Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (Canada)

PROGRAM GOALS

Building on the success of ECHO Ontario OCD, CAMH and the Frederick W. Thompson Anxiety Disorders Centre at Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre have partnered to bring you ECHO Canada Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – a national program designed for Canadian health care providers and students outside of Ontario.

ECHO Canada OCD aims to help primary and community care providers build capacity in the treatment of OCD and related disorders through case-based learning and evidence-based discussions.

The project works to empower primary care providers to use evidence-based best practices to reduce the need for specialist visits, improving the quality of care for patients seeking treatment for OCD and related disorders in primary care settings across Canada.

This accredited program also offers participants the opportunity to earn Continuing Medical Education (CME) credits while learning from experts and connecting with peers nationwide.

Thompson Centre Website

PROGRAM INFO

Location: Zoom Videoconferencing

Time: 
12:00PM to 1:15PM EST
–
1:00 PM – 2:15 PM AST
–
1:30 PM – 2:45 PM NST
–
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM CST
–
10:00 AM – 11:15 AM MST
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9:00 AM – 10:15 AM PST

Length: 10 Sessions (Jan. 2026 – Mar. 2026)

When: Thursday Afternoons (Weekly)

Target Audience: Canadian Healthcare Providers

To view curriculum content, please click on the toggle button below.

Below is a list of curriculum topics that are often featured this program.

  1. Clinical Presentations &  Diagnosis
  2. Diagnosis & Screening Tools
  3. CBT I: Introduction to Behavioural Model
  4. CBT II: Application & Development
  5. Integration of ACT & Mindfulness in OCD Treatment
  6. CBT III: Introduction to Cognitive Works
  7. Pharmacotherapy & First Line Medications
  8. Advanced Pharmacotherapy for OCD
  9. Child & Adolescent OCD
  10. Family Involvement in OCD

HOW DO I SIGN UP?

Registration for Winter 2026 is now closed.
If you have questions or would like to be added onto our National Mailing list, click on the button below to contact us.
Contact Us

Program Learning Objectives:
1. After active engagement in ECHO OCD Canada, participants will be better able to describe and apply evidence-based psychological models, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), in the treatment of clients with OCD.

2. After active engagement in ECHO OCD Canada, participants will be better able to assess the functional impacts of OCD on clients’ daily lives and relationships, and address these through collaborative, client-centered treatment planning.

3. After active engagement in ECHO OCD Canada, participants will be better able to recognize and apply the core CBT principles relevant to Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders (OCRDs), such as Hoarding Disorder, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, and Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors.

SESSION STRUCTURE

Welcome, Introduction, and Announcements – 5 minutes

Didactic Presentation, Lived Experience Comments and Q&A – 30 minutes

Case Discussion – 35 minutes

Addressing Outstanding Questions and Session Wrap-Up – 5 minutes

WHAT'S THE COMMITMENT?

Attend 60% of program sessions

Present an anonymized case

Participate in group discussions

Provide feedback through evaluation activities

 

WHO'S RUNNING THESE SESSIONS?

Our program sessions are run by an inter-professional Hub Team from multiple health organizations across Canada. 

Please click on the toggle buttons below to see who will be facilitating these sessions.

These individuals make up our OCD Hub Team:

  1. Dr. Peggy Richter – Ontario (Psychiatrist/ Program Lead)
  2. Dr. Judy Bayer – Ontario (GP Psychotherapist)
  3. Dr. Alexandra Hrabowych – Ontario (GP Family Doctor)
  4. Dr. Jitender Sareen – Manitoba (Psychiatrist)
  5. Dr. Paul Arnold – Alberta (Child Psychiatrist)
  6. Dr. Rebecca Young – Ontario (Psychologist)
  7. Dr. Maureen Whittal – British Columbia (Psychologist)
  8. Dr. Felicity Sapp – Alberta (Psychologist)
  9. Dr. Stephanie Taillefer – Nova Scotia (Psychologist)
  10. Nathania Lukman – Ontario (Occupational Therapist)
  11. Irene Mendel – Manitoba (Social Worker & Psychotherapist)
  12. Allie Surchin – Ontario (Social Worker)
  13. Cassie Josephson – Saskatchewan (Person of Lived Experience & Registered Nurse)
  14. Ben Curties – Newfoundland (Person of Lived Experience)
  15. Arachel Abella – Ontario (Administrative & Program Coordinator)
  16. Olivia McAllister – Ontario (Information Specialist & Program Moderator)