Intensive OCD Treatment
Evidence-based intensive treatment for OCD & related disorders
This individual therapy program includes longer and more frequent sessions for accelerated treatment and faster symptom reduction. This format allows for greater momentum, more real-time practice, and quicker skill consolidation compared to standard weekly therapy.
We will work with you to establish a treatment plan and schedule tailored to your specific needs and availability. The general recommended schedule is 2 to 4 double sessions per week (4 to 8 hours a week) for approximately three to six weeks, after which we gradually decrease the frequency and length of the sessions. If there are spots available in our OCD group at the time of your treatment, the group provides an additional clinical benefit and allows for deeper immersion in treatment.
To enroll in intensive OCD treatment:
Review the profiles of the therapists here and see if you prefer a specific therapist. You can also email or call our clinic to inquire about who would be the best fit for you.
Book your first appointment here.
Inform your therapist during your first assessment session that you are interested in intensive treatment. Together with the therapist, you will decide if intensive treatment is the right fit for you, determine the frequency and duration of the sessions, and set up the treatment schedule.
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This program is especially important for severe OCD presentations, however, some clients choose intensive treatment not because their OCD is severe, but because they want faster progress or have limited availability. Even for milder OCD, treatment progress is often faster in an intensive format.
From our experience, clients who engage in intensive treatment often require fewer total treatment hours than those who start with one-hour weekly sessions.
Teens and elementary school-aged children and their parents often choose to participate in intensive treatment during the summer months. -
There is no fixed number of sessions. Most intensive programs involve a short period of more frequent sessions (often over 3–6 weeks), followed by a gradual reduction in frequency. The structure is individualized and decided collaboratively with your therapist based on symptom severity, progress, and availability.
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This is an individual program, and we will work with you to structure it in a way that fits your needs and schedule. We prioritize sustainability and fit over rigid scheduling.
We usually recommend starting with a few more frequent and intensive sessions, and then decreasing the frequency and length of the sessions over time. -
You can change the frequency and/or duration of the appointments at any time*. If you are progressing quickly, your therapist may also suggest reducing session frequency earlier than initially planned.
We encourage you to discuss any changes with your therapist before you modify your program so that you can decide together on the best plan for your treatment.
*Please ensure any changes are made within the limits of our cancellation policy when cancelling or rescheduling sessions.
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The total cost depends on the frequency and length of sessions, which are tailored to each individual. As a general guideline, clients typically attend 2–4 double sessions per week (4–8 hours weekly) over several weeks. Fees are based on our standard hourly therapy rates, and the full treatment plan is discussed during the initial assessment. description
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No. Payment is due two business days before each appointment, as with regular therapy sessions.
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We encourage you to allocate time between the sessions to complete homework assigned by your therapist and to practise the tools and techniques discussed in sessions.
Progress is fastest when clients practise the skills regularly between sessions, rather than aiming to do them perfectly.
Attending the OCD treatment group is highly recommended. It can make intensive treatment more immersive without adding significantly to the cost. You can find more information about our groups here and here.