OCD & Anxiety Exposure Services

Who We Serve

We work with adolescents and adults experiencing OCD and anxiety disorders that interfere with daily life, relationships, school, or work.

Conditions include, but are not limited to:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Contamination, harm, checking, relationship, moral or scrupulosity concerns, symmetry, health anxiety

Social Anxiety

Difficulty attending social events, public speaking, small talk, or meeting new people

Specific Phobias

Heights, animals, crowded spaces, or other situational fears

Panic Disorder and Agoraphobia

Avoidance of leaving home, elevators, driving, or high-traffic areas

Generalized or Performance Anxiety

Test-taking, work presentations, athletic performance, or persistent worry

Whether symptoms feel mild or significantly impairing, our team provides individualized care tailored to the complexity of each client's experience.

Program Impact

Specialized Team

28clinicians trained in OCD-specific care

Clinicians with specialized training in OCD-specific, evidence-based treatment approaches.

Participation in structured OCD treatment using ERP has been associated with meaningful symptom reduction and improved functioning based on clinical research:

Significant Symptom Reduction 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.

Measurable Improvement 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.

Reduced Relapse Rates Effective OCD treatment reduces relapse rates by up to 50% when skills are consistently applied.

Long-Term Management Clients who learn and practice ERP-based coping strategies show improved long-term symptom management and quality of life.

Statistics based on published clinical research on ERP-based OCD treatment. Individual results may vary.

Our Clinicians

Program Lead: Jessi Kiefor, MA, LMHC Director of OCD & Anxiety Exposure Services | Associate Director, Merrillville

Specialists: Ruby Koontz, MA, LMHC-A | Sarah Herbert, MA, LMHC-A

Our clinicians are trained in ERP, ACT, and CBT frameworks specific to OCD and anxiety-related disorders. Treatment emphasizes grounded, present-focused care that supports clients in facing fear without avoidance or reassurance.

We are committed to reducing stigma, expanding access to evidence-based care, and helping clients build lives driven by values rather than fear.

Continuing Education

Program-related continuing education courses are available for clinicians seeking to expand competencies in OCD and exposure-based treatment.

View Continuing Education Offerings

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need an official OCD diagnosis to participate? No. Clients experiencing anxiety disorders that benefit from exposure-based treatment may be appropriate for services. Our intake team helps determine clinical fit.

Is this only for severe OCD and anxiety? No. We work with mild, moderate, and severe presentations. Early intervention can be highly effective.

Do you accept insurance? Standard outpatient services are insurance-based. Certain specialty tracks may include self-pay components. We review all options during intake.

What if I feel nervous about exposure therapy? Feeling nervous is normal. Treatment is collaborative and paced to support gradual growth. Clients are never forced into exposures without preparation and consent.

How long does treatment last? Length varies depending on symptom severity and goals. Many clients experience measurable improvement within 12–20 sessions.