves to crochet in her spare time. | https://www.instagram.com/briegodin?igsi=MTh3eHpxNHAzbzZzcA%3D%3D&utm_source=qr |
 | Kim Cox, LMFT | Kimberly Cox, LMFT, is a psychotherapist, clinical supervisor, consultant, and educator specializing in OCD and anxiety across the lifespan and the intersection of OCD with ADHD, autism, and AuDHD. With over 15 years of experience working with children, adults, and families, her approach integrates ACT-informed ERP, family-based interventions, and neurodiversity-affirming care. Kim provides clinical consultation and training focused on complex OCD, neurodivergence, family accommodation, and adapting evidence-based treatment to individual neurodevelopmental needs. She has presented and provided professional training through the IOCDF, OCD SoCal, OCD Training School, and other professional organizations. | https://anxiety-treatment.org/ https://www.instagram.com/theTeaOnAnxiety/ |
 | Jennifer Siegel, MD | Dr. Jennifer Siegel is a board-certified psychiatrist practicing in Southern California. She earned her medical degree from the University of Pennsylvania Perelman School of Medicine after graduating summa cum laude from Washington University in St. Louis, where she received her bachelor’s degree in psychology with minors in graphic design and studio art. She completed her psychiatry residency training at the University of Southern California, where she served as chief resident of outpatient psychiatry. Currently, Dr. Siegel specializes in medication management & therapy for OCD, OCD-related disorders, and anxiety spectrum disorders. She sees clients through her private practice as well as at OCD/anxiety-focused IOP/PHP programs. | https://www.jennifersiegelpsychiatry.com/ @ocd.psychiatrist.drjen |
 | Jennifer Romanat, LICSW | Jennifer has spent the past 30 years working with families, bringing a social work lens to her practice as a parent educator who has helped parents and expecting parents navigate the many challenges of parenthood — both intrapersonally and through a systems lens. Her work also includes a focus on perinatal OCD and couples counseling, supporting individuals and partners through the unique anxieties and relational strain that can arise during the perinatal period. She is a staff clinician with the New England Center for OCD and Anxiety, as well as the owner of Graceful Cadence Counseling. | http://www.gracefulcadencecounseling.org https://www.instagram.com/gracefulcadencecounseling?utm_source=qr |
 | Kara Lash, LPCC | Kara Lash earned her M.Ed. from Kent State University, and her background includes experience in schools, community health, digital behavioral health and private practice. She is a clinical therapist licensed in Ohio, Washington, and New York who has specialized in treating OCD, anxiety, and related disorders since 2020. Currently, Kara blends her background experience as a former Senior Clinical Operations Manager with her clinical expertise as the Co-Founder and Clinical Director at Ohio OCD & Anxiety Treatment (OOAT), an outpatient virtual therapy practice specializing in treating children, adolescents, and adults with OCD and related disorders. She is dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment, enjoys supporting therapists in treating OCD, and is passionate about increasing OCD awareness. She also is a professional IOCDF member and serves on the OCD Midwest Outreach Committee. | http://www.ooat.org |
 | Adam Reid, PhD | https://www.reidtherapeuticservices.org/ |
|
 | Justin K. Hughes, MA, LPC | Justin K. Hughes, MA, LPC, is a therapist, author of "The Christian's Guide to Overcoming OCD" (Routledge), and course creator passionate about helping those impacted by OCD. He serves as the Clinicians' Subcommittee Lead for the Faith and OCD Leadership Council of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). He is the Dallas Ambassador for OCD Texas. Justin is an OCD and Anxiety Specialist who is dual-trained in psychology and theology and works with a diverse population. He most commonly speaks to the interaction between OCD and the Christian faith. | http://www.justinkhughes.com instagram.com/justinkhugheslpc/ youtube.com/@justinkhugheslpc |
| Sue Chudy, LCSW | http://www.chudycounselingservices.com | ||
 | Andrew GottWorth | Andrew is an IOCDF Advocate, educator, and trainer from Louisville, KY, living in Berlin Germany. He runs the International Networking and Advocacy Group for OCD advocates, organizes OCD Awareness walks and events, and co-hosts an OCD research podcast through Orchard OCD. He has lived experience with OCD, and comorbid disorders of Depression, Anxiety, ADHD, and BFRBs. He tries to combine evidence-based best practices, with compassion and empathy, to help those with OCD get earlier, more accessible treatment, and better outcomes. | @justrught |
 | Joe Feldman | Joe Feldman is the founder and president of non-profit Cover My Mental Health (www.covermymentalhealth.org). His advocacy for mental healthcare access has included a previous board role with Kennedy Forum Illinois and current board role with Chicago-based Thresholds, a leading community health provider. Feldman was the co-author of a 2021 article in the Journal of Psychiatric Practice on medical necessity letters and a 2026 article in Capital Psychiatry on actionable clinician advocacy for patients’ access to care. He has made presentations across the country to clinicians, advocacy groups, parents, and community groups towards improving access to mental health and substance use disorder care. | http://www.covermymentalhealth.org @covermymentalhealth |
 | Ashley S. Hart, Ph.D. | Ashley Hart, Ph.D. is a licensed clinical psychologist and Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at UMass Chan Medical School in Worcester, MA, where she serves as a staff psychologist and the Training Director in Student Counseling Services. Dr. Hart specializes in and trains others in evidence-based psychotherapy approaches for anxiety, OCD, and related disorders in youth and adults, especially exposure therapy interventions. She has co-authored a number of peer-reviewed journal articles, book chapters, and newsletter publications. She regularly attends and presents at conferences of the professional organizations of which she is a long-standing member, including the International OCD Foundation, Anxiety and Depression Association of America and the Association for Contextual Behavioral Science. Dr. Hart maintains a private practice (Willow Tree Psychology, PLLC) that serves individuals and families in the greater Worcester, MA community. She is the co-founder of Anchored Approach, PLLC, which provides clinical consultation, training, and educational programming on evidence-based assessment and psychosocial treatment approaches for anxiety disorders and OCD. | http://www.anchoredapproach.org http://linkedin.com/company/anchored-approach-pllc/ https://www.facebook.com/anchored.approach |
