National group offers help, support to people with obsessive-compusive disorder (OCD)

Support for OCD (Washington, DC) has introduced the first service to assist persons with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), their families and friends to better navigate the healthcare and legal systems in order to obtain the assistance they have so often been denied in the past.  The group was created to meet the needs of individuals diagnosed with obsessive compulsive disorder who are often confused and overwhelmed by issues related to therapy, short-term and long-term residential care, outpatient treatment options, work, education, insurance, disability or in other areas of their life related to OCD.

Treatment decisions are often met with fear, confusion, and a glimmer of hope for future health and happiness. Unfortunately, it's not uncommon to hear that therapy and counseling have failed in the past—even to point where there's an increase in symptoms.

Support for OCD was formed to respond to this crisis by (1) helping individuals diagnosed with OCD to obtain confidential and compassionate treatment for themselves, their loved ones and other caregivers; (2) providing information and research about appropriate evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavior Therapy; (CBT), (3) assisting those affected by OCD with obtaining competent legal assistance, especially for issues related to education and employment; (4) helping those receiving treatment in navigating the healthcare insurance labyrinth; and (5) providing solution-focused, nonjudgmental support. 

"Obsessive-compulsive disorder can be a devastating problem—to both those who suffer from it as well as their families—and quite often they are simply not able to find the help they need. They're overwhelmed—be it with the mental health system, insurance companies, their employer or their school—and that's where we come in," said Edward Matisik, founder and director of Support for OCD, "We want to help them as a guide, an advocate and a friend.

Support for OCD's services are provided to clients primarily at www.supportforocd.com, via e-mail to ed@supportforocd.com, and via phone at (202) 441-3216.

Edward Matisik, the founder and Director of Support for OCD, has worked for over 30 years in the nonprofit, education, healthcare, and legal sectors.   He is the author of the book The Americans With Disabilities Act and the Rehabilitation Act of 1973:  Reasonable Accommodation for Employees With OCD, which is available through Amazon.com and Barnes & Noble.