In this episode of “Roadmap to Joy,” Dr. Brad Riemann, who has a doctorate in clinical psychology and senior clinical adviser of Embark Behavioral Health, joins the podcast with Alex Stavros, CEO of Embark, to discuss obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in teens and young adults and how parents can support their children. OCD is characterized by obsessions (unwanted thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive acts to neutralize obsessions). Common misconceptions include thinking that OCD is just an exaggeration of normal behavior and that excessive video game playing is a form of OCD. OCD is commonly misdiagnosed and often goes undiagnosed due to the fear of embarrassment and stigma. Family accommodation, where parents enable the disorder, can worsen OCD symptoms and reduce response to treatment. It is important for parents to have open and compassionate conversations with their loved ones if they suspect OCD. Seeking information from reputable sources like the International OCD Foundation can also be helpful. Telehealth has been found to be an effective treatment option for pediatric OCD, providing similar outcomes to in-person treatment.  

Take our OCD Test 

The International OCD Foundation

Related Blogs:

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) in Kids, Adolescents, Teens, and Young Adults 

OCD and Autism: Similarities and Differences 

Related Videos:

Living with OCD | Embark Sessions 

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)? | Ask a Therapist 

Research Cited:  

Intensive Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy Telehealth for Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder During the COVID-19 Pandemic: Comparison With a Matched Sample Treated in Person 

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Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to: askatherapist@embarkbh.com.

Guest and Host Bios:

Dr. Brad Riemann, Ph.D. is a Senior Consultant working with a variety of behavioral health companies and academic institutions to develop evidence-based treatment programming, measurement-based care systems, and standardized training protocols. He is collaborating with Embark Behavioral Health as consultant and clinical advisor. As the former President of Philanthropy, Research and Clinical...

Childhood trauma can have a lasting impact on a child's mental and physical health. Learn how parents and caregivers can create a safe and supportive environment to help them heal on this episode of Roadmap to Joy. Baaba Hawthorne, executive director of Embark Behavioral Health in West Los Angeles, California, and Stephanie Lucas, clinical director of Embark Behavioral Health in Bend, Oregon, debunk misconceptions about trauma and provide strategies for parents and caregivers to support children who have experienced trauma.  

They emphasize the importance of consistency, mirroring emotions, and modeling healthy coping skills. They also discuss the role of resilience in a child's ability to recover from trauma and highlight the need for mental health education and support in schools. They address the cultural implications of trauma and provide guidance on navigating these sensitively. Finally, they discuss the importance of self-care for parents and caregivers and the need for collaboration within the caregiving team. 

Blogs for Parents:

• Intergenerational Trauma: How Trauma Can Be Inherited 
• What Is Relational Trauma? 
• CASA Developmental Framework 
• Trauma and Adoption: How To Help Your Teen Heal 

Videos for Parents:

• Getting to the Core: Peeling the Layers of Trauma and Addiction 
• Understanding The Casa Framework 
• Mental Health 101: Terms to Know | Roadmap to Joy 

Connect with Embark on Social Media:

• Facebook.
• Twitter.
• LinkedIn.
• Instagram.

Have a question for our experts? We want to hear from you! Submit your questions to: askatherapist@embarkbh.com.

About Our Experts:

Baaba Hawthorne, M.A., LMFT is the Executive Director of our Embark Behavioral Health West LA Outpatient Clinic. She holds a BA in psychology with an emphasis in human sexuality from California State University, Northridge and earned her master’s in clinical psychology with an emphasis in Marriage and Family therapy from Pepperdine University. She comes from a strong clinical background working with teens, adults and families specializing in addiction, trauma and multi-cultural counseling. In her recent years, Baaba has used her clinical background as a foundation for leadership. Previously inhabiting the roles of Clinical Director and Director of Outreach, Baaba has a passion for building programs and establishing partnerships within the Los Angeles community. Representation matters and Baaba is excited to bring the exceptional services of Embark Behavioral Health to the diverse community of Los...