 | Michael Stier, LPC, LCPC, NCC | Michael is a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor (LCPC) in Illinois, an LPC in Georgia and Missouri, and a National Certified Counselor (NCC) specializing in OCD and related disorders. He currently serves as the Director of Education and Training at Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, overseeing evidence-based treatment interventions. Michael is faculty for the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) through the IOCDF while also serving on the Faith and OCD Action Council. He co-authored The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety and developed the associated Overcoming Health Anxiety website, which provides evidence-based information and support for individuals with health anxiety, as well as their families and loved ones. | https://www.anxietyspecialistsofatlanta.com/clinical-staff/michael-stier-lcpc-lpc/ @michael_stier_lcpc |
 | Renae M Reinardy, PsyD | Renae Reinardy, PsyD is a Licensed Psychologist and Director of the Lakeside Center for Behavioral Change. Dr. Reinardy specializes in the treatment of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, OCD, Hoarding Disorder, Tic Disorders, and related conditions. She is the co-author of The BFRB Recover Workbook: Effective Recovery from Hair pulling, Skin Picking, Nail Biting and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors, and Free to Be Me with a BFRB: The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Living Well with Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, Nail Biting, and Other Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors. For over 25 years, she has presented extensively both nationally and internationally at conferences, media outlets and professional trainings. She is an advocate for childhood mental health, the former National Mother of the Year™ and a Delegate to the United Nations CSW. | https://www.lakesidecenter.org/ |
 | Evelyn Stewart (MD, FRCPC) | Dr. S. Evelyn Stewart is a child and adolescent psychiatrist, and a clinical and neuroscience researcher. She is a Professor in the Department of Psychiatry at the University of British Columbia (UBC) and is the founding director of the BC Children’s Hospital (BCCH) Provincial Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinic and Research Program as well as the Congdon Family Hospital Chair of Child and Youth Mental Health Research at BCCH. She has authored over 150 peer-reviewed manuscripts, 13 chapters and one book on family, genetic, cognition and treatment aspects of OCD and related illnesses throughout the lifespan. In addition, her leadership also includes sitting on the Scientific Advisory Board for the International OCD Foundation and regularly lectures at IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institutes. | |
 | Jennifer Gola, PsyD | Dr. Jennifer Gola is a licensed psychologist at The Center for Emotional Health (CEH) specializing in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, Body-Focused Repetitive Disorders (BFRBs), and OC-spectrum disorders in children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Gola earned her Psy.D in clinical psychology at LaSalle University. She received specialized training in the treatment of OCD at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) and the COTTAGe group at the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Gola joined CEH in 2014, where she provides individual therapy, supervises postdoctoral fellows, and co-facilitates OCD and BFRB support groups. She is also a certified Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT) provider. Dr. Gola presents regularly at local and national meetings and conferences on OCD, BFRBs, and anxiety disorders and has published work on the ethics of exposure therapy in a peer-reviewed journal, Cognitive and Behavioral Practice. Dr. Gola is co-author of Free to Be Me with a BFRB: The Ultimate Kids’ Guide to Hair Pulling, Skin Picking, and Nail Biting. | https://thecenterforemotionalhealth.com/ https://www.facebook.com/thecenterforemotionalhealth/ |
 | Matt Roberts, MS, LMFT | Matt Roberts, LMFT, is a Los Angeles–based therapist specializing in OCD, anxiety disorders, and ACT-informed exposure work. He provides treatment and consultation for clinicians learning OCD practice and leads a community OCD support group. Matt serves on the board of the Southern California Chapter of ACBS and operates OCD, etc., where he integrates ACT, mindfulness, functional analysis, and values-based interventions into his ERP work. | ocd-etc.com @ocdetc on instagram |
 | Jayme Valdez, LMHC | Jayme Valdez, LMHC is the Founder and Clinical Director of Clearview OCD Counseling, LLC, a private practice outside Boston, Massachusetts. Jayme is a licensed mental health counselor and previously served on the Boards of Directors for OCD Massachusetts and OCD Rhode Island. Jayme provides supervision, training, and consultation to treatment facilities, doctors, and clinicians and is devoted to spreading awareness of OCD recovery. She is particularly passionate about providing inclusive treatment for all persons with OCD, including those with substance use disorders, self-harming behaviors, as well as those in the LGBTQ+ and POC communities. | http://www.ocd-therapy.com |
 | Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD | Nathaniel Van Kirk, PhD serves as the Program Director for McLean Hospital’s OCD Institute and is the acting president of OCD Massachusetts. He is involved in international efforts to reduce mental health stigma & bridge the gap between therapists, researchers, & those with lived experience (including participating in McLean’s Deconstructing Stigma Campaign). Building on his own lived experience with OCD, he co-founded the Therapists & Trainees with OCD SIG providing mentorship to providers/trainees with their own lived experience. Dr. Van Kirk’s clinical practice/research focuses on understanding the impact of trauma and comorbid PTSD on OCD treatment outcome. | |
