Disseminating Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy for obsessive compulsive disorder: Comparing in person vs. online training modalities

Abstract Despite the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), most patients do not have access. This longitudinal study examined the effectiveness of disseminating CBT for OCD via: (a) the online, low-intensity Psychiatry Academy, targeting clinicians new to CBT for OCD, and (b) the in-person, intensive International OCD Foundation's Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), marketed to experienced clinicians in OCD. Clinicians enrolled in the BTTI (n = 273) or Psychiatry Academy (n = 118) from 4/2016–11/2018 completed assessments before, after, and 6-months following their training. As expected, BTTI clinicians had more pre-existing experience in CBT/OCD compared to the Psychiatry Academy. A significant effect of time indicated: (a) increased self-reported comfort assessing/treating OCD, (b) more positive beliefs about exposure, (c) improved knowledge of CBT/OCD, and (d) greater use of empirically supported principles (ESPs) following the trainings. Time x training interactions indicated that, relative to the BTTI, Psychiatry Academy attendees began with less comfort and more negative beliefs about exposure, but these differences diminished following the training (differences remained for the pre/post quiz and utilization of ESPs). Results suggest the promise of accessible, online trainings on CBT for OCD; yet, research is needed on the incremental benefit of progressing from introductory to advanced courses.