You may have seen that the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) will no longer host its Online OCD Conference. OCD Southern California has been hosting conferences since 2015, and in 2023, OCD SoCal co-hosted the Online OCD Conference with the IOCDF. With this loss of an online Fall conference, we are happy to step in and present the Online OCD Conference, a Global Event — Hosted by OCD SoCal! The event will be held Saturday and Sunday, November 15 -16, 2025.
In previous years, the IOCDF virtual conference has been a cornerstone for global collaboration, bringing together experts, innovators, and thought leaders from around the world. As we step into this role, we are committed to upholding its rich history while introducing fresh perspectives and opportunities for engagement.
Whether you’re a seasoned speaker or new to presenting, we invite you to participate in the OCD Online Conference, a globally connected event that brings together varied voices from around the world. Our proposal system is officially open today! We welcome innovative ideas, fresh perspectives, and research that resonates across borders from mental health providers, researchers, individuals with lived experience and their families, and others interested in speaking on OCD and related disorders.
If you would like to speak at this conference, please follow this link to submit a proposal: SUBMISSION LINK
The deadline for proposals is Monday, May 12, 2025.
See the Proposal Form for Answers to FAQs. We hope you consider submitting a proposal!
Registration is open for OCD SoCal’s Orange County Speaker Series. The event is happening at Orange Coast College, 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626 on Saturday, May 3, 2025 from 10am – 3pm PT. A catered lunch, beverages, and parking are provided. For more information and to register for the event, click here: OCD SoCal Speaker Series Orange County Ticket Registration – EventBrite. Here are the event’s speakers in alphabetical order by first name:
Bio: Dr. Adam C. Frank is a psychiatrist, researcher, and Assistant Professor of Clinical Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences in the Keck School of Medicine at the University of Southern California. Dr. Frank currently divides his time between caring for individuals with OCD in an outpatient psychiatry clinic, supervising and teaching psychiatry residents at USC, and conducting research on the mechanisms of OCD and improving treatment outcomes through the use of neuroimaging, wearable biosensors, and neuromodulation.
Bio: Barbara Van Noppen, Ph.D. is the Vice Chair for Faculty Development, Director of Well-being, and Clinical Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and the Behavioral Sciences at University of Southern California (USC), Keck School of Medicine, Los Angeles. Dr. Van Noppen is co-Director (with Adam Frank, MD) of the OCD Treatment and Research Program at Keck Medicine, USC. As an internationally recognized specialist in cognitive behavioral therapy and family-based treatment, Dr. Van Noppen has treated OCD for 39 years and “coined” the term “Family Accommodation” for OCD in 1990.
She teaches and supervises in the residency training program at LA General Medical Center, serves on the Scientific Advisory Board of the International OCD Foundation, the Scientific Advisory Committee of The Canadian Institute for Obsessive Compulsive Disorders (CIOCD) and International Accreditation Task Force. Dr. Van Noppen is most well known for her contributions in OCD family treatment, particularly the development of a Multifamily Behavioral Treatment (MFBT), Family Accommodation Scale (FAS), group CBT for OCD and she has numerous publications and clinical research in these areas. In addition, Dr. Van Noppen is a faculty member for the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute of the International OCD Foundation, and is on editorial boards for peer reviewed journal articles on OCD.
Bio: Chris Trondsen suffered with severe OCD, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), major depressive disorder, along with the anxiety that came with these disorders, until receiving specialized treatment. No longer under the control of the disorders, Chris now works as a licensed clinician in the mental health field, treating OCD, BDD, and related disorders at The Gateway Institute in Costa Mesa, California. Chris has shared his story of recovery on the Montel Williams Show, Dr. Drew, Fox 5 San Diego, Vox, Vice, Buzzfeed, NBC, Wondermind, as well as speaking at International OCD Foudnation (IOCDF) annual conferences. He is Vice President of OCD Southern California and also serves on the Board of Directors of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). Additionally, he is one of the IOCDF’s lead advocates publicly sharing his recovery story. He is also a leader of multiple IOCDF Special Interest Groups (SIGs) and created the Young Adult Track at the annual IOCDF conference. He hosts a livestream (“Ask The Experts” and “Lunch and Learn”) every Wednesday, from 9am – 10am PT for the IOCDF.
Bio: Curtis Hsia is a SoCal native, having completed his undergraduate degree at UCLA. He earned his Ph.D. at Hofstra University, followed by a postdoctoral fellowship at Boston University’s Center for Anxiety and Related Disorders. Dr. Hsia then held a professorship at Azusa Pacific University for a decade before founding the OC Anxiety Center. He has been involved with the OCD community since his internship in 1998 at the Bio-Behavioral Institute, and has authored over a dozen peer reviewed articles, and presented over a hundred workshops, symposia, paper and poster presentations domestically and internationally, and is active with the International OCD Foundation.