 | Marni L. Jacob, Ph.D., ABPP | Marni L. Jacob, Ph.D., ABPP, is a licensed psychologist and the Clinical Director of the Jacob Center for Evidence-Based Treatment in Boca Raton, FL. She specializes in the treatment of children, adolescents, and adults with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), OCD-related disorders, anxiety disorders, and phobias. Dr. Jacob is Board Certified in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology and has authored more than 45 peer-reviewed journal articles, multiple book chapters, and numerous presentations on OCD, anxiety, and related conditions. She is Past President of OCD Central & South Florida, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and serves as a faculty member for the IOCDF’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Dr. Jacob is also the author of What to Do When You Have a Tricky, Sticky, Picky Brain: Cognitive Behavioral Strategies for Kids with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, a comprehensive resource for children and teens navigating OCD. | http://www.jacobcenterforebt.com https://www.facebook.com/JacobCenterforEBT https://www.instagram.com/JacobCenterforEBT/ |
 | Ivy Levin, LCSW | Ivy Levin, LCSW, is a licensed therapist and co-founder of YCBT Services, a private practice in Los Angeles and Orange County treating OCD, anxiety, emotion dysregulation, depression, borderline personality disorder, and trauma. Trained intensively in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Ivy now specializes in DBT-informed exposure work, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). Her approach blends compassion with clinical precision, helping clients work through avoidance patterns they've carried for years and move through their days without OCD and anxiety setting the terms. Prior to joining YCBT Services, she served as the Countywide Clinical Practice Lead for the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health, where she helped develop and implement large-scale training programs in CBT, DBT, and Prolonged Exposure for clinicians across Los Angeles. Ivy continues to provide consultation, supervision, and training in evidence-based approaches to clinicians, psychiatry residents, and clinicians working toward licensure through the LA County Department of Mental Health. | https://ycbtservices.com/about/ivy-levin @ycbt_services |
 | Nicole Baez, LCSW | Nicole Baez, LCSW (she/they) is a Lead Therapist at InStride Health, a specialized remote pediatric outpatient program, where they provide evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety, and related disorders using ERP, ACT, and CBT. Nicole is passionate about making complex clinical concepts practical, engaging, and accessible for clinicians, families, and the broader OCD community. Their work also includes improving therapist workflows, identifying operational gaps, and supporting the responsible integration of AI into clinical practice. Outside of work, they love books, exploring mindfulness and nature walks with family and friends. | |
 | Kai Kangas-Dick, PhD | Kai Kangas-Dick, PhD is a licensed psychologist providing neuro-affirming, evidence-based therapy and diagnostic and neuropsychological evaluations for children, adolescents, and adults at E&R Psychology in Brooklyn, NY. Dr. Kangas-Dick specializes in the treatment of anxiety and OCD. After earning their PhD in School Psychology at Columbia University, they completed a postdoctoral fellowship at the Seaver Autism Center for Research and Treatment at the Icahn School of Medicine at Mount Sinai. | |
 | Shauna Pichette, LPC, LPCC, NCC | Shauna Pichette is a licensed professional counselor in CA, OR, and WI. She is a Clinical Operations Manager at NOCD where she provides specialized training and consultation to therapists in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) She is also a faculty member for the IOCDF BTTI. Shauna started her journey with treating OCD and related disorders in 2016 in residential care. Since then, Shauna has continued with a focus on OCD, OC-Related Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Depressive Disorders at the outpatient level, inpatient, community mental health, and residential levels. She has also presented at multiple conferences and participated in podcasts regarding treatment for OCD & related disorders. | Instagram: @thattherapistshauna |
 | Sara Langley PMHNP | Sara Langley is a dedicated Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner specializing in children and adolescents with brain based medical conditions. She is the co-owner of Beverly Hills based child Psychiatric clinic ChildKind Integrative Psychiatry in Beverly Hills. She is double board certified in Primary Care and Psychiatry. She graduated from Columbia University School of Nursing, class of 2014 and gained her Post Master’s certificate in Psychiatric Mental health Nursing from UCSF. She has completed a Fellowship with UCI in Primary Care Psychiatry and is certified in Nutritional Psychiatry through the Integrative Psychiatry institute. She is also certified as a Functional Psychiatry Provider through Dr Greenblatt’s Psychiatry Redefined Fellowship. She is the founder of Mommies In Mind Blog site. | http://www.childkindpsychiatry.com mommies_in_mind (IG) Sara Langley (FB) |
 | Lauren McKeaney | Lauren McKeaney is a silent-sufferer turned award-winning mental health advocate of dermatillomania, founding the only skin picking disorder focused nonprofit, the Picking Me Foundation in 2016. Lauren leads the longest running and largest online skin picking support group and stands for recovering with, not from, mental illness, offering hope, help, and healing for dermatillomania worldwide. She encourages sufferers to choose themselves over what chose them by #PickingMe over Skin Picking. She is a published BFRB author with her second book coming in 2028. Her work has been featured in VICE, Vogue, Women’s Health Magazine, Dermatology Times, and more. Lauren loves her family, music by Red Hot Chili Peppers, and time with her sweet pup Bug. Say hi @laurenmckeaney! | http://www.pickingme.org @pickingmefdn - instagram @laurenmckeaney - instagram |
 | Rebecca Natalia Billerio-Riff LCSW-C | Rebecca Billerio-Riff, LCSW-C, is a therapist at Sheppard Pratt’s Center for OCD and Anxiety, specializing in the treatment of OCD and related anxiety disorders (including food-allergy related anxiety). She employs mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in her work with clients. Rebecca earned her Master of Social Work from The University of Central Florida. She is an active member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and the Food Allergy Counselor Network. | |
