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Exposure response prevention therapy (ERP) is one of the most common and effective treatments for OCD. During this therapy, patients are gradually exposed to the situations that cause obsessions and compulsions over time, which helps them understand their triggers, develop coping strategies, and reduce unwanted thoughts and behaviors. ERP is often done in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), medication, or both, to help patients best manage their OCD over time. Here’s more about exposure response prevention therapy and how it can help you effectively manage your OCD symptoms.
What is ERP?
Exposure response prevention (ERP) is a type of cognitive-behavioral therapy that can be effective in treating anxiety disorders like OCD. ERP focuses on helping people confront their fears or triggers and learn to manage their anxiety in a healthy way. ERP works by exposing you to things that trigger anxiety or compulsions in order to teach you coping skills for triggering situations. An example of ERP would be having a patient who is afraid of germs on a door knob touch a door knob, then move on to touching a door knob then their phone or their face, without washing their hands. Eventually, exposure to situations the patient fears will help them overcome those fears.
How Much Does ERP Cost?
The cost of ERP varies depending on the therapist and the length of treatment The cost of exposure response prevention therapy can range between $200 and $500 per session. Some insurance plans may cover the cost of ERP therapy, but not always. Talk to a mental health practitioner in your area to find out more.
How Does ERP Work?
While there are many different types of therapy for anxiety disorders, ERP is one of the most effective. ERP helps people overcome their fear by gradually exposing them to what they are afraid of and teaches them to be less sensitive to it. It is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that combines both behavior change and talk therapy. The goal is to help you cope with your worries more effectively and avoid developing new anxieties. You will learn techniques like deep breathing, relaxation techniques, coping statements, and distraction techniques in order to control your thoughts when you’re feeling anxious.
The Research Behind ERP
Many mental health practitioners agree that ERP can help reduce compulsive behaviors in those with OCD, whether combined with medication or not. Exposure Response Prevention therapy was developed in the 1970s by Stanley Robinson specifically for those suffering from obsessions and compulsions. Today, it is still recommended by many mental health professionals for the treatment of OCD and other anxiety-related disorders. According to research from 2019, ERP is one of the most effective treatments for OCD. The International OCD Foundation states that 70% of those with OCD will benefit from ERP and/or medication.
The psychiatry practitioners of South County Psychiatry offer a wide range of mental health services for a number of different conditions including obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety disorders, depression, ADHD, and more.
