Patient Resources
Find patient forms, FAQ’s, articles of interest, office info and hours & location.
Office info
Anxiety & OCD Center
270 Lancaster Avenue, Building J
Malvern, PA 19355
484-947-8820
info@anxietyocd.com
Mon-Fri: 8am-8pm
Frequently asked questions
About our practice:
What makes The Anxiety & OCD Center different?
At The Anxiety & OCD Center, we are committed to providing evidence-based treatments that have been rigorously tested and proven effective through decades of clinical research. Unlike traditional talk therapy—which often lacks structured strategies and empirical support—our approach is rooted in treatments that provide clients with actionable skills and tools to address their challenges effectively.
We specialize in treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP, in particular, is the gold standard and first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), supported by extensive research and clinical trials. A 2023 systematic review (Steele et al., 2024) further confirms the effectiveness of ERP, especially when combined with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for enhanced outcomes.
Our evidence-based approach focuses on helping clients change disordered patterns, confront fears directly, and build lasting resilience through effective strategies. At The Anxiety & OCD Center, we offer treatments grounded in science to empower clients to overcome anxiety, OCD, and related conditions with confidence and clarity.
Is the Anxiety & OCD Center the right fit?
At the Anxiety and OCD Center, our standard of care is excellent, and our providers reflect that standard. The Anxiety and OCD Center is staffed by highly trained licensed psychologists and psychology residents who are compassionate and sensitive to the very difficult circumstances clients face.
“By standard patient improvement measurements, as well as by patient retention and outside referrals, the Center’s treatment performance is excellent,” says Dr. Erwin.
Next to personal fit, the most important consideration in finding the right provider is selecting a provider who is trained in evidence-based treatment. Evidence-based treatment means that the treatment was thoroughly studied in clinical research trials and found to be highly effective.
Where do patients at the Anxiety & OCD Center come from?
Patients at the Anxiety and OCD Center travel locally and nationally for assessment and treatment. Most patients travel within a 50-mile radius of the Philadelphia Main Line suburb of Malvern, and are self-referred or referred by physicians, private and public schools, and specialized inpatient anxiety disorder hospitals.
Referral sources in the Philadelphia area include:
- Hospital of the University of Pennsylvania
- Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia
- Nemours/Alfred I. DuPont Hospital for Children
- Main Line Health System
- Reading Hospital
Am I getting the right treatment?
Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy, is recognized as the gold standard and first-line treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders.
ERP remains the cornerstone of effective OCD treatment, as highlighted in the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry’s practice parameters (2012).
Recent evidence continues to affirm ERP’s efficacy, particularly in pediatric populations. A 2023 comprehensive systematic review (Steele et al., 2024) underscores the importance of ERP as a highly effective intervention for children and adolescents with OCD.
Furthermore, combining ERP with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) has been shown to enhance treatment outcomes, offering a robust approach to managing OCD symptoms. This growing body of evidence reinforces ERP’s critical role in the treatment landscape for OCD.
Will my treatment be covered by my health insurance?
The providers at the Anxiety and OCD Center are highly trained specialists in treating anxiety disorders, OCD, and related conditions. They operate as out-of-network providers, meaning clients pay for treatment at the time of their appointments and can submit claims to their health insurance for reimbursement at the out-of-network rate.
Before scheduling, we encourage you to verify your out-of-network benefits with your insurance company. Reduced fees are available for treatment with providers working toward licensure. However, please note that most insurance companies do not reimburse services provided by a psychology resident.
What is a session like?
At the initial appointment, the client’s current symptoms and history are assessed. Previous testing and reports are very helpful in this process. From this assessment, diagnoses are made and treatment goals are established. Subsequent treatment sessions are scheduled at an agreed-upon frequency that meets the clinical needs of the patient.
We provide online patient forms that you can fill out prior to your appointment.
How long is a treatment session?
A standard outpatient treatment session is 50 minutes long.