 | Crystal Devito, PhD | Crystal DeVito, PhD, is a licensed psychologist with decades of experience in clinical child psychology and developmental psychopathology. Specialties include developmental, behavioral, mood, anxiety, and adjustment disorders, with particular expertise in differential diagnosis and psychological evaluation. Dr. DeVito has held academic appointments as Assistant Professor of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at both Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine and Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine. Her previous research identified early risk factors for child behavior problems and demonstrated the effectiveness of parent training in primary care settings. Clinically, Dr. DeVito has served as staff psychologist at Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, Mt. Washington Pediatric Hospital, and Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center’s Preschool Clinical Programs. Since joining Sheppard Pratt five years ago, she has continued her commitment to providing evidence-based assessment and interventions to prevent and mitigate childhood disorders, strengthen family relationships, and promote healthy child development. | |
 | John Piacentini PhD ABPP | John Piacentini, PhD is Professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences and Chief of Child and Adolescent Psychology (in Psychiatry) at the UCLA David Geffen School of Medicine and Semel Institute for Neuroscience and Human Behavior. In addition, he directs the UCLA Center for Child Anxiety, Resilience, Education and Support (CARES; http://www.carescenter.ucla.edu) and the UCLA Child OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders Program. A board-certified clinical child and adolescent psychologist, Dr. Piacentini’s work focuses on the development of evidence-based treatments for youth with OCD, tic, anxiety, and body-focused repetitive behavior disorders. He has written several treatment manuals for OCD and tic disorders and trained hundreds of students and clinicians in their use. | http://www.carescenter@ucla.edu http://www.linkedin.com/in/john-piacentini-77765424 |
 | Allyson Inez Ford, MA, LPCC | Allyson Inez Ford, LPCC is a licensed mental health therapist and clinical supervisor specializing in Eating Disorders and OCD with a group private practice in San Diego, California. She has extensive experience working with adults and adolescents in individual, group, and family therapy at various levels of care. In addition to her professional training, Allyson has lived experience with Eating Disorders, BDD and OCD, which fuels her passion for this work. Her work is strongly informed by a justice based and anti-oppression perspective. Allyson provides social media advocacy, runs a podcast and hosts professional workshops in addition to clinical work. Allyson often speaks at nationwide conferences for eating disorder and/or OCD. Connect with Allyson on Instagram: @bodyjustice.therapist or find her on her website: http://www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com. | https://www.eatingdisorderocdtherapy.com Instagram @bodyjustice.therapist LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/allysoninezford/ |
 | Katherine Pica, LCSW | Katherine Pica, LCSW, is the founder and clinical director of Resilience Counseling, a specialty group practice in San Diego providing evidence-based treatment for OCD, BFRBs, anxiety, and trauma. As clinical director, she oversees a team of clinicians, guiding case conceptualization and treatment quality across the practice. She devotes a large part of her time to training associates to become skilled, confident OCD clinicians. She has been practicing since 2007 and works with children, teens, adults, and families. Katherine specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). She serves on the board of OCD Southern California as Director of Training and is committed to expanding access to accurate information and effective treatment for individuals and families affected by OCD. | http://www.counselingca.com @resiliencecounselingsd https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100063904070921&mibextid=wwXIfr&mibextid=wwXIfr |
 | Elena Fasan, LCSW | Elena Fasan (she/her) is an LCSW and psychotherapist specializing in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and OCDRs in children, adolescents, and emerging adults using CBT. She is the founder and director of the Children's OCD & Anxiety Collective and sees clients in person in South Pasadena, CA, and virtually in CA, WA, and FL. Elena trained at UCLA’s Child and Adolescent OCD Intensive Outpatient Treatment Program and worked at the OCD Center of Los Angeles as a staff therapist before founding her own private practice. She is passionate about providing evidence-based treatment, including ERP, ACT, HRT, ComB, and SPACE. She has a special interest in educating and helping parents, caregivers, and others who support young people diagnosed with OCD and related disorders. Elena's background in childcare and child development inform her work and collaboration with clients, parents, and families. She also has experience as an adjunct lecturer in the Department of Child and Adolescent Development at California State University, Northridge. | https://childrensocdandanxiety.com/ https://www.instagram.com/parenting_ocd/ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100088266681574 |
 | Clare Mackay, BSc, PhD | Clare Mackay (@thetrichprof) is a Professor of Neuroscience at the University of Oxford who studies, advocates for, and lives with body-focused repetitive behaviours (BFRBs). She has spent 30 years studying a variety of brain disorders, including epilepsy, psychosis and dementia, primarily using neuroimaging technology, and has led a number of major research and infrastructure projects, In 2023 she began to turn her attention to the disorder that had been with her all along: hair-pulling (trichotillomania). She has subsequently developed several research studies and collaborations, hosted the first ever UK Conference for BFRBs, authored a book (Keep Your Hair On: Understanding urges to pick, pull and bite, Little Brown Book Group, 2026), and uses her platform to educate, raise awareness and reduce stigma for people living with BFRBs. | http://www.psych.ox.ac.uk/BFRBs @thetrichprof (FB, insta, YouTube, tiktok) @claremackay (linkedin) |
 | Mia Nunez, PhD | Mia Nunez is a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in the treatment of OCD, anxiety, and eating disorders. She is the Director of Clinical Integrity for NOCD and is faculty with the IOCDF's training institute. | |
