About the Program

The UFOCD Program is the leading clinical program for the evaluation and treatment of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in the southeastern United States. We specialize in treating severe or treatment-resistant OCD, offering comprehensive evaluations, expert consultations, novel biological treatments, weekly as well as intensive outpatient cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) programs, and research studies. We treat adults, adolescents, and children with OCD, Tourette's Syndrome (TS), and related disorders.

The comprehensive evaluation is an in-depth clinical assessment designed to confirm diagnosis and make treatment recommendations. This evaluation is geared to the patient who has not responded to conventional treatments.

Outpatient services are available with a faculty member who specializes in the treatment of OCD. We offer treatment that includes the most technologically advanced array of novel biological treatments available in the country. Our presence in the McKnight Brain Institute offers access to the latest advance in brain research.

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) has been shown to be highly effective in treating OCD. In fact, recent studies show that about 75-80% of children and adults with OCD have a positive response to CBT. The type of CBT shown to be most effective in treating OCD involves two main components: exposure and response prevention. Exposure refers to confronting the stimuli that trigger obsessions; response prevention refers to resisting compulsions or rituals. Patients learn how to neutralize obsessions without performing rituals. It is simple in principle, but takes an experienced therapist and a determined patient. Drs. Geffken and Storch are highly experienced in CBT for treating children and adults with OCD. Treatment is available in two basic formats: intensive outpatient (daily for about three weeks) and weekly (1-2 per week). Medication treatment, if needed, is coordinated throughout either treatment plan.

Depending on individual cases, eligible patients may be invited to participate in a research study. Members of the faculty in the Department of Psychiatry have received funding from the National Institutes of Health and private sponsors to study OCD and TS. For example, we are funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) for a study of “PANDAS” (Pediatric Autoimmune Neuropsychiatric Disorders Associated with Streptococcus) and a pilot study of Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) in treatment-refractory OCD. We also have funding to examine pharmacological augmentation strategies for CBT.

Inpatient services are available at Shands Hospital at the University of Florida or ShandsVista. Our team consists of psychiatrists, psychologists, social workers, and recreational therapists. Patients and their families participate in the initial evaluation process, working with our clinical team to develop a symptom targeted treatment plan.