Do I Need OCD Residential Treatment & Where Can I Find It?

Do you need OCD residential treatment? Possibly. 

You have been trying to get your OCD symptoms under control with OCD therapies like cognitive-behavior therapy (CBT), exposure-response and prevention (ERP) therapy, and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) – with or without OCD medications like SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants and antipsychotics. 

You have tried other therapies like individual therapy, couples therapy, TMS “trauma” therapy, EDMR therapy, and group therapy, along with natural remedies and self-help tools, like mindfulness meditation, OCD podcasts, forums, and support groups, OCD books and workbooks, journaling, adopting a healthy diet filled with plenty of vitamins and minerals, hypnotherapy/hypnosis, developing healthy coping skills and strategies, and online OCD treatment programs like Stop Together, but nothing so far has worked. 

So, what is next? Relief seems miles away. You have tried the standard OCD treatments… Well, it may be time to have a discussion with your doctor about OCD residential treatment. The truth is although there are a variety of safe and effective OCD treatments on the market, every therapy, medication, alternative treatment, self-help tool, or natural remedy will work for every OCD sufferer. And, sometimes it takes a while to find the right treatment for the individual. 

Oftentimes, OCD symptoms can be treated online or outpatient (i.e., therapy appointments and sessions), however, sometimes, more intensive OCD treatment is needed, which requires a residential treatment center stay. While this may not be your preferred treatment plan, it may be the only thing that can help you get back on your feet. Treatment-resistant OCD, a type of OCD that does not respond to standard OCD treatments is becoming more and more common. As a result, more and more OCD residential treatment programs are popping up around the world to address more severe OCD symptoms. 

If you are wondering if OCD residential treatment is warranted in your case, look no more, because this article was created to help you figure out if you actually need residential OCD treatment, and if so how to find a good OCD residential treatment program that can and will address (and conqueror) your OCD symptoms and help you finally get the life you deserve.

Do I Have OCD?

Well, if you have gotten to the point of wondering if you need OCD residential treatment you have likely been diagnosed with OCD, however, if you are still unsure what obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves mild-to-severe intrusive thoughts, urges, doubts, fears, mental images, and/or emotions that play in your mind like a broken record or a non-stop loop in the brain. 

These upsetting, annoying, distressing, or frightening thoughts are unwanted, yet, they refuse to go away. This is the “obsession” part of OCD. Many times, OCD obsessions are accompanied by repetitive behaviors, like rituals and routines – but not always. This is the “compulsion” part of OCD. While obsessions that lead to compulsions are common, it is also possible to have just obsessions or just compulsions. Although the term, “OCD” is often tossed around to make a point – or a joke, it is anything but “funny.” 

OCD is a serious mental health condition – a type of anxiety condition – that can severely affect your quality of life. Thus, it is no laughing matter. OCD not only affects the sufferer’s life, health, and well-being but also his or her partner’s, loved ones,’ child’s, friends,’ and anyone else who is exposed to it. OCD is not only a lonely condition but also a powerful one. 

It can cause you to lose your job, relationship or marriage, ties to your family, and self-esteem and self-confidence. It can also cause you to feel an incredible amount of shame and guilt – because you are unable to stop thoughts and/or behaviors that are affecting not just yourself but other people, as well. 

OCD is typically treated in several outpatient ways, such as with CBT, ERP therapy, and/or ACT, or with SSRIs (Luvox, Zoloft, Paxil, or Prozac). When the combo of OCD therapies and SSRIs is ineffective, this is considered treatment-resistant OCD. When this occurs, a more aggressive treatment approach is needed to get your OCD symptoms under control. This includes changing your OCD medication from an SSRI to a tricyclic antidepressant, or antipsychotic. If this still does not appear to be working, other options may be considered, such as residential treatment. 

Treatment-resistant OCD may be outpatient, depending on your specific case. This a treatment option that is usually discussed and considered by the OCD sufferer, and his or her partner, doctor, and loved ones. The good news is there are OCD treatments readily available, regardless of the severity, frequency, and type of your OCD symptoms.

