About:
The International OCD Foundation brings together mental health professionals and individuals from diverse backgrounds that share a common interest to participate in OCD and related disorder discussions, networking, education, resource development, and/or research. Special Interest Groups (SIGs) are developed to cultivate purposeful initiatives that support and advance IOCDF’s mission to help those affected by OCD and related disorders. SIGs operate semi-independently and vary in content, structure, and activity level.
Join a Group:
To join a Special Interest Group (SIG), please use the contact information provided under each SIG listing or email us at sigs@iocdf.org. Each SIG operates independently by its own leadership.
Special Interest Groups (SIGs):
These are our active Special Interest Groups. More information about each group will be coming soon.
The mission of this SIG is to increase understanding and use of acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) as an evidenced-based approach in the treatment of individuals who suffer from OCD and related disorders.
Having OCD is hard. Having a chronic illness/disability is hard. Having them both? Really hard! In this Special Interest Group, we get it! This is for individuals with a chronic illness/disability and OCD who are looking to find community and support, as well as those who are interested in creating resources and working to increase awareness around these comorbid conditions. Additionally, the SIG is open to professionals who are looking to gain a better understanding of successful treatment practices for those with chronic illness/disability and OCD.
The group is composed of professionals who have expertise in treating OCD and express an interest in Autism as well as treating OCD in these patients.
The BDD Special Interest Group is dedicated to advancing knowledge and disseminating information about body dysmorphic disorder (BDD) to professionals, people with BDD and their family members, and the public.
This group is designed specifically for individuals of ALL religious traditions to share their experiences with OCD, as well as ways this has impacted their connection to a faith community.
This group is designed for those with OCD or a related disorder and in a profession of helping others such as an educator, clergy, healthcare professional, or first responder with the desire to create a community and resources for navigating OCD while serving in these roles.
The LGBTQ+ Special Interest Group is dedicated to building community for LGBTQ+ identifying OCD clinicians, researchers, educators, and people with lived experience. It has the goal of improving access to affirming, evidence-based treatment for LGBTQ+ individuals with OCD.
Pediatric
This SIG is focused on clinical care, research, and training related to youth with OCD.
This SIG is designed to build relationships and foster collaboration among students and trainees, to seasoned professionals at all levels in their careers in the fields of OCD, anxiety, and related disorders.
This is a space for information on/for the Special Interest Group (SIG) for OCD/SUD community. This includes those with OCD/SUD, those who provide treatment, researchers, and those who are in their lives – family and friends. We share resources, work to increase awareness, and advocate for concurrent treatment. Most of all we want those with OCD & SUD to know they are not alone and recovery is possible.
The goal of the SIG is to develop a community of mental health providers who have a shared understanding of the unique challenges that may be present when working within the mental health/medical field while carrying your own personal experiences (current or past) with OCD/OC Spectrum disorders.
The Trauma & PTSD in OCD Special Interest Group is comprised of professionals and people with lived experience with trauma, OCD, and PTSD. This group is dedicated to advancing knowledge and disseminating information about trauma, OCD, and PTSD to other professionals, people with lived experience, families and supports, and the public. We aim to provide a compassionate, supportive, evidence-based environment in which people who are passionate about effective treatment for individuals with trauma, OCD, and PTSD can access resources and remain informed about this growing body of research and clinical practice.
This SIG aims to provide a safe place to share lived experiences and the unique challenges faced by individuals 50 years and older living with OCD. We intend to bring voices and wisdom to the table, as an additional opportunity to develop understanding and bring resources to the OCD community as a whole.
The goal of the SIG and its members is to help create a community of young adults with OCD that can stay connected and provide support to one another year-round.
Start A Special Interest Group:
Individuals interested in starting a SIG must submit a description of the proposed group along with evidence of significant interest from the OCD and related disorder community. The description should include the primary objectives and the purpose of forming a group around a specific target audience or topic. New group proposals need to be clearly distinct from areas already covered by established SIGs.
Due to the evidence-based nature of the IOCDF, all SIGs must have at least one mental health professional member. Submissions will be reviewed by IOCDF staff and approved by the Executive Director. Review our SIG program guidelines here.