OCD Southern California 3^rd Annual Conference
March 24, 2018
10:30 AM – 5:00 PM
Mariners Church, Irvine, CA

OCD SoCal is now accepting proposals for break out sessions for our third annual OCD Southern California Conference. This conference is an opportunity to learn more about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and its treatment, provide support for individuals with OCD and their families, and gain practical knowledge about a variety of issues that may arise with OCD and related disorders.

Who attends this conference?

This event is particularly designed for individuals affected by OCD and related disorders as well as their families, however we encourage clinicians, researchers, and students interested in learning more about OCD to attend. Conference attendees often include individuals with a great deal of experience with OCD as well as individuals and family members who may just be learning about the disorder and its treatment.

How many attendees will be at the conference?

Last year we had over 200 attendees! We are aiming for five to six breakout sessions, so presenters should expect around 40 people will attend each breakout session.

Who should submit a proposal?

We are looking for presenters with a breadth of personal and professional experiences with OCD and related disorders. Last year our speakers included OCD therapists, psychiatrists, individuals affected by OCD and related disorders, as well as family members.

What topics are appropriate for break out sessions?

While we do not have specific requirements for the break out sessions, suggestions may include: overview of OCD, OCD and families, kid-friendly activities room, OCD related disorders, recovery from OCD, medications, ERP experiential workshop. You are also welcome to propose your own topic that you feel will be of interest to attendees.

Below are the titles of break out sessions from last year’s conference:
Ask the Psychiatrist: An Interactive Discussion on Medications for OCD
Children’s OCD Activities and Crafting
Exposure and Response Prevention Workshop
Family Contracting
How We Did It: Tips and Tools For Successful OCD Treatment
Obsessive-Compulsive Related Disorders Didactic and Discussion

What is the format for break out sessions?

Break out sessions will be held in the afternoon following a keynote presentation and lunch. There will be two breakout sessions following lunch, each 50 minutes in length. If selected for a breakout session, you will be asked to repeat your session twice (i.e., during both of the break out time slots). Hence, attendees will have the opportunity to select two out of six breakout sessions.

When is the deadline to submit my proposal?

The deadline to submit a proposal is January 14, 2018.

When will I hear if my proposal was accepted?

Presenters will be notified regarding whether their proposal was accepted by January 31, 2018.

What submission materials are required?

1. Abstract: Please submit a brief abstract describing your presentation as well as intended audience (maximum 150 words).
2. Bio: Please submit a brief (2-3 sentences) biography describing your background and experience with OCD and/or OCD-Related disorders.
3. CV* (professionals only)

How do I submit my proposal?

Proposals should be emailed to info@ocdsocal.org. Subject line: OCD SoCal 2017 Conference Submission.

We look forward to receiving your submission! Please contact us at info@ocdsocal.org with any questions regarding your submission. You can also visit our website (ocdsocal.org) or facebook page (facebook.com/ocdsocal) for more information about our organization.

Check out the sneak peak of our affiliate update for the quarterly IOCDF newsletter!

OCD Southern California would like to thank the members of the OCD community in our area for coming out and supporting our OCD Awareness Week functions. Our association screened two OCD themed films, “Oh Crappy Day” and “Unstuck: An OCD Kids Movie,” to attendees at events held in Los Angeles, Orange County, and San Diego. The events started with a community building mingle over breakfast, and after the films concluded, a panel of experts and individuals with OCD answered questions from the audience. Over 300 people with OCD, their loved ones, and professionals in the field attended and the OCD So Cal board is thankful to all who joined, making the events a success!

OCD So Cal is also very excited to announce that our organization will be the first ever International OCD Foundation affiliate to sponsor a Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) event! OCD SoCal, with the generous financial support of a number of Southern California OCD treatment centers, is proud to be directly addressing the need for trained ERP providers in our catchment area and will be sponsoring a BTTI in Dana Point, California being held December 1st through the 3rd.The BTTI is an in-depth three-day intensive training for mental health professionals who are treating individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders. Sponsoring the BTTI will further OCD Southern California’s mission to increase awareness and improve access to treatment of OCD and related disorders throughout Southern California.

The OCD Southern California board members have already begun planning our annual conference to be held in the spring of 2018. Last year’s conference included Dr. Jonathan Grayson and Ethan Smith as keynote speakers as well as break out sessions educating the attendees on the latest information on OCD and related disorders. We are looking forward to another successful conference this spring.

Our organization has also been expanding our services to our local communities. Committees have been formed for OCD in schools, pediatrics, and OB/GYN outreach and education. OCD Southern California was also an exhibitor at a mental health resource fair held by Recovery International, an association that uses a cognitive-behavioral, peer-to-peer, self-help training system to treat mental illness. To be informed on what events and resources OCD Southern California is providing, or if you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact us at info@OCDSoCal.org and visit our website at www.OCDSoCal.org.

OCD SoCal was thrilled at the overwhelming attendance and interest in our OCD Awareness Week events on Saturday, October 14 in Irvine, San Diego, and Los Angeles. We would like to thank the 275+ attendees and many local clinicians who made this event a success! We are also grateful to the producers of UNSTUCK: An OCD Kids Movie and Oh Crappy Day for partnering with us in screening these films and bringing greater OCD awareness to southern California! Stay tuned for more OCD SoCal events!

 UPDATE: REGISTRATION HAS BEEN EXTENDED TO THURSDAY 10/12/17

As part of OCD Awareness Week 2017, OCD SoCal invites you to a dual screening of the short films “UNSTUCK: an OCD kids movie” and “Oh Crappy Day.” We will be hosting viewings and panel discussions in Los Angeles, San Diego, and Irvine on Saturday, October 14, 2017 from 10am-12:30pm.

“UNSTUCK: an OCD kids movie” is a new documentary that follows six resilient kids and teens with OCD as they work toward recovery, inspiring viewers to believe it is possible to fight their worst fears and beat back OCD.

“Oh Crappy Day” is an award-winning romantic comedy that depicts a college student struggling to keep his OCD on the down low while on a blind date.

Registration is free, however please register by October 12 to reserve your seat as space is limited. Light breakfast will be served.

Please click on links below for more information and to register for this event in a city near you!

Los Angeles

San Diego

Irvine

OCD Awareness Week is an international effort taking place during the second week in October each year to raise awareness and understanding about obsessive compulsive disorder and related disorders, with the goal of helping more people to get timely access to appropriate and effective treatment. Visit the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) website to learn more.