An IOCDF Affiliate carries out the mission of the International OCD Foundation through programs at the local community level within the United States. Each Affiliate is an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization run entirely by dedicated volunteers.
Below will be quarterly updates from our Affiliates, organized by state. Click the (+) to open each menu and read updates and find contact information for clinics near you.
https://www.ocdri.org https://www.instagram.com/ocdrhodeisland/ https://www.facebook.com/OCDRhodeIsland/
INFO@OCDRI.ORG
OCD Rhode Island is looking to expand our volunteer committee and board! We are excited to connect with individuals, families and organizations across Rhode Island who are passionate about raising awareness and supporting those affected by OCD and related disorders. Our goal is to strengthen support in the OCD community in RI by helping individuals find effective treatment resources, reduce stigma through education, advocacy and fundraising by hosting our first Rhode Island Walk in 2027! If you are interested in helping in any of these areas, we want to hear from you! Please each out to us through email at info@ocdri.org – we look forward to hearing from you!
You can also follow us on instagram & Facebook pages to learn about free support groups, social events and more!
As we spring into summer, OCDCSFL has exciting momentum and meaningful updates to share. On April 28th, board members Dr. Rashesh Dholakia and Dr. Gwylim Roddick joined forces in Orlando to present “OCD 101,” an evidence-based continuing education seminar focused on the assessment and treatment of OCD. We’re proud to support the IOCDF’s mission of expanding access to effective, evidence-based care.
We’re also looking forward to attending the 31st Annual OCD Conference in Seattle, Washington, from July 9–12. If you’ll be there, be sure to come say hello!
There’s even more ahead: planning is officially underway for our second art exhibit, “Obsession”—a powerful showcase exploring the lived experience of OCD through art. We are currently accepting submissions from individuals with OCD or OC-spectrum disorders, loved ones, and clinicians. Submissions can be sent to: 4400 N. Federal Hwy., Suite 123, Boca Raton, FL 33431.
In addition, conversations have already begun for our 2026 “One Million Steps for OCD Walk,” expected to take place this winter.
We are also excited to continue collaborating with IOCDF and Hillsborough County Schools as we partner to bring Anxiety/OCD in the Classroom tools to the broader community.
As our organization continues to grow, we are currently seeking passionate individuals interested in joining our board, particularly for CE Chair and Walk Chair roles.
Stay tuned for updates, upcoming events, and ways to get involved at ocdcsfl.org or reach out anytime at info@ocdcsfl.org. We’d love to hear from you!
Instagram: @ocd_texas
Facebook: ocdtexasforsure
“OCD Texas is excited to announce our newly elected board members! Following our first board election, we are thrilled to welcome the following leaders to the organization: Andrea Alvarez, LPC as President; Gabbi Funk as President-Elect; Melissa Fasteau, PsyD as Past President; Luke Collier, PsyD as Education Chair; Azul Lozoya Gomez, LPC-A as Social Media Chair; Thien-An Le, PhD as Volunteer Committee & Mentor and Noemi Tsai as Youth Ambassador. We are incredibly excited for this next chapter of growth for OCD Texas and grateful for the passion, leadership, and dedication each of these individuals brings to our mission of increasing OCD awareness, education, and support across Texas.
We are excited to host or annual OCD Texas Symposium on Saturday, October 10th in The Woodlands at the Kevin Brady Community Center. Please reach out to symposiumchair@ocdtexas.org for additional information for sponsors and participants.
Please check our website for upcoming continuing education events and clinical consultation groups. If you are interested in participating in OCD Texas, please contact volunteer@ocdtexas.org”
https://www.ocdnewhampshire.org/
@ocd_new_hampshire
https://www.facebook.com/OCDNH
OCD New Hampshire has continued to strengthen its work through clearer committee structure, expanded training, and increased community engagement across the state.
This spring, OCD NH officially renamed and reorganized its standing committees to better reflect the work already happening across the board. The Community Education and Engagement Committee, led by newly elected chair Matthew McCutcheon, focuses on outreach, support groups, newsletters, social media, and community events. The Training and Professional Services Committee, led by chair Phoebe Manchester, MS, LCMHC, focuses on professional education, clinical outreach, school outreach, and expanding awareness of evidence-based treatment.
