Recruiter's Glossary

Examples: Safety Planning • Clinical Supervision • CBT

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder)

Term from Mental Health Counseling industry explained for recruiters

OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) is a mental health condition that mental health professionals help treat. It involves recurring unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that a person feels driven to perform. Mental health counselors who work with OCD patients use various treatment approaches, with the most common being Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). When mentioned in job descriptions or resumes, OCD typically refers to experience in treating this specific condition, which requires specialized training and understanding of evidence-based treatment methods.

Examples in Resumes

Provided therapeutic support for clients with OCD and anxiety disorders using evidence-based treatments

Conducted group therapy sessions for individuals with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and their families

Specialized in treating children and adolescents with OCD using age-appropriate intervention strategies

Typical job title: "OCD Specialists"

Also try searching for:

Mental Health Counselor Clinical Therapist OCD Specialist Behavioral Health Therapist Licensed Professional Counselor Clinical Social Worker Mental Health Professional

Where to Find OCD Specialists

Professional Organizations

Job Boards

• PsychologyToday Jobs
• Indeed Mental Health Jobs
• LinkedIn Mental Health Counseling Jobs

Professional Networks

Example Interview Questions

Senior Level Questions

Q: How would you develop and implement a comprehensive treatment plan for a complex OCD case?

Expected Answer: A senior clinician should discuss assessment methods, treatment planning, coordination with other healthcare providers, and adapting evidence-based approaches based on individual client needs. They should mention expertise in multiple treatment modalities and handling treatment-resistant cases.

Q: How do you train and supervise other clinicians in OCD treatment?

Expected Answer: Should demonstrate experience in providing clinical supervision, teaching evidence-based practices, and mentoring less experienced therapists. Should discuss methods for ensuring quality of care and maintaining treatment standards.

Mid Level Questions

Q: What treatment approaches do you use for OCD, and how do you modify them for different age groups?

Expected Answer: Should explain use of ERP, CBT, and other evidence-based treatments, demonstrating ability to adapt approaches for children, adults, and elderly clients. Should discuss family involvement and age-appropriate interventions.

Q: How do you handle treatment resistance in OCD clients?

Expected Answer: Should discuss strategies for addressing non-compliance, modifying treatment approaches, collaboration with psychiatrists, and maintaining therapeutic alliance while pushing for progress.

Junior Level Questions

Q: What are the main symptoms of OCD and how would you identify them?

Expected Answer: Should be able to describe obsessions and compulsions, common presentation patterns, and basic assessment methods. Should demonstrate understanding of differential diagnosis.

Q: Explain the basics of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.

Expected Answer: Should describe the fundamental concepts of ERP, including gradual exposure, preventing compulsions, and creating treatment hierarchies. Should show understanding of basic implementation.