Perinatal Obsessive Compulsive Disorder: Tips for Seeking Support and Treatment

By Erin Jones, LCMHC

In Part 1 of this blog, we reviewed the definition of Perinatal OCD and challenged five common misconceptions. 

Now for Part 2: If you or a loved one may be experiencing Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (or specifically perinatal OCD), it can be difficult to know where to start in terms of getting help. As overwhelming as the symptoms and realization of the disorder can often be, please know that there are evidence-based treatments for OCD and resources are available. Below, I’ll review some tips on finding professional help, other means of support, and considerations for loved ones, with resources throughout.

Finding a Provider

When seeking a clinician to work with you on OCD, it is imperative to look for the following:

• Someone who is licensed to practice therapy. This can be a psychologist, social worker, licensed counselor, licensed marriage and family therapist, etc. Therapists have been trained in mental health treatment and are best qualified to support you. When looking for treatment, you should avoid anyone who advertises themselves as a “coach,” as they do not have the training and qualifications to treat your OCD.
• A provider who is an OCD specialist. Though many therapists will treat various diagnoses and use multiple approaches, it is important to find someone with adequate experience in treating OCD. Some questions to ask a potential therapist:
  • How many years of experience do you have in treating OCD?
  • What training(s) have you completed on perinatal OCD treatment (or OCD treatment in general)?
  • Why do you work with individuals with OCD? This isn’t necessarily a qualification, though I find that this question can help you get to know what a provider values in their work.

A therapist who treats OCD with evidence-based practices. The gold standard treatment for OCD, whether more general or during the perinatal period is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). This involves imagined or in-vivo gradual exposure to situations that provoke obsessions and practice delaying or resisting compulsive behaviors. It is recommended that ERP be practiced with a trained therapist. Other evidence-based practices include Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Other therapy practices (even “talk therapy”) do not tend to help manage the symptoms of OCD and can sometimes worsen the condition. Questions to ask:

• Do you practice ERP?
• What therapy approach do you use for OCD?

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) has a provider directory of OCD specialists, including therapists and medication prescribers.

Look for perinatal experience. When seeking treatment for perinatal or postpartum OCD, it can be helpful to work with a provider who can understand how to best work with individuals during this period in life. The PSI Perinatal Mental Health Certification (PMH-C) is obtained when a provider completes adequate training and testing in the area of perinatal mental health.

PSI has a directory of PMH-C providers.

Support Groups

A support group can be a wonderful way to connect with others who understand what it is like to experience perinatal OCD.

• PSI has various support groups, including some for perinatal OCD in both moms and parents in general
• The IOCDF directory also lists groups for OCD, including some free support groups
• The IOCDF also has a special interest group (aka SIG) called “Moms with OCD.” This is a place for any mom with OCD, regardless of the age of the children, to connect with others and help raise awareness in the community.

Loved Ones

If you are a partner, family member, or support person and notice that your loved one may be experiencing symptoms of OCD, it can be hard to know how to help. The following are some considerations for bringing up the subject of perinatal OCD and encouraging your loved one to seek additional support:

• Be curious: When discussing your concerns with your loved one, remember to approach with curiosity rather than criticism. We want to avoid critical statements and telling someone to “just stop worrying,” as this just doesn’t help. Instead, try to remain patient and kind and ask curious questions. For example, “I noticed that you’ve been checking the baby monitor more at night- How have you been doing?” Asking curious questions shows that you’re creating a safe environment for your loved one to discuss their struggles.
• Offer your help: It can be helpful to remind your loved one that OCD is very common and treatable. You can facilitate this process by offering resources from this page, attending medication management or therapy appointments with your loved one, and asking about ways that you can help them progress in their treatment at home.
• Educate and care for yourself: If you’re reading this blog, you’re already educating yourself! Continue to read resources through Postpartum Support International and the International OCD Foundation to help familiarize yourself with OCD. You will also want to make sure that you’re practicing your own self-care, which may include seeing your own therapist.

Additionally, the PSI HelpLine is available to help with basic information and connection to resources: 1-800-944-4773

PSI Provider Directory

Perinatal OCD and other peer support groups

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