Child Psychiatry
Expert assessment and management of obsessive-compulsive disorder in children, including medication evaluation, family psychoeducation, and coordination with OCD-trained therapists. Comprehensive care to reduce compulsions and improve functioning.
Schedule a Consultation →Pediatric OCD assessment
Structured diagnostic interviews identifying obsessions and compulsions
SSRI therapy
Medication selection and dose titration with regular monitoring
Therapist coordination
Collaboration with CBT and ERP-trained mental health professionals
Family psychoeducation
Guidance on OCD mechanics and supportive parenting strategies
OCD in children often goes unrecognized because intrusive thoughts are dismissed as normal worry or because compulsions are hidden. Our psychiatrists use structured interviews to uncover obsessions and compulsions that interfere with functioning.
SSRIs are first-line pharmacotherapy for pediatric OCD. We select appropriate agents, monitor response, and adjust doses based on symptom reduction and tolerability—typically coordinating with a CBT/ERP therapist.
Parents often unknowingly reinforce compulsions through accommodation. We educate families on OCD, help them understand their role, and provide strategies to support their child's therapy without enabling avoidance.
With psychiatric medication management and therapy coordination, children experience reduced intrusive thoughts, decreased time spent on rituals, and improved school attendance and peer relationships.
Children with OCD experience unwanted, distressing intrusive thoughts (obsessions) that feel uncontrollable, and they perform repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) to reduce anxiety. These interfere significantly with daily activities. Normal worry is about realistic concerns; OCD obsessions are often irrational and cause marked distress.
Evidence shows that the combination of SSRIs and cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP) is most effective. We manage the medication side while coordinating with your child's therapist who specializes in ERP.
Some children respond well to therapy alone, especially if symptoms are mild. Moderate to severe OCD usually benefits from both medication and therapy. We assess severity and recommend the level of care most likely to help your child.
Reducing family accommodation is challenging but important. Your child's therapist will guide you on how to gradually step back from rituals in a structured, supportive way. We provide psychoeducation to help parents understand the balance between compassion and supporting recovery.
Condition
OCD
Comprehensive overview of obsessive-compulsive disorder and evidence-based treatment.
Related Service
Child Psychiatric Evaluation Maryland
Full diagnostic assessment for children with emotional, behavioral, or neuropsychiatric concerns.
Treatment
OCD Treatment
Medication management and psychiatric care for OCD across age groups.
Schedule your consultation today.
Schedule a Consultation