Virtual Therapy Program for Your Patients with OCD
Effective treatment for Horizon members with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is easy to access through virtual therapy provided by NOCD, a Horizon participating provider since November 2020. NOCD providers specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a first-line, evidence-based psychotherapy treatment for people with OCD. Psychotherapy and medication, or a combination of the two, are treatments for OCD.
Recognize the Symptoms of OCD
OCD is a common, long-lasting disorder with two main symptoms: obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are repeated intrusive thoughts, urges, or mental images that cause anxiety or distress. Common obsessions include:
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Fear of forgetting, losing or misplacing something
- Fear of losing control of one’s behavior
- Aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself
- Unwanted, forbidden or taboo thoughts involving sex, religion or harm
- Desire to have things symmetrical or in perfect order
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that a person feels the urge to do in response to an obsessive thought. Common compulsions include:
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Ordering or arranging items in a particular, precise way
- Repeatedly checking things, such as if the door is locked or the oven is off
- Compulsive counting
Many people with OCD often go years without getting properly diagnosed or receiving the most effective treatment for their symptoms. This can lead to negative outcomes such as Substance Use Disorder or suicide.
How ERP works
With ERP, people are gradually exposed to a situation that triggers their compulsion. Then they are prevented from performing their compulsion. Over time, the compulsions decrease.
NOCD therapists offer ERP therapy through live video appointments online. In about eight weeks, people using this platform experience an improvement in symptoms and are taught techniques to help them self-manage their condition.
NOCD services are covered for eligible members of Horizon’s Commercial plans. In addition to providing the convenience of NOCD, Horizon has expanded mental health care options for people with OCD so they can get quality, affordable care.
To find out more about how our Behavioral Health program can assist you with providing behavioral health care to your patients, call 1-800-626-2212.
Sources:
National Institute of Mental Health. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: When Unwanted Thoughts or Repetitive Behaviors Take Over. Retrieved October 11, 2022 from nih.gov.
National Center for Biotechnology Information, National Library of Medicine. Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Current Perspectives. Retrieved October 27, 2022 from ncbi.nlm.nih.gov.