International OCD Foundation

Community Conversations x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Conversaciones TOC x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Today is National Mental Health Provider Appreciation Day 💚 If you're a mental health provider, we want to take a moment to recognize and thank you for the vital work you do. We’re grateful to have you as part of the IOCDF community and for your ongoing commitment to providing effective care for individuals impacted by OCD and related disorders. If a mental health provider has made a difference in your life, we invite you to honor them with a gift to the Training Institute Scholarship Fund. Your support helps expand access to evidence-based treatment and ensures more people can get the care they deserve. Mental health professionals change lives every day, yet millions of people with OCD still struggle to access effective care. In the IOCDF’s white paper, America’s OCD Care Crisis, we found that 95% of people with OCD in the U.S. do not receive the most effective treatment. That is why the IOCDF Training Institute is committed to equipping more providers with the skills they need to effectively treat OCD and related disorders. Learn more and support the fund at bit.ly/3RBzLmQ

Only 3 days until OCD Therapy in an Uncertain World: Advocacy, Ethical Practice, and Burnout Prevention begins. This two-day virtual program is designed to support OCD clinicians navigating the complex realities of modern practice. Featuring leading voices in OCD treatment, sessions will focus on protecting treatment integrity, navigating institutional barriers, preventing burnout, and sustaining yourself in the work long term. Whether you are early in your career or a seasoned clinician, this program offers practical tools, ethical guidance, and meaningful conversations to help strengthen your work and support your wellbeing. 👉 Virtual event 👉 Begins Thursday, May 14 👉 9 CEs Visit events.iocdf.org/event/SummitSp… for more information and to register.

Happy Mother’s Day to all the moms, parents, and caregivers in our community. 💙 Parenting can bring joy, love, and meaningful moments, but it can also come with stress, uncertainty, and challenges. If you are navigating OCD or supporting a child or loved one with OCD, you are not alone. Support, education, and community can make a big difference for families. Explore resources for parents and caregivers 👉 iocdf.org

The Boston OCD Walk is TOMORROW! 🎉 Join us on May 9 as our community comes together to raise funds, increase awareness, and support people affected by OCD and related disorders. Through the One Million Steps for OCD Walk, participants across the country help fund critical programs, education, and research that bring help, healing, and hope to our community. There is still time to get involved or donate. Learn more at iocdf.org/ocdwalk 💙

The IOCDF wishes a very happy birthday to our two most recent Illumination Award recipients — 2024 winner Scheana Shay and 2025 winner Zane Gonzalez. Because of individuals like Scheana and Zane who use their platforms to raise accurate awareness of OCD, millions more people are now connected with help, healing, and hope. Scheana and Zane: We are so grateful for the work you do to help others feel less alone and to know that treatment exists. Here's to an amazing year ahead!

IOCDF Research Roundtable: OCD Motivational Dimensions x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

May is Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) Heritage Month, a time to celebrate the cultures, histories, and contributions of AAPI communities. It is also an opportunity to acknowledge the mental health challenges many AAPI individuals face when seeking care. Research shows that Asian Americans are about 60% less likely to receive mental health treatment compared to the general U.S. population. Cultural stigma, barriers to care, and lack of access to culturally competent treatment can make it harder for many people to seek help. OCD affects 2–3% of people worldwide, including members of AAPI communities. Increasing awareness and access to effective treatment helps ensure that everyone has the opportunity to get support. Learning about OCD and evidence-based treatment is an important step toward reducing stigma and improving access to care. Learn more about OCD and treatment options at iocdf.org 💙

Maternal mental health matters 💙 Pregnancy and the postpartum period can bring major emotional changes, and for some parents, that can include intrusive thoughts that feel frightening or confusing. Research shows that up to 90% of new parents experience unwanted intrusive thoughts about their baby, yet many people feel afraid to talk about them because of shame or misunderstanding. These thoughts are common and do not mean someone will act on them. Learning what they are and getting the right support can make a huge difference. If you or someone you know is navigating intrusive thoughts during pregnancy or postpartum, education and community support can help. Learn more about OCD, intrusive thoughts, and treatment at iocdf.org 💙

Ask the Experts with Dr. Liz McIngvale & Chris Trondsen, LMFT! x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Don't miss these opportunities to join the OCD community! Check out a full list of upcoming events at iocdf.org/calendar 📅

Community Conversations x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

When given appropriately, SSRIs are an evidence-based way to improve symptoms for people suffering with OCD and related disorders. The IOCDF is proud to be a member of the Mental Health Liaison Group and stands ready to provide information and resources to policymakers about the importance of continued access to these medications. Read the full statement 👉 bit.ly/4epo8cj

May is Mental Health Awareness Month 🧠 Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) affects about 2–3% of the population worldwide, yet many people wait years before receiving an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment. Increasing awareness helps people recognize symptoms earlier, reduce stigma, and connect with evidence based care like exposure and response prevention (ERP). This month, we are highlighting the importance of education, access to treatment, and support for individuals and families impacted by OCD and related disorders. Learn more about OCD and available resources at iocdf.org 💙

The 2026 OCD Walk season officially kicks off next week on May 9 with the Boston OCD Walk, the flagship event of the One Million Steps for OCD campaign. Each year, thousands of community members across the world take part in OCD Walks to raise awareness, build connections, and support the mission that everyone impacted by OCD and related disorders has immediate access to effective treatment and support. We are grateful to partner with NOCD to help launch this year’s Walk season and continue expanding access to evidence-based care for the OCD community. Boston, Massachusetts May 9, 2026 at 9AM ET Register or learn more at iocdf.org/ocdwalk

When someone has both autism and OCD, treatment decisions can feel complicated. In this video, Dr. Stacy Greeter discusses medications that may be used when OCD occurs alongside autism, and what clinicians consider when recommending treatment. Every person is different, so medication decisions should always be discussed with a qualified healthcare provider. Learn more about autism and OCD at iocdf.org/autism, and explore the Autism & OCD Special Interest Group at iocdf.org/special-intere…

Ask the Experts: How Tech Can Support OCD & Anxiety Recovery x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

Community Conversations x.com/i/broadcasts/1…

The program for the 31st Annual OCD Con is now live! 🎉 Join us from July 9-12 in Seattle or virtually for four days of sessions designed to help individuals and families better understand OCD, access effective support, and connect with others who share similar experiences. This year’s program includes sessions on treatment, lived experience, family support, and related disorders. New programming includes BFRB Community Day, along with dedicated sessions for parents and caregivers, hoarding disorder, and supporters. Whether you are living with OCD, supporting a loved one, or looking to deepen your understanding, the Annual OCD Conference offers a welcoming space to learn from experts and connect with community. Thank you to our Title Sponsor 👉 OCDI TX, Keynote Sponsor 👉 NW Anxiety Institute, and Professional Mentoring Sponsor 👉 Rogers Behavioral Health for helping make this year’s conference possible! 🎉 Register today and explore the full program 👉 iocdf.org/ocdcon