• Overview of the day's schedule, goals, and expectations

• Understanding OCD, its triggers, and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) 

• Build a personalized exposure and response prevention plan

• Engage in exposure in the controlled office environment (Office-based)

• Engage in exposure tasks in real-world settings outside the office

• Identify obstacles/exposure processing/acceptance strategies

• Review the exposure work of the day and plan for managing triggers after hours

• Review progress, gains, and challenges from Day 1

• Practice acceptance based strategies to increase willingness to continue ERP

• Begin more targeted exposure tasks based on the prior day's work

• Continue exposure tasks inside the office with clinician support

• Apply exposure exercises to real-world settings outside the office

• Advanced, real-time exposure tasks in different public or social settings.

• Strategies for maintaining progress post-program and establishing a follow-up schedule for virtual therapy sessions (if applicable).

• Do I need a diagnosis of OCD before starting the program? 

You don’t need a diagnosis to start the program. Many people live with OCD for years before receiving a diagnosis. Finding proper support shouldn’t depend on already having a diagnosis. 

As part of the evaluation for the program, we will conduct a thorough review of your symptoms to determine whether you have OCD. At the end of the assessment, we will discuss diagnostic feedback and create a tailored treatment plan based on your specific needs. Given the intensive nature of the program, people with OCD tendencies that do not cause distress are not best supported through this approach to treatment. Even if Fast Track ERP is not right for you, the evaluation will provide you with an opportunity to better understand your symptoms. 

•  What if I don’t feel better at the end of the program?

Exposure and response prevention delivered with high fidelity is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. That being said, not everyone feels better right away. There can be several reasons why ERP doesn’t seem to work. 

1. Symptoms have reduced but the anxiety is still present

2. Other mental health conditions are affecting your overall wellbeing

3. The tools for managing OCD are in place but forming lasting habits takes repeated practice over time

Feeling nervous about maintaining progress is expected and extremely understandable. Throughout the two days, we will check in about how you’re feeling and the progress you’re making. We will troubleshoot barriers to getting better as they occur in real time. We’ll identify the reasons that you are struggling. As you prepare to “launch” at the end of the two days, we will anticipate likely obstacles and plan for adapting to managing OCD as you resume “real life.”

• Can I participate if I live in another state?

Yes, people from states other than Maryland are welcome to participate. You can enjoy a long weekend in Washington, D.C., while tackling your OCD. At this time, Fast Track ERP is open to anyone in CT, MA, MD, ME, NH, NJ, NY, PA, RI, and VA. 

• Is Fast Track ERP only in person?

Yes, Fast Track ERP is based in Rockville, MD. There is a one hour, virtual evaluation prior to the two-day in person program to determine that this approach is right for you.

• What if I can only commit to one day?

The program requires two full days, or a total of 16 hours of active participation. If you are unable to complete two consecutive days, we can discuss flexible options for helping you receive the appropriate amount of support.