 | Molly B. Schiffer, LCPC | Molly Schiffer, LCPC, is the associate director of The Center for OCD and Anxiety at Sheppard Pratt in Towson, MD. She specializes in mindfulness-based cognitive behavioral treatment for OCD and related disorders, and in treating PTSD with cognitive processing therapy in both residential and outpatient settings. Schiffer is the author of The Body-Based Obsessions Workbook and a frequent presenter at the annual conferences of the International OCD Foundation and the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. | http://www.ocdbaltimore.com https://facebook.com/molly.schiffer.503 @schiffermolly |
 | Darlene M. Davis Goodwine, PhD | Dr. Darlene M. Davis Goodwine is a licensed clinical psychologist, parenting coach, and founder of Aidan Behavioral Health & Consulting and Parents Zone. Following the community mental health model, Dr. Davis Goodwine uses community talks and trainings as outreach to address barriers to quality evidence-based psychological care, improve the behavioral health navigation experience, and increase parenting engagement and clinical resources for families. | http://www.blackandocd.com aidanbhconsulting - Instagram ocdandculture - Instagram |
 | Annette R. Perot, PhD | Annette R. Perot, PhD is a licensed psychologist in private practice in Durham, NC. For over 30 years, she has specialized in working with adults with anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions, including hoarding disorder. She is a past president of the North Carolina Psychological Association and current president of OCD North Carolina, an Affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. In addition, Annette co-leads a hoarding disorder task force in her local area. | https://www.triangleanxietycenter.com/ |
 | Allison Solomon, Psy.D. | Dr. Allison Solomon is a licensed psychologist and founder and director of The Virtual Center for Anxiety & OCD, a nationally recognized practice specializing in evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. She serves as faculty for the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) and has over 20 years of experience treating children, adolescents, adults, and parents of individuals with anxiety and OCD. Dr. Solomon is particularly well known for her clinical and educational work in emetophobia. She is the co-founder of the Anxiety/OCD/BFRB Specialist Group, a professional community of over 6,000 clinicians. Although she provides in-person services in Arizona, she is also licensed in NY and through PsyPACT, she provides care in over 40 states. Dr. Solomon has presented on OCD at multiple conferences and has a special passion for providing advanced training and consultation for therapists, physicians, and other professionals. | http://www.drallisonsolomon.org Instagram @dr.allison.ocd |
 | Christina Brooks, PsyD | Dr. Brooks is the founder of the Anxiety and Behavioral Health Center, an outpatient mental health clinic in Frederick, Maryland dedicated to providing evidence-based treatment for anxiety and related disorders across the lifespan. With extensive clinical expertise in OCD, anxiety, and related conditions, Dr. Brooks brings both depth of knowledge and a compassionate, research-informed approach to her work with children, adolescents, and adults. Dr. Brooks is certified in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions) and offers professional consultation to licensed clinicians pursuing SPACE certification. Her commitment to the field extends beyond direct client care — she is actively engaged in community outreach efforts aimed at raising awareness about OCD and anxiety disorders in children and adolescents, and at reducing the significant suffering these often-debilitating conditions can cause. Through her clinical practice, training, and advocacy, Dr. Brooks continues to advance access to evidence-based care and education for families and professionals navigating the complexities of anxiety-related disorders. | anxietyandbehavioralhealth.com Instagram: ABHCfrederick Facebook: ABHCFrederick |
 | Ashley Bertelsen | Ashley Bertelsen, a New Zealander, works at Tauranga Hospital as a Lived Experience Consumer Consultant. Diagnosed with OCD at 14, she faced years of misdiagnosis, then inadequate treatment, before traveling to the US for specialized therapy. After a successful IOP, Ashley returned home to advocate for OCD awareness. She shares her journey across New Zealand, and also speaks to hospital staff, nursing students, and school therapists through her work. At work as well, she contributes to improve the New Zealand mental health system by sitting on hiring panels and consulting with professionals. Passionate about advocacy, Ashley aims to reduce stigma, educate others, inspire hope, and support those with OCD. She began her studies this year at The University of Waikato in New Zealand, where she is studying psychology. | @theocdduck @ashley.bertelsen |
 | Noemi Tsai | Noemi Tsai was diagnosed with OCD at the age of thirteen and has been fortunate to have benefited from several treatment programs for OCD. Since going through treatment, she has found a passion for helping kids and young adults who struggle with OCD and related disorders. She is an active advocate for others with OCD and planned the 2023/25 Dallas OCD Walk, presented at the 2024 OCD Camp, the 2025/2026 Annual OCD Conference, as well as received the 2024 IOCDF Youth Hero Award. | Instagram: noemit_07 |
 | Josh Spitalnick, PhD, ABPP | Dr. Josh Spitalnick is a Licensed Psychologist, Board Certified in Behavioral/Cognitive Psychology (ABPP). He is CEO/Founder of Anxiety Specialists of Atlanta, specializing in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, and related disorders for all ages. He trains clinicians in CBT, ERP and other evidence-based interventions and serves on the BTTI faculty for the IOCDF. He is an active fundraiser for the IOCDF with team “OCD Avengers.” Dr. Spitalnick is co-author "The Complete Guide to Overcoming Health Anxiety" and co-developer of OvercomingHealthAnxiety.com, a leading health anxiety resource and online support community. He has co-authored over 30 peer-reviewed articles, book chapters, and treatment manuals. | https://www.anxietyspecialistsofatlanta.com IG: @anxietyatldoc IG: @OvercomingHealthAnxiety |