Is There a Difference Between Inpatient OCD Treatment and Residential OCD Treatment?

OCD inpatient treatment is usually designed for OCD sufferers, who are “distressed,” a harm to themselves, and/or others. These individuals need immediate mental health care. OCD sufferers, who have entered this state of mind (i.e., suicidal thoughts and attempts), are considered to be in “crisis mode,” and will likely be admitted to the hospital for a certain period.

The goal of OCD inpatient treatment is to ensure that the individual gets back on his or her feet, so the treatment(s) will be effective. Understand, however, that the purpose of OCD inpatient treatment is not to address the individual’s OCD symptom, rather, the aim is to ensure that he or she is safe and ready for treatment.

Unlike OCD inpatient OCD treatment, OCD residential treatment is usually designed for people, who are not a threat to themselves or others. The majority of people who enter OCD residential treatment have not responded well to standard OCD treatments, like SSRIs and/or OCD therapies. 

Thus, these individuals need extra help getting a grip on their OCD symptoms. OCD residential treatment programs tend to have a “homey” feel to them – with an extra perk – 24-hour-personal-care. An OCD residential care stay can last up to 60 days; however, the length of an OCD sufferer’s stay may be shorter or longer than this timeframe.

Why Would Someone Need OCD Residential Treatment?

There are several reasons an OCD sufferer would need OCD residential treatment. An OCD sufferer, who has a hard time attending therapy sessions and/or taking his or her medications may be encouraged to enter an OCD residential treatment program. A person, who has tried standard OCD treatments with little-to-no success may also be prompted to enter this type of treatment program. 

Moreover, OCD residential treatment may be suggested if comprehensive multidisciplinary care is unavailable, for instance, if an OCD sufferer has a hard time navigating numerous OCD therapy appointments, and/or keeping up with various medications. It may more convenient to receive all of these resources and tools in one monitored setting. 

Lastly, OCD residential treatment may be prescribed due to a lack of local OCD therapists, or because of financial requirements of assembling an independent team of mental health care professionals. OCD residential treatment is highly beneficial in these situations because it offers quick-acting, evidence-based OCD care.

How Long Would I Have to Stay in an OCD Residential Treatment Program?

Well, it depends. 

As mentioned previously, it is possible to stay at an OCD residential treatment center for up to 60 days, however, research suggests that for most OCD sufferers, especially children, and adolescents, the shorter the stay the better the results. 

According to a 2008 study, a 5-day intensive residential program appears to be an extremely effective OCD treatment for adolescents with the condition. A 2018 study found that inpatient or residential OCD treatment programs can be effective in as little as 3-weeks, in some cases. 

Another study, referred to as the Bergen 4-day OCD residential treatment program, has recently garnered much success. Approximately 73% of post-treatment Bergen 4-day OCD residential treatment recipients, and almost 70% of follow-up Bergen 4-day OCD residential treatment recipients experienced significant improvements in their severe OCD symptoms. Overall, almost 72% of OCD sufferers, who entered this program experienced long-term OCD recovery.

Some researchers suggest that pediatric OCD sufferers may also significantly benefit from a 1-2 week intensive OCD residential treatment program, especially when this is followed up online, telehealth, or e-therapy. 

Understand, however, that to be admitted to an intensive OCD residential treatment program, you must have tried other OCD treatments without success. Moreover, the majority of OCD sufferers, who enter OCD residential treatment programs, typically have comorbid conditions, like OCD and bipolar disorder, OCD and social anxiety, OCD and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), OCD and schizophrenia, OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), etc.

So, I Think I Need OCD Residential Treatment – How Can I Find One That Will Fit My Needs?

Great question!

There are several credible, safe, and effective OCD residential treatment programs in your location or a nearby location.

Listed below are several ways you can locate a residential treatment program that can help you get the OCD treatment you need:

• The International OCD Foundation – IOCDF has developed a list of intensive OCD residential treatment programs. The best thing about this list is that is categorized by geographic location. 
• Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline – This organization also offers support, and valuable OCD self-help tools and resources, along with a directory of OCD residential treatment programs in your area. 
• Personal or Professional Treatment Center Referrals –The easiest way to find an OCD residential treatment center is to ask your doctor, family, friends, or people on your OCD forums or in your OCD support groups if they know of a credible OCD residential treatment center that you could look into. 

Note: You will also need to speak with a representative at your health insurance company to determine how long your insurance will cover your stay there and what your out-pocket-costs will be.

What Does the OCD Residential Treatment Program Entail?

Well, it typically entails several steps, however, there is always mental health specialist (intake specialist) guiding the way. OCD residential treatment staff understand how stressful, anxiety-provoking, and confusing it is to leave one’s home to stay with people they do not know. So, the intake process is usually extremely thorough and understandable.

Although every “experience” is unique for each individual, there are some generalities that occur during the admission process, such as: 

1. Preliminary Information

• Phone Screening
• Clinical Review of the OCD Sufferer’s Past Physical and Mental Health Backgrounds (This May Involve Obtaining Past and Present Medical Records and Other Documentation)

2. Psychological Exams and Assessments

• Consultation or In-Person Meeting 
• Clinical Admissions Assessment 

3. Intake and Admission 

• Treatment Team Review and Acceptance
• Admission Confirmation and Notification
• Intake and Entrance into the Program

What Are Some of the Benefits of OCD Residential Treatment?

There are several benefits of OCD residential treatment, especially if OCD is wreaking your life and making it impossible to get relief.

Listed below are some of the benefits associated with this type of OCD treatment program:

• A comprehensive admission process – that includes in-depth assessments, so the right diagnosis and level of care can be administered to the individual.
• A “family feel” – OCD residential treatment programs are known for making their “residents,” partners, friends, and other loved ones feel like “family.” More specifically, the entire family, along with a friend, and significant others are encouraged to participate in the OCD treatment process.

OCD residential therapists understand that OCD does not just affect the sufferer, but also everyone in his or her orbit, so it is important that everyone in the partner-family-friend dynamic also receive the care he or she needs to be healthy, happy, and productive.

•  A “tight-knit” therapeutic community – OCD residential treatment programs offer OCD sufferers a variety of benefits, such as structure, supervision, and support, as they traverse through a safe and effective environment that promotes responsibility, accountability, and “social connectedness.”
• Long-term behavioral changes – OCD residential treatment programs can offer OCD sufferers a wide range of tools, skills, and support, which can trigger more stability, confidence, and autonomy – all of the ingredients needed to live a happy, healthy, and productive OCD-free life. 

References

• Whiteside, S. P., Brown, A. M., & Abramowitz, J. S. (2008). Five-day intensive treatment for adolescent OCD: A case series. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 22(3), 495–504. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2007.05.001
• Grøtte, T., Hansen, B., Haseth, S., Vogel, P. A., Guzey, I. C., & Solem, S. (2018). Three-week inpatient treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: A 6-month follow-up study. Frontiers in Psychology, 9, 620. Retrieve from https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2018.00620
• Hansen, B., Kvale, G., Hagen, K., Havnen, A., & Öst, L. G. (2019). The Bergen 4-day treatment for OCD: Four years follow-up of concentrated ERP in a clinical mental health setting. Cognitive Behavior Therapy, 48(2), 89–105. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/16506073.2018.1478447
• Leonard, R. C., Franklin, M. E., Wetterneck, C. T., Riemann, B. C., Simpson, H. B., Kinnear, K., Cahill, S. P., & Lake, P. M. (2016). Residential treatment outcomes for adolescents with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Journal of the Society for Psychotherapy Research, 26(6), 727–736. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1080/10503307.2015.1065022
• Farrell, L. J., Oar, E. L., Waters, A. M., McConnell, H., Tiralongo, E., Garbharran, V., & Ollendick, T. (2016). Brief intensive CBT for pediatric OCD with E-therapy maintenance. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 42, 85–94. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2016.06.005
• International OCD Foundation. (n.d.). Therapists and intensive treatment centers. Retrieved from https://iocdf.org/add-listing/
• SAMHSA (n.d.). SAMHSA national helpline. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/find-help/national-helpline