In May, OCD NH took part in the Boston OCD Walk, where we were grateful to connect with the larger OCD community. OCD NH representatives attended the event, shared resources, and captured photos from the day, reflecting the importance of showing up together across affiliate communities.
OCD NH also recently provided a training at Riverbend Community Mental Health focused on **“Recognizing and Treating OCD in Clinical Practice,”** presented by board members Phoebe Manchester, MS, LCMHC, and Hannah Karamanoogian, MA, LCMHC, ATR-BC. The training brought together clinical expertise and lived experience, which continues to be central to how OCD NH approaches education and outreach throughout the state.
This spring also marked a leadership transition, with Katherine van Hengel stepping into the role of President of OCD NH after a tremendous span of leadership from Christina DeMaio. As part of this next chapter, OCD NH is continuing to grow as a board and statewide resource, with a focus on volunteer involvement, professional outreach, community education, and support across New Hampshire.
Looking ahead, OCD NH is preparing for the New Hampshire OCD Walk at White Park in Concord on Sunday, October 18, 2026. We are also continuing to support and grow our monthly support groups, which remain an important source of connection for individuals and loved ones affected by OCD. We have welcomed many new faces to these groups and are always open to adults, teens, and parents, both in and out of state, who are looking to connect around OCD. Please feel free to reach out via our email for more information.
We look forward to seeing some of you this summer at the Annual OCD Conference and appreciate the support and camaraderie from IOCDF and our fellow affiliates.
gatewayocd.com
@GatewayOCD
@thegatewayinstitute
info@gatewayocd.com
Specialized OCD Treatment in Northern California: The Gateway Institute’s 3-Week Intensive Outpatient Program
For children, teens, and adults struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions, access to specialized treatment can make a significant difference in recovery. The Gateway Institute continues to offer its individually tailored 3-Week Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) in Northern California, providing focused, evidence-based treatment in person in Oakland and San Francisco, with virtual IOP options also available for California residents.
The program is designed for individuals needing more concentrated and structured support than traditional weekly therapy. Clients participate in three hours of individualized treatment per day, Monday through Friday for three weeks. Treatment integrates Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), mindfulness-based strategies, real-world exposure practice, and family support when appropriate.
The Northern California IOP team includes experienced clinicians specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders across the spectrum.
Laurie J. Patraitis
Dr. Laurie Patraitis has more than two decades of experience utilizing CBT and ERP to treat OCD, panic disorder, and anxiety-related conditions. After earning her doctorate in clinical psychology, she completed advanced specialty training at McLean Hospital/Harvard Medical School and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center/Dartmouth University. Her clinical work at The Gateway Institute’s Oakland location has focused extensively on exposure-based treatment for OCD and related disorders, and she remains dedicated to helping individuals build long-term recovery through evidence-based care.
Wibecke Stromsnes
Dr. Wibecke Stromsnes is a registered psychological associate with specialized experience treating OCD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders, ADHD, and related mental health conditions. She completed her doctorate in Counseling Psychology at the University of the Pacific and previously worked in neuropsychology and adolescent residential treatment. Her approach emphasizes compassionate, individualized care grounded in evidence-based practice, with in-person treatment provided in Oakland.
Adam Clark-Tan
Based at The Gateway Institute’s San Francisco location, Adam Clark-Tan, LCSW, specializes in treating OCD and related disorders using ERP, CBT, Mindfulness-Based Behavioral Therapy (MBBT), and Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT). His background includes clinical work within the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) Intensive Outpatient Program and specialized training through the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Adam also works extensively with body dysmorphic disorder, perfectionism, panic, phobias, and body-focused repetitive behaviors.
The Gateway Institute’s 3-Week IOP focuses on individualized treatment planning while helping clients reduce compulsions, increase functioning, and build resilience in daily life. By combining intensive ERP with practical exposure work and family involvement, the program supports meaningful progress toward recovery and greater freedom from OCD.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP), as well as individual weekly therapy offered once, twice, or three times per week, is also available in Denver, Colorado; Seattle, Washington; and Costa Mesa, Southern California. Virtual treatment options are additionally available for clients located in Oregon, Arizona, New Jersey, and Utah.
Recovery from OCD is possible, and you are not alone. At The Gateway Institute, our goal is to provide compassionate, evidence-based care that empowers children, teens, adults, and families to move beyond fear and compulsions toward greater confidence, resilience, and freedom in daily life.
