OCD Southern California's 5th Annual (Virtual) Conference
2021-07-31 09:00 - 17:30 UTC | Virtual
OCD Southern California Conference 2021: A Virtual Event

Join us for the 5th annual OCD Southern California conference–a virtual event this year! We are thrilled to present the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)’s National and Lead Advocates as our keynote speakers. We are pleased to introduce our speakers:
Ethan S. Smith was born with OCD and struggled the majority of his life until receiving life-changing treatment in 2010. Ethan was the keynote speaker at the 2014 Annual OCD Conference in Los Angeles. He serves as an IOCDF National Advocate. He has devoted his life to reducing stigma around OCD and mental health, to education, and to supporting the OCD community.
Elizabeth McIngvale, PhD is the director of the McLean Houston OCD Program. Elizabeth is a National Advocate for the IOCDF and serves as a board member. She was diagnosed with OCD at age 12 and underwent both inpatient and outpatient therapy. Elizabeth engages in clinical work, research, and advocacy with the goal of improving access to care and OCD treatment.
Valerie Andrews received an OCD diagnosis in 2011 and, following treatment, began advocating in hopes of bringing awareness and inclusion within her own community and communities of faith. Her goal is to continue working as an IOCDF Lead Advocate and promoting change for women of age, color, and faith.
Tom Smalley, MS, CSCS was diagnosed with OCD at the age of 16 and shortly after became passionate about spreading awareness about OCD. Tom was the recipient of the 2019 IOCDF Hero Award. He speaks at the Annual OCD Conferences and has appeared on a variety of blogs and podcasts. Tom is particularly passionate about athletes and OCD and the stigma of mental health in sports.
Chris Trondsen, MS, AMFT, APCC, suffered from undiagnosed, severe OCD and BDD from childhood. Following treatment, Chris began advocating for mental health and shared his story on TV, newspapers and podcasts. Chris began speaking at Annual OCD Conferences, including giving the keynote with his mom at the 2011 conference. He also helped start the Young Adult Track at the annual conference.
Each of these advocates is a person with OCD who devotes time to support others with the disorder and to advocate for better mental health services.
Following the keynote speakers, there will be a total of 30 break-out sessions offered during three consecutive time slots. Ten breakout sessions will be offered during each time slot. More information about our presentations, led by some of the top OCD experts in the United States, is now posted on our website: ocdsocal.org. We are also offering community discussion groups, two documentaries, and a mindfulness/yoga workshop during the lunch break. The conference will end with a Summary Q&A Panel and an opportunity drawing for various prizes.
Up to 5.25 CEs available for LMFT, LPCC, LCSW and psychologists.

Santa Clarita "One Million Steps for OCD Walk!"
2026-10-17 10:00 - 12:00 (America/Los_Angeles) | Fair Oaks Park, 17468 Honey Maple Street, Santa Clarita, CA, 91387, United States
Registration is now open for the Santa Clarita OCD Walk! We will meet at the beautiful Fair Oaks Park. Join us in raising awareness, fighting stigma, and supporting those affected by OCD. We welcome EVERYONE including individuals with OCD, family, friends, clinicians, researchers, and trainees – it takes a village!
Date: Saturday, October 17, 2026
Time: 10:00am to 12:00pm PT
Location: Fair Oaks Park
17468 Honey Maple Street, Santa Clarita, CA, 91387
This is an amazing event and we don’t want to miss you – sign up today! Registration is FREE, but walkers who raise at least $75 will get a t-shirt!
In its 6th year, this free, fun, family-friendly event will feature OCD success stories, interactive activities, educational resources and a ¾ mile walk in support of IOCDF’s “One Million Steps for OCD.” All are welcome! Registration is FREE, but walkers who raise at least $75 will get a t-shirt! https://support.iocdf.org/santaclarita
