Alison R. Alden PhD

Psychologist
707 Lake Cook Road
Suite 310
Deerfield, Illinois 60015
ADA Accessible
Narrative of Services:

The practice at which I am on staff specializes in both weekly and intensive treatment of OCD and related disorders. I work children as young as 5, adolescents, and adults, and about half of the patients that I see have OCD. Thus far, I have seen over 100 patients with OCD. Aside from OCD, I also treat other anxiety disorders using an approach that is heavily based on exposure and the elimination of safety behaviors and avoidance.

Treatment of Co-occurring Disorders:

I also treat other anxiety disorders (including generalized anxiety disorder, illness anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, agoraphobia, emetophobia, other phobias, and PTSD), and major depressive disorder. I prioritize whatever disorder is currently having the most significant impact on my patient’s life. My approach to other anxiety disorders is heavily based on exposure and the elimination of safety behaviors and avoidance, with cognitive work, metacognitive work, and mindfulness used to supplement these strategies. I treat depression using behavioral activation, cognitive work, mindfulness, and when necessary, other tools from DBT. I also treat misophonia using methods endorsed by the Misophonia Institute.

Training Description:

I have over 10 years of experience being trained in and treating OCD and related conditions. While getting my doctoral degree at Northwestern University, I spent 3 years training under someone who is now a senior clinical director at Rogers Behavior Behavioral Health. I have been working at the Anxiety Treatment Center of Greater Chicago since 2014, training under and being supervised by someone who has served as faculty on the BTTIs since their inception. I regularly complete continuing education on treating OCD, including completing a Pediatric BTTI in 2021, and have presented myself at the International OCD Foundation conference.

Diversity Statement:

I have received continual post graduate education on issues of culture and diversity. I enjoy working with LGBTQ patients and patients from all different cultural and religious backgrounds. I have extensive experience working with people from Chicago’s Orthodox Jewish community. I am committed to treating all my patients with respect and consideration for their cultural needs, and to continuing to learn and develop as a cultural sensitive clinician.