Instagram: @ocdmidatlantic
Facebook: @OCDMidAtlantic
We would like to extend our heartfelt appreciation and warm wishes to retiring board member Carter Waddell! Carter was one of our founding members and served as our Treasurer during his entire time on the board. His contributions to OCD Mid-Atlantic and the OCD community at large are numerous and we will miss him greatly. One of our newer board members, Meghan Meros, is taking over as Treasurer.
We are busy planning for the 1 Million Steps for OCD Walk in Richmond on October 10th and the 2nd Annual OCD Mid-Atlantic Mini-Conference with Sheppard Pratt. We are grateful for the responses to our surveys and are in the process of planning other events in line with the responses we have seen on these surveys. Please continue to use the website contact form to tell us about any events you would be interested in attending, virtually or in person (https://www.ocdmidatlantic.org/contact/).
(ttp://www.ocdoregon.com
Instagram: @ocdoregon
Email: info@ocdoregon.org
OCD Oregon has been hard at work to increase community awareness and engagement. In March, we held our first **OCD Art Exhibition**, showcasing original written and visual artwork created by members of our community impacted by OCD. The submissions reflected the diverse experiences of individuals living with OCD, and the response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. We were also grateful to raise funds through donations in support of our mission. Given its success, we hope to make the OCD Art Exhibition an annual event.
OCD Oregon is also excited to announce that several of our board members will be presenting at the upcoming Annual OCD Conference in July. In addition, we have awarded three scholarships to individuals from our community—people with lived experience and an interest in learning more about treating OCD—to attend the Conference.
Our organization has also welcomed a new board member as we continue to grow and expand opportunities for outreach, education, and community engagement across Oregon.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for our annual **OCD Walk**, taking place on **June 20** at **Tom McCall Waterfront Park** in Portland, Oregon. We’ve expanded our marketing efforts this year and are looking forward to a great turnout. We hope you’ll join us!
**Website:** [www.ocdoregon.com](http://www.ocdoregon.com)
**Instagram:** @ocdoregon
**Email:** [info@ocdoregon.org](mailto:info@ocdoregon.org)
OCD Oregon has been hard at work to increase community awareness and engagement. In March, we held our first **OCD Art Exhibition**, showcasing original written and visual artwork created by members of our community impacted by OCD. The submissions reflected the diverse experiences of individuals living with OCD, and the response to the event was overwhelmingly positive. We were also grateful to raise funds through donations in support of our mission. Given its success, we hope to make the OCD Art Exhibition an annual event.
OCD Oregon is also excited to announce that several of our board members will be presenting at the upcoming Annual OCD Conference in July. In addition, we have awarded three scholarships to individuals from our community—people with lived experience and an interest in learning more about treating OCD—to attend the Conference.
Our organization has also welcomed a new board member as we continue to grow and expand opportunities for outreach, education, and community engagement across Oregon.
Looking ahead, we are gearing up for our annual **OCD Walk**, taking place on **June 20** at **Tom McCall Waterfront Park** in Portland, Oregon. We’ve expanded our marketing efforts this year and are looking forward to a great turnout. We hope you’ll join us!
ocdpennsylvania@gmail.com
https://www.ocdpennsylvania.org/
Instagram: @ocd_pennsylvania
Facebook: OCD-Pennsylvania
The 2nd annual Philadelphia OCD Conference was a success due to the wonderful work of the participants, presenters and committee! The day was filled with sharing, supporting and learning…lived experience, treatment updates, and filling each participant’s “OCD Toolkit.” The conference focused on those with the “”lived experience”” who fully engaged with thoughtful comments and questions all during the day.
OCD PA’s first camp for kids is this summer in State College! Eleven campers will enjoy the week filled with fun activities, meeting others, and learning about living life to the fullest with OCD. Thanks to Board member Valerie Swisher who sought the grant and is leading the camp! We will also be supporting the We are Courageous Kids Camp in Erie with scholarships this summer (this camp is run by board members).
Our board has been very fortunate with so many new folks interested in joining the board that we had to change our bylaws to accommodate the interest. Thanks to our board members who are stepping down after years of service and new ones who are stepping up!
https://www.facebook.com/OCDConnecticut/
Greetings from the Nutmeg State! It has been a season of incredible growth and connection for OCD Connecticut. Our Lecture Series has taken center stage, bringing top-tier clinical insights directly to our local communities.
