OCD in children & Teens: Treatment & Parent Support That Works
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be overwhelming—for children, and for the families who care about them. Whether your child is stuck in repetitive rituals or battling intrusive thoughts, you’re not alone. At FFEW, we focus on OCD in children, helping kids and parents understand it, reduce compulsions, and reclaim calm and confidence.
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What Childhood OCD Can Look Like
It’s more than being particular or tidy. OCD is an anxiety disorder that causes distressing thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviours (compulsions) meant to reduce anxiety. These patterns can feel exhausting, both for your child and for you.
You might notice your child:
- Checking, washing, or arranging things over and over
- Following strict, repetitive routines at bedtime or before leaving the house
- Becoming upset or angry if routines are interrupted
- Expressing fears about harm, contamination, or “bad thoughts”
- Seeking constant reassurance or asking repeated questions
OCD is not a phase or a quirk—it’s a mental health condition. With the right support, your child can learn to manage their symptoms and feel better.
How OCD Impacts Kids & Families
OCD can interfere with every part of life. Your child may:
- Struggle to get out the door, complete homework, or fall asleep
- Feel ashamed or confused by their thoughts and behaviours
- Withdraw socially or fear being judged by others
- Constantly seek reassurance from caregivers
- Become easily frustrated or overwhelmed
And as a parent, you might feel torn between helping and accidentally making things worse by accommodating their rituals. That’s where we come in.
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How We Treat OCD in Children & Teens
At FFEW, we use proven, evidence-based approaches to help children face OCD gently and effectively.
One-on-One Therapy for Children & Teens
Our primary treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold standard therapy for OCD. In ERP, we help your child:
- Identify anxiety triggers and intrusive thoughts
- Face fears gradually in a safe, supported way
- Learn to resist compulsions and tolerate uncertainty
- Build resilience and regain a sense of control
ERP is a form of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is highly effective when tailored to your child’s developmental stage.
Learn more about individual therapy for children
Learn more about individual therapy for teens
Parent Coaching & Support
Because OCD often impacts the whole household, we also support parents through:
One-on-One Parent Coaching
Learn how to:
- Respond supportively without reinforcing compulsions
- Reduce family stress caused by OCD patterns
- Use SPACE and CBT techniques at home
Group Therapy for Parents
Join our Parenting Anxious Children group, which includes tools specific to OCD. You’ll connect with other caregivers, gain expert guidance, and learn how to reduce accommodations that maintain OCD cycles.
When parents are supported, children progress faster.
Learn more about Parent Coaching
Why Families Trust FFEW
We know how exhausting OCD can feel. Our warm, experienced team specializes in helping children and families regain calm and connection.
What Sets Us Apart:
- ERP & CBT Experts – We specialize in gold-standard treatments for childhood OCD
- Family-Centered Approach – We treat OCD as a family issue, not just an individual one
- Compassionate & Developmentally Sensitive – Therapy is tailored to your child’s age, personality, and needs
- In-Person & Virtual Options – Join us in Toronto or from anywhere in Ontario
Meet Your OCD Treatment Team
Our compassionate team of child psychologists and therapists is here to support your family:
- Dr. Zia Lakdawalla, Ph.D., C.Psych – Child & Adolescent Psychologist, Director
- Dr. Lana Zinck, Ph.D., C. Psych – Registered Psychologist
- Dr. Tamara Meixner, Ph.D., C.Psych. – Registered Psychologist
- Cassandra Harmsen, M.A., Ph.D. Candidate – Clinical Therapist
- Ola Obaro, MA, RP, CCC – Registered Psychotherapist
- Charlotte Johnston, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Registered Social Worker
- Jaydon Frid, M.S.W., R.S.W. – Registered Social Worker
Our clinicians are trained in ERP, SPACE, CBT, and ACT for OCD and anxiety-related conditions.
View Our Full Team
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are answers to common questions parents ask about this service—so you can feel more confident about what to expect.
Does my child need a diagnosis to start OCD treatment?
No. We begin with an assessment to understand what’s going on. Whether or not a formal diagnosis is given, treatment can begin right away.
What is ERP and how does it help?
ERP stands for Exposure and Response Prevention. It gently helps children face fears and resist compulsions so they can reduce anxiety over time. It’s the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
Will I be involved in my child’s therapy?
Yes. Parents play a key role in reducing OCD-related accommodations. We offer individual coaching and group support to guide you.
Is medication required for OCD treatment?
Not always. Many children respond well to ERP alone. In some cases, we may collaborate with your family doctor or psychiatrist to discuss options like SSRIs if needed.
How long does treatment take?
Progress varies, but most families begin seeing change within 8–12 sessions. We’ll regularly track progress and adjust the plan together.