Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) Therapy for OCD
ERP Services Available
Kim Keller, LMHC, is Indiana Health Group’s provider specially trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard psychological treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, Kim offers compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to your individual needs.
Evidence-Based Treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is more than occasional worries or repetitive habits. OCD involves persistent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that can interfere with work, school, relationships, and daily life.
At Indiana Health Group, we offer Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD. Our ERP services are provided by clinicians with specialized training in this highly effective, evidence-based approach.
What Is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
Exposure and Response Prevention is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) designed specifically for OCD.
During ERP therapy, patients gradually and safely face situations, thoughts, images, or feelings that trigger anxiety while learning to resist the compulsive behaviors or reassurance-seeking that typically provide temporary relief.
Over time, the brain learns that anxiety naturally decreases without relying on compulsions, allowing individuals to regain confidence and control over their lives.
Treatment is always collaborative, individualized, and progresses at a pace that feels appropriate for each patient.
What to Expect During ERP Therapy
Your therapist will work closely with you to create a personalized treatment plan based on your symptoms and goals.
ERP therapy typically includes:
- Education about OCD and how it affects the brain
- Identifying obsessions, compulsions, and avoidance behaviors
- Developing a gradual hierarchy of feared situations
- Practicing planned exposures in a supportive environment
- Learning strategies to tolerate uncertainty without engaging in compulsions
- Building skills that continue long after treatment ends
Patients are never forced into exposures and remain active participants throughout the treatment process.
Is ERP Effective?
Yes. ERP is recognized by the International OCD Foundation as the frontline psychological treatment for OCD and has one of the strongest research foundations of any psychotherapy.
Research has shown that:
- Approximately 60–80% of patients experience meaningful improvement with ERP.
- Many individuals experience a 35–60% reduction in OCD symptoms after completing treatment.
- Benefits are often long-lasting when patients continue practicing the skills they learn in therapy.
- ERP may also be used alongside medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), when appropriate.
While ERP can be challenging because it involves confronting fears rather than avoiding them, many patients experience significant improvements in anxiety, daily functioning, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
Conditions ERP May Help Treat
Exposure and Response Prevention is most commonly used to treat:
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Contamination fears
- Checking compulsions
- Intrusive thoughts
- Harm OCD
- Religious or scrupulosity OCD
- Relationship OCD
- Perfectionism-related compulsions
- Certain anxiety disorders when clinically appropriate
Specialized OCD Care at Indiana Health Group
Indiana Health Group is proud to offer specialized ERP therapy as part of our comprehensive mental health services. Our clinicians provide compassionate, evidence-based care tailored to each individual’s needs.
If you or someone you love is struggling with OCD, effective treatment is available—and recovery is possible.
Schedule an Appointment
To learn more about Exposure and Response Prevention therapy or schedule an appointment, call 317.843.9922.