Technology-Based Psychotherapies for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Access to exposure and response prevention (ERP) for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) continues to be challenging for many individuals around the world, particularly those living in rural and underserved areas. Innovative technological solutions including mobile applications, internet-based programs, and video telehealth have the potential to expand access to mental health care for OCD. This chapter covers the use of technology in delivering ERP for OCD. First, an overview is provided of the various technology-based solutions that exist and the supporting evidence for each. Then, as video telehealth delivery is the most commonly used and has the most empirical support, the rest of the chapter discusses the benefits and challenges of video telehealth delivery of ERP; covers clinical, ethical, and legal considerations in the delivery of ERP via video telehealth; and provides two case studies illustrating relevant issues.