 | Laura Chackes, PsyD | Laura Chackes, Psy.D., is a licensed psychologist, owner of The Center for Mindfulness & CBT, and Chief Clinical Advisor of The BFRB Foundation. She specializes in OCD and BFRBs, and started the first BFRB groups in the St. Louis area over a decade ago. She trains therapists to treat BFRBs through The Center and her online course, and presents on BFRBs at international conferences. Her Mindfulness-Based BFRB Group Treatment (MBGT) is currently under research at UCLA, with pilot data showing clinically significant results. Her first book, The BFRB Workbook for Teens & Young Adults, was published in 2025. | https://www.bfrbfoundation.org/, https://mindfulstl.com/ @bfrbfoundation @mindfulstl |
 | Kyra Leyi Cheung | Kyra Leyi Cheung is a neuroscience and cognitive science student at Rice University. Kyra was diagnosed with OCD in 2018 at the age of 13 and is dedicated to helping others who are affected by the disorder. She is actively involved in the IOCDF and is the founder/president of CommonGround, an organization that provides support for individuals with OCD and related disorders. After graduation, Kyra plans to pursue a law degree and participate in policy development and advocacy efforts to improve mental health care and reduce the stigma surrounding mental illness. | https://commongroundocd.com/ @kyraleyicheung |
 | Joel Dresnick LMSW | Joel Dresnick, LMSW is a New York City based therapist specializing in anxiety disorders, OCD, and autism. Joel received his MSW from Columbia University and additionally received DBT certification and training through Columbia's DBT Intensive Program under Dr. Andre Ivanoff. Joel worked at the Child Mind Institute of Manhattan as part of their comprehensive DBT team. In 2023, Joel joined E&R Psychology located in Manhattan & Brooklyn providing neurodivergent-informed care for anxiety, depression, and OCD. In 2025, Joel was awarded the Career Development Leadership Award by the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA). The following year, Joel and his colleagues were selected to present on treatment modifications for individuals with OCD & Autism at ADAA. Joel is passionate about novel approaches to working with anxiety disorders & OCD with neurodivergent individuals. | erpsychology.com |
 | Gabriel Bach, LMFT | Gabriel Bach, LMFT, is the Assistant Clinical Director of the Anxiety and OCD-Spectrum Program at Community West’s Partial Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs. He also serves as Clinical Innovation Strategist, leading the thoughtful integration of AI and emerging technologies to enhance clinical effectiveness, operational systems, and staff development. Gabriel earned his Master’s in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University and his Bachelor’s in Psychology from UCLA. With over a decade of experience across diverse treatment settings, he specializes in complex OCD, OC-spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders, and ADHD, often with co-occurring conditions. He is passionate about helping adolescents and young adults build insight, resilience, and flexibility through evidence-based and collaborative care. | https://communitywesttreatment.com/ |
 | Amy Mandelberg, LCPC | Amy Mandelberg, LCPC, is a therapist at The Center for OCD and Anxiety, Sheppard Pratt’s outpatient treatment center for individuals experiencing obsessive-compulsive and related anxiety disorders. Prior to joining The Center for OCD and Anxiety, Amy spent four years working as a mental health worker and a member of the admissions team at The Retreat, Sheppard Pratt’s premiere residential treatment program for adults with mental health disorders. Amy also has experience teaching upper-level undergraduate courses in psychotherapy as an adjunct professor at Towson University. | https://ocdbaltimore.com |
 | Mubeena Mirza, LCSW | Mubeena Mirza is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of OCD and Anxiety Disorders. She received training in the treatment of OCD at the UCLA OCD Intensive Outpatient Program. She is certified in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and incorporates mindfulness-based practices, including Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, into treatment. She is involved in the IOCDF Faith and OCD Action Council and advocates for OCD awareness in the Muslim community. Mubeena is based in Redondo Beach, California. | BeachCitiesCBT.com mubeenaocdtreatment (instagram) |
 | Cathy Agostino | Cathy’s journey with OCD began in her early 20s, shortly after graduating college. Like many others, she faced the challenges of navigating a new diagnosis while transitioning into adulthood. However, through years of dedicated therapy and persistence, she successfully reclaimed her life. Today, Cathy is living a full and vibrant life, but she hasn’t forgotten the hurdles she cleared along the way. Driven by her own success in treatment, she is now devoting her time to the Southern California OCD community. Her mission is twofold: Raising Awareness: Helping others recognize OCD not as a lifelong sentence of struggle, but as a highly treatable illness. Providing Insight: Sharing her personal perspective to offer hope and practical understanding to those still in the thick of their journey. Cathy is a firm believer that with the right tools and support, everyone living with OCD can find their path to a fulfilling life. | |
 | Erika Nurmi, MD, PHD | Erika Nurmi, MD, PhD is a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist, specializing in anxiety/OCD spectrum disorders. As Associate Professor of Psychiatry at UCLA and Anxiety Section Chief at the LA VA, she directs medical training and research. Clinically, she is Medical Director of Compass Therapy and Medical Director and Anxiety/OCD Clinical Director of the Community West intensive treatment programs in LA. Dr. Nurmi is a recognized AACAP Master Clinician with numerous teaching awards and an international speaker in educational forums, clinician trainings, parent/patient support groups and public events, where she enjoys sharing her passion for science and medicine. | https://communitywesttreatment.com/ |
 | Adam Pelner, LCSW | Adam Pelner is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker who received his Masters in Social Welfare at the University of California, Los Angeles. Before attending UCLA, Adam worked at a Residential Treatment Center conducting Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for those struggling with OCD and related disorders. Adam has also received training in third wave behavioral therapies such as Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and is interested in exploring how various psychological processes such as language, metacognition and narrative play a role in a person’s quality of life. Adam’s foundation lies in implementing both acceptance and change strategies to address problematic behaviors that adversely impact quality of life. He also has experience running DBT, ACT and CBT groups for those struggling with emotional regulation issues, anxiety disorders, depression and co-occurring addiction. His approach is directive with a focus on skills for managing symptoms. Above all, Adam believes in empowering clients who may have lost hope in themselves. | |
