Youth OCD Treatment Study
Researchers at Baylor College of Medicine are conducting a study using cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention for children and teens with OCD who are currently taking medication.
Fast Facts
Children Who Take Medication For OCD & Experience OCD Symptoms
Children
Ages 7-17
Receive Free CBT Therapy
Live in Texas
Study Background
This study is evaluating whether structured CBT therapy can help youth with OCD safely reduce or discontinue medication while maintaining symptom remission.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can significantly impact a child’s daily life, school functioning, and family relationships. While medication can help reduce symptoms, many families wonder whether therapy alone could help their child maintain progress long term. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), is considered one of the most effective treatments for OCD.
The POWER study provides 20 weeks of structured CBT with ERP for youth ages 7–17 who are currently taking medication for OCD. Researchers are examining whether adding CBT may allow some children to safely taper medication without relapse over a 24-week period. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the study by licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and research staff.
Study Background
This study is evaluating whether structured CBT therapy can help youth with OCD safely reduce or discontinue medication while maintaining symptom remission.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder can significantly impact a child’s daily life, school functioning, and family relationships. While medication can help reduce symptoms, many families wonder whether therapy alone could help their child maintain progress long term. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically exposure and response prevention (ERP), is considered one of the most effective treatments for OCD.
The POWER study provides 20 weeks of structured CBT with ERP for youth ages 7–17 who are currently taking medication for OCD. Researchers are examining whether adding CBT may allow some children to safely taper medication without relapse over a 24-week period. Participants will be closely monitored throughout the study by licensed therapists, psychiatrists, and research staff.
Additional Information
This study is being conducted to determine whether CBT with ERP can help youth with OCD maintain improvement while reducing or discontinuing medication under medical supervision.
You may be eligible for this study if you meet the following criteria.
Inclusion Criteria:
- Children who take medication for OCD and experience OCD symptoms
- Children ages 7-17
- Live in Texas
- Children experiencing OCD symptoms for at least 6 months
- Children on medication for OCD for 12+ weeks
- Speak English
Participation includes:
Initial screening to confirm eligibility
3 study assessments (one in-person visit in Texas)
Weekly CBT sessions for 20 weeks (virtual or in-person options)
Monthly meetings with a psychiatrist
If eligible for Phase 2 (additional 24 weeks):
6 additional therapy sessions
Biweekly psychiatrist visits
Weekly short virtual check-ins
One additional assessment
All medication adjustments are carefully supervised by study clinicians.
Families receive 20–28 weeks of free CBT therapy with ERP, provided by trained clinicians.
This includes structured therapy sessions, psychiatric monitoring, and clinical oversight at no cost to families.
There is no cost for you to participate in our research study.