White City

Researchers are evaluating the effectiveness of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy compared to a stress management training control in Veterans with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), including those with both OCD and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This 4-year randomized clinical trial focuses on whether ERP can improve functioning, quality of life, and OCD symptoms among Veterans receiving care at various VA medical centers and telehealth hubs. Participants are randomly assigned to one of two groups: the ERP group receives 16 weekly therapy sessions delivered via video telehealth (VTH), emphasizing exposure to feared situations and prevention of compulsive rituals. The control group receives 16 weekly sessions of stress management training, which includes psychoeducation and skills such as deep breathing, relaxation, positive imagery, assertiveness, and problem solving. Both treatments include homework practice and symptom monitoring. Throughout the study, participants complete assessments at the end of treatment and six months later to measure changes in work and social functioning using the Work and Social Adjustment Scale (WSAS). Those in the ERP group also provide feedback on treatment satisfaction and participate in qualitative interviews about how the therapy affected their functioning and PTSD symptoms. Providers and VA administrators will also be interviewed to evaluate how ERP could be implemented in VA mental health care settings.