 | Katie Marrotte, LCSW | Katie Marrotte, LCSW, is a licensed clinical social worker specializing in the treatment of OCD, offering multi-modality care, including Inference-based CBT, Exposure Response Prevention, and Metacognitive Therapy. She holds a Master's degree in Social Work from the University of St. Joseph, a background that grounds her commitment to evidence-based, client-informed treatment. Katie is also a co-founder of OCD Training School, focusing on providing evidence-based trainings in treatments for OCD and related disorders. | http://www.katiemarrotte.com |
 | Shannon Jakubowski, CMPSS | Shannon Jakubowski realized a few years after college that OCD was limiting her personal and professional life. After pursuing treatment, she addressed how OCD had kept her from a mental health career. She joined NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties as a Peer Specialist, supporting individuals with mental, physical, and life goals. After gaining peer experience in her role, she transitioned to Lead Trainer, training peers for 5 years to become Certified Medi-Cal Peer Support Specialists. She is a member of the IOCDF DEI Action Council, serves as Director of Regional Councils on the Board for OCD Southern California, and offers presentations to support the mental health and workforce communities. | @_shannonjakubowski |
 | Kyle King | Kyle King is a second-year medical student at the Yale School of Medicine; more central to his identity, Kyle is a mental health advocate with lived experience of OCD and Anorexia Nervosa. Kyle is a National Advocate with the International OCD Foundation, founder and coleader of the Young Adult Special Interest Group within the IOCDF, and host of the IOCDF’s Research Roundtable. In addition, Kyle is a research assistant in the Yale OCD Clinic and a frequent speaker at OCD conferences across the country. He is most interested in investigating novel treatment for psychiatric conditions, inequities in access to mental health care, the complex overlaps between OCD and potentially related conditions such as eating disorders. | |
 | Christine Izquierdo, PsyD | Dr. Christine Izquierdo is a licensed health psychologist with over a decade of experience in mind-body-spirit wellness, anxiety, OCD and ADHD. She started her career working in integrative medicine and OCD specialized clinics, before founding Straight Up Treatment in Los Angeles. Christine practices from the philosophy that lasting well-being requires rewiring the brain and nervous system, in addition to healing the soul. She utilizes relational and integrative interventions such as psychodynamic therapy, attachment repair, somatic regulation, HRV biofeedback, yoga-informed therapy, and sound healing; along with evidence-based treatments including ACT, ERP, DBT, IFS, MBSR, and MSC to facilitate long-term, whole-person healing and change. She works with individuals and families across the lifespan and brings the same integrative healing philosophy when providing training and consultation for fellow clinicians. Christine has spoken at IOCDF conferences, local organizations, and professional events across Southern California. She is passionate about pushing the field toward deeper, more relational and integrative care that helps clients move beyond symptom relief, and towards living their healthiest, most fulfilled lives. | http://www.straightuptreatment.com @straightuptreatment |
 | Anna Shanazari, PhD | Dr. Anna Shanazari is a licensed psychologist in California (PSY34760). She received her B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), and her Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology from Fuller Graduate School of Psychology. She completed her pre-internship year at UCLA’s Child OCD, Anxiety & Tic Disorders Program, spending the majority of her time at the Pediatric OCD Intensive Outpatient Program providing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to children and adolescents and leading peer psychoeducational and mindfulness-based groups. Dr. Shanazari completed her pre-doctoral internship at Providence St. John’s Health Center’s Child and Family Development Center. There, she utilized evidence-based treatment models to provide therapy to children, adolescents, and emerging adults experiencing various mental health challenges, as well as, provided parent training to both individuals and groups, completed comprehensive psychological assessments, and led various school-based therapy groups at local Santa Monica public schools. Dr. Shanazari completed her postdoctoral hours at the OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California, where she provided outpatient and intensive outpatient treatment for OCD and related disorders, anxiety disorders, and other comorbidities including depression. Dr. Shanazari has also enjoyed receiving comprehensive training in and leading Bergen 4-Day Treatment groups for the past two years. Dr. Shanazari is passionate about working with children, adolescents, and emerging adults, with a special interest in individuals who face challenges due to OCD and anxiety disorders. She has enjoyed using creativity when providing ERP treatment, to collaboratively find new ways to challenge fears, while also maintaining great rapport and a safe and accepting environment. She has also recognized the benefits of engaging the client’s support system in treatment and enjoys collaborating with family members, especially when working with children and adolescents. | https://socalocdprogram.org/ |
 | Alegra Kastens, LMFT | Alegra Kastens (she/her) is a licensed therapist, writer, and mental health educator who runs an advocacy platform @AlegraKastens on Instagram and Tik Tok. She is the founder of a group practice, The Center for OCD, Anxiety, and Eating Disorders in Los Angeles, and sees clients in NY and CA. Alegra is represented by literary agency Aevitas Creative Management. | http://www.ocdandanxietytherapy.com @alegrakastens on Instagram @AlegraKastens on Tik Tok |