On May 5th, in partnership with the Yale OCD Research Clinic, we hosted “OCD 101” at the Russell Library in Middletown, Connecticut. This community-focused session was led by Dr. Christopher Pittenger, director of the Yale OCD Research Clinic, alongside Yale clinical experts and researchers Drs. Thomas G. Adams, Emily R. Weiss, and Brian Zaboski. The team demystified the disorder, debunked common misconceptions, and outlined the gold-standard evidence-based care. Given the overwhelming response, we are excited to take this program on the road to other cities and towns across the state.
On June 16th, the momentum continued when we hosted a lecture by Dr. Pittenger at the Yale Child Study Center. Dr. Pittenger provided a deep dive into the evolving landscape of OCD treatment—covering everything from traditional pharmacology to the cutting edge of research, including ketamine and psychedelic-assisted therapies.
We are thrilled to announce the launch of a new clinician support group for OCD specialists. In partnership with Meredith Hettler, MS, LMFT, CCATP (National Director of Newport Healthcare’s OCD and Anxiety Program), this initiative will provide a unique space for professional growth. Led by Meredith, this clinician roundtable is designed to bridge the gap between theory and practice through a blend of psychoeducational content and collaborative case discussions.
In addition, we’re bringing the community together through casual hangouts at coffee shops, pizzerias, and other spots throughout the state. These gatherings offer a relaxed space for folks living with OCD to connect and build a genuine sense of community. Beyond providing support, we hope these get-togethers introduce more people to the heart of OCD Connecticut’s programming.
In other exciting news, we are pleased to announce the appointment of Meredith Hettler and Steven Poskar, MD, to our Clinical and Scientific Advisory Panel. Their combined experience will play a pivotal role in strengthening our strategic vision and clinical outreach.
Looking ahead, we plan to continue our Lecture Series throughout the summer and fall, led by clinicians specializing in OCD and national OCD advocates.
Comedy for a Cause: We are planning a special fall fundraiser featuring comedian and advocate Kevin Turner. Kevin’s unique brand of humor shines a light on the realities of living with OCD, proving that sometimes laughter is a vital part of the recovery journey.
Our flagship event, the One Million Steps for OCD Walk, returns during OCD Awareness Week on October 17th at Jennings Beach in Fairfield, Connecticut. We look forward to seeing our community come together on the shoreline to walk, talk, and stomp out stigma!
OCD Nevada
Website: ocdnevada.org
Facebook: @ocdnevada
Instagram: @ocdnevada
Email: info@ocdnevada.org
After building momentum throughout 2025—hosting our first OCD Walk and a series of community events—OCD Nevada is charging ahead in 2026 with a newly elected board and an ambitious agenda for the year ahead.
This fall, we’re proud to announce two OCD Walks—one in each region of Nevada:
- Northern Nevada OCD Walk (Sparks, NV)—our second annual event, continuing the tradition we started last year
- Las Vegas OCD Walk—our first-ever walk in Southern Nevada, bringing OCD awareness and community to the Las Vegas area for the first time
These walks are an opportunity for Nevadans living with OCD—and the clinicians, families, and advocates who support them—to connect, reduce stigma, and raise awareness statewide.
This summer, we are also actively preparing to participate in the IOCDF’s Anxiety in the Classroom initiative, working to equip Nevada educators and school staff with the tools to recognize and respond to OCD and anxiety in students.
We’re looking forward to what’s ahead! Find us at ocdnevada.org.
ocdsocal.org
info@ocdsocal.org
Instagram: @ocdsocal
Facebook: @OCDSOCAL
The event will include presentations for people with OCD, their family members and loved ones, and clinicians seeking 3 CEs. Presentation topics include intrusive thoughts, family accommodations, medication, sleep and OCD, OCD treatment, how to utilize insurance, a lived experience OCD recovery panel, and more.
Visit ocdsocal.org/speakerseries for more information and to register. This event is low-cost, includes free parking and a catered lunch with beverages, and scholarships are available for those whose cost is an issue. Email info@ocdsocal.org with any questions.