Bio: Kelley Franke is the Director at The Center for OCD, a private practice specializing in Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, with a focus on Exposure & Response Prevention, in adults, adolescents, and children suffering from OCD, and other Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders. Kelley completed her master’s in clinical psychology from Pepperdine University. She received her initial training at The OCD Center of Los Angeles. Additionally, she received training in Dialectical Behavioral Therapy from Behavioral Tech Research through The Linehan Institute. Kelley is also the co-host of Purely OCD and has spoken at numerous conferences specifically related to the treatment of OCD.
Bio: Kevin Foss, MFT, is the director of the California OCD and Anxiety Treatment Center in Fullerton, CA. His clinical specialization spans the full range of the anxiety spectrum. In addition to speaking on various aspects of OC-spectrum disorders and writing for Psychology Today, he is the host of the FearCast Podcast, a question and answer based show about OCD and anxiety.
Bio: Kimberley Quinlan, LMFT, is dedicated to providing outstanding therapy and counseling for those with OCD and related disorders, eating disorders, and body focused repetitive disorders (BFRBs). Her approach is both collaborative and compassionate. Kimberley has extensive training in cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure response prevention (ERP) for OCD and OCD-related disorders. Additionally, she teaches other clinicians how to provide quality CBT and ERP for OCD and OCD related disorders. Kimberley also hosts the “Your Anxiety Toolkit” podcast!
Bio: Lauren Rosen is a psychotherapist and the director of the Center for the Obsessive Mind, an outpatient clinic serving individuals in California, Florida, Utah, Nevada and Oregon. Lauren specializes in treating OCD, Anxiety Disorders & Eating Disorders and supports people using Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Exposure & Response Prevention and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy. Lauren has her BA and MA in Psychology from UCLA and Antioch University, trained at the OCD Center of LA and is a certified Intuitive Eating Counselor. In addition to her work as a therapist, Lauren co-hosts the Purely OCD Podcast and does social media advocacy.
Bio: Matt Codde is a licensed clinical social worker who specializes in helping people overcome OCD & Anxiety-Related disorders. Matt is the founder of the online platform Restored Minds, the host of the OCD & Anxiety Show, and the author of From Stuck to Unstuck. Matt offers a unique approach to treatment that draws from both personal and clinical experience. You can connect with Matt through his website www.restoredminds.com.
Bio: Michelle Malloy, MFT, PMH-C, completed her Bachelor’s Degree at UCLA in Psychology and went on to earn a Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Cal State Fullerton. She has worked in mental health for over twenty years. She received training from the UCLA Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Clinic and Western Youth Services. Michelle has completed the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI)’s general and pediatric training programs through the International OCD Foundation and specializes in using cognitive-behavioral therapy and exposure and response prevention to treat OCD. She also treats generalized anxiety, panic disorder, and eating disorders. Additionally, she is certified in perinatal mental health and EMDR trained.
Bio: Dr. Sepehr “Sheperd” Aziz is a physician and currently Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at the University of Southern California, Keck School of Medicine and Behavioral Sciences, where he works in an outpatient psychiatry clinic seeing university students on campus. He completed his general psychiatry residency training at the University of Massachusetts Medical School (UMass), and a subspecialty fellowship in Child & Adolescent Psychiatry at the University of California San Francisco (UCSF) where he worked in the OCD and Tic disorders specialty clinic. His research experience includes clinical trials of stimulant medications for ADHD and esketamine for refractory depression. In addition to English, he speaks fluent Persian. His approach to psychiatry is integrative, individualized, and culturally-informed.
Bio: Dr. Stephanie Davis is a licensed psychologist who runs a private practice in Orange County specializing in OCD, anxiety disorders, and misophonia. She began her clinical career counseling young adult populations at universities (BYU, Texas A&M, and St. Edward’s). While there she led anxiety and OCD groups, supervised graduate students in their clinical work, and supervised employees at a university crisis hotline. To further solidify her specialization in anxiety disorders and OCD, Dr. Davis completed a second post-doctoral position at the Orange County Anxiety Center and continued working there until opening her private practice. Dr. Davis offers consultation services to clinicians and is a frequent speaker at conferences and community events addressing OCD and anxiety-related concerns.
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We look forward to seeing everyone at the OC event. Make sure to register before the price goes up after the early bird discounted cost, or the event is sold out! For more information and to register for the event, click here: OCD SoCal Speaker Series Orange County Ticket Registration – EventBrite.
A reminder, OCD Southern California is offering 3 CEs for LCSW, LMFT, LPCC, and Psychologists who attend the CE track of this event!