 | Brian Thompson, PhD | Brian Thompson, PhD, is a licensed psychologist and director of the anxiety clinic at Portland Psychotherapy. Passionate about evidence-based treatment, he specializes in working with people with obsessive-compulsive and related disorders (OCRD). In addition to working full-time as a clinician, Brian has published in peer-reviewed journals on ACT approaches to OCRD and offers training in ACT and exposure. He is author of the therapist guide, “ACT-Informed Exposure for Anxiety: Creating Effective, Innovative, and Values-Based Exposures Using Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.” | https://portlandpsychotherapy.com/ |
 | Chaplain Kaiser Aslam | Kaiser Aslam is Rutgers University’s first fulltime on campus Muslim chaplain. Kaiser has studied various classical Islamic sciences in his studies within the United States and abroad and holds a master’s degree in Islamic studies & Muslim-Christian Relations from Hartford Seminary. In addition to his work at universities, Kaiser has served as the Muslim Chaplain at Hartford Hospital and as a youth director at various Islamic centers, most recently at the Farmington Valley American Muslim Center. | https://mfas.rutgers.edu/resources/chaplain-services/ |
 | Robyn Stern, LCSW | As someone who has lived experience with both Body Dysmorphic Disorder and Anxiety, I have a unique perspective and approach working with my clients. I combine research-based treatment and my own successful treatment strategies and tailor them to each individual client. I work from a holistic lens, looking at the entire person and provide individualized treatment that is unique to each individual, as these disorders may be complex and require deeper work in addition to evidence-based treatment. BDD, OCD, BFRBs and Anxiety Disorders can be life-changing and painful. However, with the right modality, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure Response Prevention, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, Dialectical Behavioral Therapy skills, Habit Reversal Training and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Therapy, you can learn to not engage in compulsions, challenge the way you think and feel, and most importantly, come to experience a healthier and better quality of life, value-based living. I am professionally trained in CBT/ERP, ACT, DBT, Habit Reversal Training and Trauma Informed Therapy practices. I am a Certified Integrative Mental Health Professional (CIMHP). | https://www.rlsterntherapy.com/ robynstern@rlsterntherapy.com |
 | Chad Wetterneck, Ph.D. | Dr. Chad Wetterneck, PhD, is the Senior Vice President of Clinical Development & Excellence at Compass Health Center. A national leader in the treatment of OCD, trauma, and co-occurring substance use disorders, Dr. Wetterneck is a faculty member for the International OCD Foundation’s Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), a certified trainer in Functional Analytic Psychotherapy, and the author of more than 95 peer-reviewed articles, chapters, and a book. His dedication to evidence-based, compassionate care has earned him national recognition, including the Baylor College of Medicine Research Award, the Marquette University Outstanding Educator in Counseling Award, and ABCT’s Champion of Evidence-Based Psychological Interventions Award. Now, Dr. Wetterneck brings his clinical expertise and values-driven leadership to Wisconsin as Compass Health Center expands its PHP and IOP services across the state. | https://compasshealthcenter.net/expert-insights-chad-wetterneck-ph-d-svp-clinical-development-excellence/ |
 | Chris Trondsen, LMFT, LPCC | Chris Trondsen suffered with severe OCD and body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) until receiving specialized treatment. No longer under the control of the disorders, Chris now works as a clinician in the mental health field, treating OCD, BDD, and related disorders at The Gateway Institute in Costa Mesa, California. He earned his bachelor’s degree in human development and psychology at California State University, Long Beach, and earned a Master of Science in Counseling at California State University, Fullerton. Chris has shared his story of recovery on the Montel Williams Show, Dr. Drew, Fox 5 San Diego, Vox, Vice, Buzzfeed, NBC, New York Times, and speaking at IOCDF annual conferences. He also on the Board of Directors of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and is one of the IOCDF’s lead advocates. He is also a member of their BDD, Trauma & Grief, Young Adult, and LGBTQ+ Special Interest Groups, and created the Young Adult Track at the annual IOCDF conference. | https://www.gatewayocd.com/chris-trondsen/ Instagram: @christrondsen: https://www.instagram.com/christrondsen/?hl=en Facebook: @ChrisTrondsen: https://www.facebook.com/christrondsen |
| Patricia Z. Tan, PhD | Patricia Tan, PhD is a clinical psychologist at the VA Greater Los Angeles Healthcare System's Anxiety Disorders Clinic and is on the faculty of UCLA's Department of Psychiatry. She trained in child clinical psychology, and her research has focused on emotion regulation, family factors, and CBT outcomes in pediatric anxiety and OCD. She provides evidence-based CBT, including exposure-based treatment, for youth and adults with anxiety and OC-spectrum disorders. She also trains psychiatry and psychology residents in delivering these treatments. | ||
 | Sam Donckels | Sam Donckels is a current high school senior, aspiring physics professor, and lifelong puzzler. She has created countless board games, math challenges, escape rooms, and classroom activities. In her free time, Sam loves to juggle and read science-based nonfiction. As a neurodivergent person, she values helping other atypical minds. | https://www.linkedin.com/in/sam-donckels-296a463b6/ |
 | Jessica Borelli, Ph.D. | Jessica Borelli is a professor and the Co-Director of Clinical Training at UC Irvine, where she runs a research laboratory focused on understanding and improving parent-child relationship quality. She is a practicing psychologist and director of Compass Therapy. | http://www.drjessicaborelli.com; http://www.compass-therapy.com https://www.linkedin.com/in/jessica-borelli-b2801610b/ |
 | Miguel Serrano Illan, MD, PhD | Miguel Angel Serrano Illan, MD, PhD, is a child and adolescent psychiatry fellow at Stanford University. His clinical and academic interests include evidence-based treatments for psychiatric disorders, neuromodulation, and the integration of biological, psychological, and social approaches to mental health care. He is passionate about advancing psychiatric education, reducing stigma surrounding mental illness, and improving access to effective, culturally responsive treatment for children, adolescents, and families. |