Cognitive Behavior Therapy for OCD in Youth: A Step-by-Step Guide

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), which can cause significant impairment in personal, social, and academic contexts, affects nearly half a million children in the United States. This step-by-step guide provides mental health professionals with an adaptable, evidence-based model that uses cognitive behavior therapy to treat pediatric OCD. The authors present well-tested, empirically-validated strategies that encourage clinical flexibility and creativity. Chapters describe the nuts and bolts of assessment, case conceptualization, and treatment planning, as well as psychoeducation, pharmacotherapy, strategies for relapse prevention, and involving family members in treatment. Richly described case studies illustrate how core strategies can be effectively implemented with youth between the ages of 7 and 18. 

Includes downloadable handouts for clinical use, including worksheets and fact sheets for parents and guardians, exercises and games, and other clinical tools and resources. 

Michael A. Tompkins is co-director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, assistant clinical professor at the University of California at Berkeley, and board certified in Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology. He is the author or co-author of many articles and chapters on cognitive-behavior therapy and related topics, as well as nine books. Dr. Tompkins serves on the advisory board of Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association, and provides evidence-based treatments for adults, adolescents, and children.

Daniela J. Owen is the assistant director of the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Cognitive Therapy, and assistant clinical professor at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the co-author of several peer-reviewed articles and chapters. Dr. Owen has presented locally and nationally on evidence-based treatments for pediatric disorders.

Nicole H. Shiloff is an adjunct clinical faculty member at Stanford University School of Medicine and diplomate of the Academy of Cognitive Therapy. She has a private practice in Menlo Park where she specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults.

Litsa R. Tanner is a co-founder of the Santa Rosa Center for Cognitive Behavioral Therapy. Ms. Tanner specializes in the treatment of pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder and obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders.