A majority of people who suffer from OCD usually benefit from either medication or exposure and response prevention (ERP). Treatment for OCD usually involves ERP and/or medication. Cognitive behavior therapy and medication are the most effective treatment methods for OCD. ERP is a type of cognitive behavior therapy which is very effective and has strong evidence supporting its use in the treatment of OCD along with a class of medication known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

A licensed mental health professional such as a psychologist or mental health counselor alone can treat a patient with ERP treatment. It can be done as an outpatient (OP) setting. Medication can be prescribed only by a licensed medical professional like a psychiatrist or a physician. The therapist and the physician together would develop a treatment plan. When ERP and medications are taken together it is considered as a first-line treatment for OCD. People who suffer from OCD will benefit from ERP and medication.

When an outpatient ERP does not work, there are more intensive levels of care which can be utilized. There is an intensive treatment center which provides various levels of services to people with OCD. There is a list of therapy options ranging from least intensive to most intensive such as the following:

• Traditional outpatient – Individual sessions are recommended as often as necessary by the therapist. Duration could be one or two times a week for 40 – 45 minutes
• Intensive outpatient – One individual session and other group sessions several days a week are recommended.
• Day program – Treatment is given to patients during the day alone at a mental health treatment center.
• Partial hospitalization – This is also a day program but patients need to attend treatment in a mental health hospital.
• Inpatient – The highest level of care is provided for an inpatient. Treatment is usually done inside a locked unit in a mental health hospital. It could be done sometimes on a voluntary or involuntary basis. Usually, patients are admitted to this level of care, when they are a danger to themselves and others or if they are not able to take care of themselves. To stabilize the patient is the main goal of inpatient treatment which could take several days to weeks.

Additional treatment options for OCD are effective when ERP is delivered in a group format as well as ERP therapy that is delivered by teletherapy. In cases of severe OCD which is resistant to standard types of treatment other options are also available. These options are currently being researched but there is evidence that proves that they could be potentially helpful in reducing OCD symptoms. They should be used only as a last resort and only after all evidence-based treatment methods for OCD have been assessed and exhausted.

• Brain surgery
• Gamma knife
• Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
• Tran cranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
• Importance of glutamate and potential new OCD medication

OCD treatment is usually difficult and requires great courage and determination. Talking to a support group during treatment and taking help from family members would greatly benefit people with OCD.