Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
Our Psychologists have availability for face-to-face and online appointments for adults, adolescents and children.
OCD (Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder) in children is a mental health condition where a child experiences distressing thoughts that keep popping up (called obsessions) and feels the need to do certain behaviours or rituals (called compulsions) to ease the anxiety. These might include fears about germs, something bad happening, or things needing to feel “just right”, along with behaviours like repeated handwashing, checking, counting, or asking for reassurance. It’s not just about being neat — OCD can really interfere with daily life, school, and relationships. Children with OCD often know their thoughts and behaviours don’t make sense, but feel like they can’t stop. Treatment for OCD in children usually involves Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), especially Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and in some cases, medication may also be helpful. With the right support, children can learn to manage OCD and feel more in control.
Children with OCD can experience intrusive thoughts and feel driven to do certain behaviours or rituals to feel less anxious. These symptoms can vary from child to child, but here are some of the more common signs to look out for:
Constant worries about germs, illness, or contamination
Fears that something bad will happen if they don’t do things a certain way
A strong need for things to feel “just right” or be perfectly ordered
Repetitive behaviours like handwashing, checking, tapping, or counting
Asking for reassurance over and over again
Taking a long time to complete everyday tasks due to rituals
Getting very upset if routines are disrupted
Around 1 in 50 Australian children are estimated to have OCD
OCD symptoms often first appear between ages 7 and 12
60% of people with OCD report their symptoms started before age 20
On average, Aussie kids with OCD wait nine years for a diagnosis
When it comes to helping kids with Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD), the research is clear: OCD is a real and often persistent condition that can start young, but the good news is that there are highly effective treatment options available. Studies estimate that between 1–3% of children and adolescents experience OCD, with many showing symptoms before the age of 12. Without support, OCD can really interfere with daily life—affecting school, friendships, family routines and overall wellbeing.
Thankfully, researchers have found strong evidence for what works when it comes to treatment for OCD in children—and it starts with therapy that’s backed by science.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), particularly when it includes Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is considered the most effective psychological treatment for OCD in children. ERP involves helping children gradually face their fears (exposures) without giving in to compulsions (response prevention). It may sound tricky at first, but research shows it helps kids learn that they can cope with uncertainty and anxiety—and that the scary thoughts don’t come true.
Studies have shown that CBT with ERP not only reduces symptoms significantly, but that these improvements tend to stick long-term, especially when families are involved in the process.
Family-Based CBT (FB-CBT) has been shown to be particularly effective, especially for younger children. Parents learn strategies to respond to OCD behaviours in helpful ways, reduce accommodation (like participating in rituals), and support their child through exposures. This collaborative approach can reduce family stress and improve outcomes for everyone.
While therapy is usually the first line of support, some children may also benefit from medication—especially in moderate to severe cases or when CBT alone hasn’t helped enough. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed medications for OCD in children.
The research shows that SSRIs can reduce symptoms and improve functioning, particularly when used alongside CBT. Combining medication and therapy is often the best approach for children who haven’t responded fully to therapy alone.
Researchers are continuing to explore new options for children with more complex or treatment-resistant OCD. Some early findings suggest that glutamate modulators and even treatments like deep brain stimulation may offer support in the future. However, these approaches are still being studied and aren’t considered first-line treatments yet.
Research strongly supports CBT with ERP as the most effective treatment for OCD in children, with or without medication depending on severity. Family involvement, a gradual approach to exposures, and a skilled therapist all make a big difference. And while there’s no quick fix, with the right treatment plan, children can learn to manage OCD and get back to enjoying life.
*Source: Advances in Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment: A Comprehensive Narrative Review – National Library of Medicine
Help your child gradually face fears without doing rituals—this is key in OCD treatment.
Too much reassurance can keep OCD going. Encourage your child to sit with uncertainty.
Consistent routines reduce stress and make it easier to practise coping strategies.
Clinical Psychologist, Director of MindBox Psychology
Our Psychologists are highly qualified, holding Masters or Doctorate degrees in Clinical Psychology. We provide treatment for child OCD using Cognitive Behaviour Therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based treatments like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT for Children) and Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT). We also offer treatment for adults with OCD—click here to learn more about our approach.
Hours: Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm
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