Rogers to host pediatric OCD training for mental health professionals

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is launching its first-ever Pediatric Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) on September 13-15, 2013, hosted by Rogers Memorial Hospital in Oconomowoc, WI. The IOCDF’s Pediatric BTTI is an intensive three-day training course for mental health therapists providing in-depth education about how to accurately diagnose and treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders in children and teens.

The IOCDF established the BTTI in 1994 to provide continuing education to psychologists, social workers and mental health counselors about evidence-based treatment for OCD and related disorders. The program has trained approximately 100-150 professionals per year in the U.S. and Canada since its founding. Despite this progress, IOCDF says there still remains a shortage of therapists trained to treat OCD effectively, and that shortage becomes even more pronounced when looking for professionals to treat OCD in children and teens.

“Graduate programs alone cannot prepare mental health professionals to treat every type of disorder, which is why continuing education programs like our BTTI exist,” explained Jeff Szymanski, Ph.D., executive director of the IOCDF. “Treating children and teens is even more difficult, and this inaugural Pediatric BTTI is an opportunity for OCD specialists to learn more about treating children and for pediatric mental health professionals to learn more about treating OCD.”

Recognized for its expertise in OCD treatment in both adults and children, Rogers was selected to serve as a host site for the inaugural Pediatric BTTI. In addition, Rogers’ staff members Bradley C. Riemann, Ph.D., clinical director of the OCD Center and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) Services, and Stephanie Eken, MD, FAAP, medical director of the Child Center, will serve among the nationally known and respected teaching faculty.

“We are honored to be the host of this innovative and much-needed training,” said Dr. Riemann. “We have hosted the IOCDF’s BTTIs in the past, but this year’s BTTI is a special privilege since it is the first one focused on pediatrics. We are proud to serve as a partner with the IOCDF in their work spreading awareness about OCD, helping to provide much-needed training and improving access to effective treatment.”