OCD Specialized Service
| About the Program | Who This Program Supports | What You Can Expect | Program Impact |
| Partnership Information | Meet Our Clinicians | Applicant Information | FAQs |
About the Program
The OCD Specialized Service at Pillars of Wellness offers structured, evidence-based therapy focused on reducing the intensity and interference of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Treatment is grounded in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard approach for OCD.
Care emphasizes collaboration, skill development, and values-based work rather than reassurance or symptom elimination. The program is designed to help clients change their relationship with fear and uncertainty over time.
Who This Program Supports
This program is ideal for:
- Adolescents and adults experiencing OCD or obsessive-compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life
- Individuals managing intrusive thoughts, mental rituals, reassurance-seeking, avoidance, or compulsions
- Clients struggling with shame, fear, or persistent “what if” thinking
- Those seeking long-term strategies rather than quick fixes
OCD presents differently for each person. Whether symptoms feel mild or significantly impairing, this program provides care that reflects the complexity of OCD experiences.
Suitable for:
- Individual therapy
- In-person or hybrid sessions
- Coordination with support systems when appropriate
What You Can Expect
Clients in the OCD program receive:
Individualized, Evidence-Based Treatment
Treatment designed specifically for OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard approach supported by decades of clinical research.
One-on-One Therapy with a Trained OCD Specialist
Work directly with clinicians who have specialized training in OCD-specific interventions and understand the unique challenges of living with OCD.
Collaborative Goal-Setting
Goals rooted in personal values, focusing on what matters most to you rather than solely on symptom reduction.
Structured Exposure Work
Exposure exercises paced to be challenging yet supportive, helping you build confidence facing fear and uncertainty.
Skills for Responding to Uncertainty
Learn to respond to discomfort without reassurance-seeking, changing how you relate to intrusive thoughts rather than trying to eliminate them.
All services are delivered in a nonjudgmental, trauma-informed space.
Program Impact
clients served through the OCD program
specially trained OCD clinicians
Participation in structured OCD treatment using ERP has been associated with meaningful symptom reduction and improved functioning based on clinical research:
60–80% of individuals with OCD experience significant symptom reduction with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD and is strongly supported by decades of clinical research.
Over 70% of clients show measurable improvement within the first 12–20 sessions. Structured, skills-based OCD treatment often leads to meaningful decreases in obsessions, compulsions, and distress in a relatively short timeframe.
Effective OCD treatment reduces relapse rates by up to 50% when skills are consistently applied.
Clients who learn and practice ERP-based coping strategies show improved long-term symptom management and quality of life.
Meet Our Clinicians
Program Lead: Jessi Kiefor, MA, LMHC
— OCD Program Director | Associate Director, Merrillville
Specialist: Ruby Koontz, MA, LMHC-A
The OCD clinical team uses grounded, evidence-based approaches to support clients in facing fear and uncertainty without avoidance or reassurance. Their work emphasizes present-focused, values-driven care and aims to reduce stigma while expanding access to gold-standard OCD treatment.
Pillars of Wellness is a community-based mental health organization providing therapy, education, and specialty programs across Indiana and surrounding regions.
Partnership Information
Pillars of Wellness values collaboration with community partners and referral sources. The OCD Specialized Service offers:
- Simple referral processes with clear communication
- Care coordination with outpatient providers, higher levels of care, and medical professionals
- Consultation support for treatment planning
Applicant Information
Interested in joining our OCD clinical team?
Pillars of Wellness is seeking clinicians passionate about OCD treatment and values-driven recovery.
Team members are offered:
- Opportunities to provide structured, exposure-focused therapy
- Clinical supervision and professional development
- A collaborative, supportive team culture centered on ethical and effective care
Healing Starts Here
Living with OCD can feel exhausting and isolating, but recovery is possible. With evidence-based treatment and the right support, you can build a life driven by your values rather than your fears. You don’t have to face this alone. We’re here to walk alongside you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is this program for?
Adolescents and adults seeking specialized, evidence-based therapy for OCD and obsessive-compulsive behaviors.
What does participation involve?
Weekly individual therapy sessions focused on ERP-based interventions and values-driven skill development.
Is this program individual or group-based?
This service is delivered through individual therapy.
Is treatment in-person or virtual?
In-person, telehealth, and hybrid options are available.
How do referrals or partnerships work?
Referrals and coordination are handled directly with Pillars of Wellness, with consent-based communication as appropriate.
Who provides the services?
Licensed clinicians trained in OCD-specific, evidence-based treatment approaches.
What happens after treatment?
Clients work with their provider to plan next steps and ongoing care as needed.
Continuing Education
Program-related continuing education courses are available for clinicians seeking to expand competencies in OCD and exposure-based treatment.