OCD Southern California is also excited to announce that we are once again hosting the Online OCD Conference, a global event, on November 7–8, 2026. Proposal submissions are now closed, and we are currently putting together the conference program. For information on the conference, to be the first to see the agenda and program, to register, and more, visit ocdsocal.org/conference. Make sure to save the date and join us live at the virtual conference on Saturday, November 7 and Sunday, November 8.
OCD SoCal is continuing to form regional councils in the counties in our catchment area. If you are interested in joining a local council, please contact us at the email address listed.
Our San Diego regional council is hosting a One Million Steps for OCD Walk at the La Jolla Shores Hotel on Saturday, June 6. Visit iocdf.org/walk to register and learn more.
Finally, we offer a free, virtual Family and Loved Ones OCD Support Group for parents, family members, spouses, and loved ones of people supporting someone with OCD. It meets on the second Saturday of each month from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM Pacific Time. Email us to request to be added to the email list to experience support, education, and information.
Please email info@ocdsocal.org if you are interested in getting involved with the OCD SoCal affiliate. We are looking for enthusiastic members of the local community to support our cause!
Website: www.ocdnc.org
Instagram: @ocdnc
Email: info@ocdnc.org
OCD North Carolina is busy planning for the fall! We’re proud to offer five OCD awareness walks throughout the state each October. Once again, we’ll be holding walks in Raleigh, Charlotte, Wilmington, Asheville, and Greensboro, so be sure to check the details and mark your calendars.
These walks are by far our largest fundraiser of the year, and we rely on them to support our programming and initiatives throughout the year. Please consider making a donation or joining us at one of the walks.
OCDNC is also proud to once again offer scholarships for community members to attend the IOCDF Annual OCD Conference this July. The Conference is an invaluable experience, and we’re grateful to provide this opportunity to individuals who might not otherwise be able to attend. We’re also excited to have several board members attending the Conference this year, including some who will be presenting.
In addition to the Conference and our OCD awareness walks, we continue to offer opportunities for local community members to connect in person. OCDNC hosts meet-up events in Charlotte and the Triangle approximately once each quarter, so be sure to check our social media channels for the latest updates.
We hope to see you at one of our events!
Quarterly Update: Welcoming New Leadership and Investing in Our Community
As we settle into a new season, we are reflecting on a quarter of growth, transition, and exciting momentum here at OCD Midwest. We are incredibly grateful for the dedication of our board and the continued support of our community.
Leadership Transitions
We are thrilled to announce several changes to our Board of Directors. Please join us in welcoming our new leadership team:
- President: Desiree Untch
- Past President: Blair Famarin
- Vice President: Elle Skelton
- Social Media Chair: Madison Di Silvio
- Education Committee Co-Chair: Angela Henry
We extend our sincere thanks to these individuals for stepping into their new roles. Their leadership will be instrumental in guiding our mission forward.
Community Impact and Education
Our calendar is buzzing with activity as we prepare for six upcoming OCD Walks, which will provide important opportunities for connection, advocacy, and community engagement.
On the clinical education front, we are finalizing a series of continuing education (CE) events for the third quarter. Our goal remains to provide high-quality, accessible training for the professionals who support individuals living with OCD.
Investing in Training
We are also proud to share our latest efforts in professional development. This quarter, we awarded six scholarships to deserving applicants. These scholarships supported a variety of educational opportunities, including general continuing education and specialized training to help clinicians become certified in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
Thank you to our volunteers, donors, and members for making these initiatives possible. We look forward to a busy and impactful quarter ahead!
OCD New Jersey Spring 2026 Update
OCD New Jersey participated in the One Million Steps for OCD Walk on Sunday, June 7, 2026, at Oak Ridge Park in Clark, New Jersey. In addition to raising awareness and funds to support those affected by OCD, the event featured opportunities to connect with psychotherapy practices and other OCD resources from across the state, along with live music, face painting, and other family-friendly activities. Visit ocdnj.org for more information.
OCD New Jersey also held its annual conference on March 22, 2026, at The Westwood in Garwood, New Jersey. Guest speaker Josh Spitalnick, PhD, presented on topics related to health anxiety. The event also featured the always-popular “Living with OCD” panel. The conference was well attended by mental health professionals, members of the OCD community, and their spouses, partners, families, and friends.
The post Affiliate Updates: Summer 2026 appeared first on International OCD Foundation.