The UCSF Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Intensive Outpatient Program is designed to evaluate and treat patients with moderate to severe OCD and related disorders. We provide comprehensive evaluation, intensive treatment, and post-treatment planning for adult patients with OCD who require a more in-depth approach than would usually be available within a clinic setting. The program utilizes as its central therapeutic modalities exposure response prevention (ERP) and acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), research-validated cognitive behavioral therapy techniques. Patients are assigned to an experienced behavioral health specialist who evaluates their treatment needs and works with them to develop a personalized treatment plan. We incorporate family education into our program to ensure that therapeutic gains can be sustained after completion of the program. Psychiatrists specializing in OCD evaluate patient for the use of medications and to optimize the pharmacologic regimen.

The expected duration of this program is around two months. Patients attend three days per week for three hours per day (1:00–4:00 p.m. on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays). This schedule is designed to allow program participants to continue work or school activities as appropriate. Some patients may concurrently be enrolled in our TMS and Neuromodulation Clinic. Following completion of the program, participants typically transition back to their established outpatient mental health providers—or, if needed, can be followed in our adult OCD Clinic.

We believe in evidence-based care and incorporate research into our clinical practice. We currently offer several clinical trials and investigational treatments for patients who have refractory OCD. Feel free to talk with us about ongoing research opportunities.

For our program, we are in-network with the following insurers: Anthem BH, Cigna BH, Kaiser, Magellan, Managed Health Network (MHN), and Optum BH. 

How to get connected with our IOP?

If you are interested in being on the waitlist,we will need your provider to fill out our referral form. If you do not have a provider and you have OCD, consider getting connected with our OCD clinic. 

**** Please note that the IOP is currently on hiatus and will be re-opening in Winter 2024****