Can Dr. Erwin help my business or me professionally?
Dr. Erwin, through Dr. Erwin Consulting, delivers executive coaching and workshops tailored for executives, physicians, departments, and organizations. These programs focus on maximizing both personal and professional potential, setting the foundation for thriving careers, and driving measurable improvements to the corporate bottom line.
Dr. Erwin’s corporate clients represent a diverse range of industries, including pharmaceutical companies, universities, hospitals, financial institutions, and consulting firms.
The coaching process equips clients with actionable strategies to optimize performance and revenue, expand leadership capabilities, manage stress, boost confidence, enhance conflict resolution and communication skills, strengthen emotional intelligence, navigate career transitions, and achieve peak professional potential.
“Effective training is short-term, strategy-driven, and goal-oriented—precisely the qualities we aim to cultivate in executives and organizations,” says Dr. Erwin.
Does the Anxiety & OCD Center provide service to low-income/uninsured people and give back to the community?
The Anxiety and OCD Center is dedicated to providing effective treatment to the community, particularly underserved members of the community.
Treatment and assessment programs at the Anxiety and OCD Center are available to everyone, but we make a special effort to reach populations that experience challenges accessing evidence-based mental health care.Through a relationship with the Community Volunteers in Medicine, the Anxiety and OCD Center brings high-quality education and treatment directly to low income patients.
Together we help all people live healthier, happier, and more purposeful lives.
General therapy questions:
I think I have an anxiety disorder, but I don’t know if anyone would understand my symptoms.
Anxiety disorders and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) can manifest themselves in forms that are not widely publicized, are poorly understood, and are frequently misdiagnosed.
Examples include:
- Unwanted and anxiety-provoking thoughts
- Fear of acting on unwanted thoughts
- Fears that involve using the bathroom, eating, chewing, or swallowing
- Fears that are not logical
Many individuals who suffer from these forms of anxiety and OCD are ashamed of their symptoms and do not communicate their fears since they believe that others will not understand.
What is Evidence-Based Treatment?
Evidence-based treatment, as defined by the American Psychological Association, integrates the best available research with clinical expertise, tailored to each patient’s needs, culture, and preferences. This approach yields the best outcomes for treating psychiatric disorders. However, it is not widely taught or practiced, limiting access for those in need.
At the Anxiety and OCD Center, we provide evidence-based treatments led by specialists trained in best-practice methods for anxiety and related disorders, ensuring the highest quality care for our clients.
What is Cognitive Behavioral Treatment?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is the first-line, evidence-based treatment for many disorders, including anxiety, Tourette syndrome, trichotillomania, depression, and more.
CBT is based on the principle that certain thoughts and behaviors worsen and reinforce the disorder over time. By challenging these patterns, CBT promotes more flexible thinking and behaviors that are less influenced by emotion, leading to lasting improvement.
What is Exposure with Response Prevention?
Should loved ones be involved with the treatment of an anxiety disorder?
How can I help my child in school?
Involving a child’s school in treatment is often a critical part of addressing anxiety disorders or OCD, particularly when these conditions impact academic performance or social interactions. However, such decisions are always made in consultation with parents and tailored to the best interests of the child. Research highlights that school involvement can significantly improve outcomes by providing support and accommodations that reduce stress and enhance learning (Phares et al., 2020; Comer et al., 2018).
Parents often worry about potential stigma or the long-term effects of having a diagnosis on record, particularly in relation to college admissions. These concerns are valid, but with the right approach, school accommodations can offer critical support without negatively impacting social standing or future opportunities.
The licensed psychologists and psychology residents at the Anxiety and OCD Center are highly experienced in navigating the complexities of involving a child’s school in treatment. We guide families in weighing the benefits and potential drawbacks, ensuring that the child’s needs and privacy are respected. Written consent is always obtained before sharing any information with the school, allowing both the parent and child to maintain full control over what is disclosed. Read more about our Anxiety & OCD Assessment service.