You are invited to join us on Saturday, April 12th, from 11 am to 1 pm PT for our monthly, free, virtual Family and Loved One’s OCD Support Group! This support group is for family members, parents, loved ones, spouses, and anyone supporting someone with OCD! Additionally, if someone with OCD and related disorders would like to join us or a mental health professional wanting to learn more about OCD, you are invited as well. Since this event is virtual, anyone from anywhere can join us! To get the Zoom link for April 12th’s support group, PLEASE EMAIL: info@ocdsocal.org. Let us know in the email you would like the Zoom link, and please include any additional email addresses to which you would like us to send the Zoom link!
For our April 12th support group, we are thrilled to welcome four young adults who have overcome OCD and are living fulfilled lives. They have gone on to lead the IOCDF Young Adult Special Interest Group (SIG). Kyle King, Sidney Lodge, Jessie Birnbaum, and Victoria Lane suffered from severe OCD, received evidence-based therapy, and now give back through advocacy, with a few of them becoming therapists specializing in OCD treatment themselves!
They want to focus on what their family and loved ones did that helped their recovery, as well as share what did not work to help guide you on how to support the person in your life with OCD.
The four young adult guest speakers will also share their inspirational stories of how they overcame OCD and answer all your questions! This group will focus on the Q&A, so we will have plenty of time for your questions! This is an excellent opportunity for you to learn. We encourage your loved one with OCD to join us to hear from those in recovery – and for parents and loved ones to find out how they can better help their loved ones on their recovery journey.
This support group meets every second Saturday of the month from 11 am to 1 pm PT. It features families and individuals who have overcome their OCD and share their journey. Additionally, we have special guest researchers, psychiatrists, authors, treatment providers, and other special guests each month. We hope to see you Saturday, April 12th, at 11 am PT. Please email us at info@ocdsocal.org to be on our mailing list and receive the April support group’s Zoom link!
OCD Southern California is happy to announce the return of the Speakers Series in 2025! Speakers Series events will be held in San Diego in April and Orange County in May.
These free or low-cost, in-person events will feature presentations by local OCD specialist treatment providers. They will facilitate panels and presentations on OCD and related disorders and host a question-and-answer segment. This will also be an excellent opportunity to meet and connect with others in the local OCD community.
These events are for individuals with OCD, their family members and loved ones, and anyone wanting to learn more about OCD. General talks will be offered, and the Speakers Series will end with a Q&A session featuring many of the day’s speakers.
A professional tract will be offered at the Orange County location, and clinicians can earn 3 CE credits for the day.
For further information on the Speakers Series, please contact us through email at info@ocdsocal.org. Note, the Inland Empire Speaker Series is happening in October. More information on that event later on this year.
Please scroll below for more information and for the link to register for the San Diego and Orange County events!
On Saturday, April 26, San Diego will be hosting their event from 10:00 AM to 1:30 PM PST. This FREE event will be held at the Mira Mesa Library at 8405 New Salem Street in San Diego. Food and Beverages will be provided, and free parking is available.
There will be two panel presentations and a Q&A session at the end. The presentation titles are:
From A to Z: How to Get and Do Effective Treatment for ERP (clinician panel)
Breaking the Cycle: OCD, Family Accommodation and the Path to Support (Family & Loved Ones Panel).
This event is being held in a public library. Therefore, we are not able to charge for tickets to this event. When you register, please consider a donation to help us continue to sponsor free and low cost events such as this one.
Orange County will host a Speakers Series on Saturday, May 3, from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST. This event is being held at Orange Coast College at 2701 Fairview Road, Costa Mesa, CA 92626. There is free parking adjacent to the event location.
This event is open to individuals with OCD, their family members and loved ones, mental health providers, students, and the general public. Talks for the general public will be presented throughout the day. Beverages and a catered lunch will be provided.
Early bird registration is $10 per individual. Registration costs will increase to $15.00, beginning April 21. The low-cost sign-up will aid our non-profit in covering venue and food costs.
This event is also for mental health providers wanting to learn more about OCD. There will be a clinician tract at Orange County, and we are offering 3 CE credits to licensed clinicians who attend the full day. For licensed therapists (LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, and psychologists), please purchase the Professional ticket when you register.
Los Angeles will host a Speakers Series on Sunday, May 3 from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM PST. This event is being held at the USC Health Sciences Campus, 2250 Alcazar Street, Los Angeles, CA 90033. There is a parking lot adjacent to the event site. Further information will be provided regarding parking.
This event is open to individuals with OCD, their family members and loved ones, mental health providers, students, and the general public. Talks for the general public will be presented throughout the day.
Beverages and a catered lunch will be provided.
The suggested donation is $15.00. The low-cost sign-up will aid our non-profit in covering venue and food costs.
This event is also for mental health providers wanting to learn more about OCD. There will be a clinician track at the Los Angeles event, and we are offering 3 CE credits to licensed clinicians who attend the full day. For licensed therapists (LMFT, LPCC, LCSW, and psychologists), please purchase the Professional ticket when you register.
