Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a powerful tool for OCD treatment. This evidence-based approach helps clients gradually confront anxiety-provoking situations while refraining from compulsive responses. Under the guidance of our experienced clinicians, clients develop a hierarchy of exposures specific to themselves, and work through them at their own pace.

At Cornerstones, ERP happens in real-life settings. Rather than conducting exposures solely in therapy sessions, our residential setting allows for supportive practice in actual living situations, with substantial support. A young adult with contamination-related OCD might practice touching "contaminated" surfaces and then preparing food in our community kitchen. Someone with checking compulsions might practice leaving the residence without performing their usual safety rituals. This real-world practice, combined with therapeutic guidance, creates learning experiences that directly foster independent living skills.

While behavioral interventions are helpful in OCD treatment, we also address the cognitive aspects through DBT, CBT, and more, helping clients to recognize their thoughts as products of OCD rather than meaningful messages that require response. This cognitive work complements behavioral interventions, creating an effective approach to symptom management.

We take a thoughtful approach to medication at Cornerstones, prescribing only after thorough assessment, and watching closely for both benefits and side effects while using them as one part of a more comprehensive treatment plan. Young adults learn the ins and outs of their medications—how they work, when to take them, and how to advocate for adjustments—so they can eventually manage their health independently.

Family patterns often get tangled up with OCD, with parents and siblings enabling rituals out of  misguided love or concern. Our family program helps relatives understand OCD from the inside out—and support recovery.

Through family sessions, educational workshops, and telephone support, we teach families strateegies to support an emerging adult. This work creates a home environment that can reinforce progress both during and after treatment.

In Rubedo, we've seen how OCD can look and feel different in neurodivergent young adults. We've adapted standard ERP therapy to work better with sensory preferences, special interests, and different communication styles. Our team knows how to tell the difference between authentic neurodivergent traits (like stimming or needing predictability) and actual OCD behaviors that need addressing.

We've noticed that for many neurodivergent young adults, sensory overload can trigger or worsen OCD symptoms. The Rubedo house has thoughtful sensory modifications, and our occupational therapists help each client map their personal sensory landscape to develop practical coping strategies.

Standard OCD treatment can get pretty conceptual, which doesn't always click with more concrete thinkers. We use lots of visual aids, tangible examples, and clear structures in Rubedo. From visual exposure hierarchies to concrete decision-making tools, we adapt how we teach concepts to match different cognitive styles.

g interventions to support emotional regulation.

Having both OCD and neurodivergence can make social situations extra challenging. Our Rubedo community creates a space where young adults don't have to hide either part of themselves. They can talk openly about their OCD struggles while also being authentically neurodivergent without pressure to mask. Our social skills work addresses the specific friendship bumps and workplace situations that happen at this intersection.