Specializing in Individual and Group Therapy for Children and Adults with OCD and Related Conditions

In addition to individual and group therapy for adults, the OCD Center of Los Angeles also offers individual and group therapy for children and adolescents with OCD and related anxiety-based conditions. Research has shown that group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy can be extremely helpful in the treatment of OCD and related anxiety-based conditions. We currently offer a therapy/support group specifically for children and adolescents aged 12-17 with any of the following anxiety-related conditions:

• Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

• Pure Obsessional OCD

• Social Anxiety / Social Phobia

• Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD)

• Panic Disorder

• Phobias

• Trichotillomania (compulsive hair pulling)

• Dermatillomania (compulsive skin picking)

• Olfactory Reference Syndrome

While each of these conditions have unique challenges, all share Obsessive-Compulsive features, and all are commonly described as Obsessive Compulsive Spectrum Disorders.  Quite often, children and adolescents with these conditions feel extremely isolated due to the secretive nature of their disorders, and have never met another person suffering with their condition. This group provides a safe and supportive environment in which children and adolescents can actively address their symptoms with other kids who are also working to overcome similar OCD and anxiety issues. Group sessions include individual members tackling specific symptoms that have been particularly problematic. Group members discover that trying new, more productive coping strategies is often easier with the support of peers who know just how difficult it is to face one's fears.

Our child and adolescent therapy/support group meets twice each month on the 2nd and 4th Saturday of the month.  Group sessions focus on providing structured Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of OCD and related anxiety conditions, as well as psychoeducation and peer support for children who too often know nobody else suffering with similar symptoms. The goals of the group are to help kids learn to better manage and reduce their primary OCD and anxiety symptoms, as well as helping them to experience a reduction in feelings of isolation and shame. As a result, there can also be a secondary benefit of helping the children improve social and academic functioning which are frequently impaired due to their symptoms.

Our group for children and adolescents meets twice a month at our offices in the Westwood Village area of Los Angeles.  Meetings are conveniently scheduled on alternate Saturdays in order to be more accessible to kids who might otherwise not be able to attend during the school week. Sessions are led by one of out staff therapists, Jon Hershfield, MA, who has extensive background, training, and experience in the treatment of children and adolescents with these challenging conditions.

The schedule for our therapy/support group for children and adolescents is as follows:

• 2nd and 4th Saturday of each month
• 10:30 am - 12:00 noon
• group requires an assessment prior to participation
  
• group requires a minimum three month commitment

Assessment For Group Therapy Participation

All groups at the OCD Center of Los Angeles require an assessment prior to admission and participation. Assessment does not guarantee admission to any group. The goal of our group therapy assessment process is to provide an accurate diagnosis, to explain group processes and procedures, and to discern whether or not the child being assessed is an appropriate candidate for participation in group therapy at our clinic. The OCD Center of Los Angeles reserves the right to restrict and limit participation in all therapy groups we offer.

For children and adolescents with OCD and other anxiety conditions, group therapy can be an extremely valuable experience. If your child is suffering with OCD or a related anxiety-based condition, and you would like more information about group or individual therapy at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, we can be reached at (310) 335-5443, or via email at director@ocdla.com.