Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Clinic

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders Clinic

Developed to treat obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and related disorders in adults, the OCD Outpatient Clinic offers the specialized care of psychiatrists who provide a range of services. These include comprehensive diagnostic evaluations, second-opinion consultations, evidence-based medication treatment, and referrals to a network of cognitive behavioral therapists.

Contact Information:

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinic
Butler Hospital
345 Blackstone Boulevard
Providence, RI 02906
P: (401) 455-6484

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Treatment

What medications are used to treat OCD?

Studies show that several medications can help with OCD. Most are classified as antidepressants, although not all antidepressants are effective in treating OCD. Because all medications have their own side effects and risks, you should talk with your doctor before starting any.

How effective are treatments for OCD?

Most studies show that about 70 percent of patients with OCD will benefit from either medication or cognitive behavior therapy (CBT). Patients who respond to medication usually show a 40 to 60-percent reduction in OCD symptoms, while those who respond to CBT often report a 60 to 80-percent reduction. However, medications must be taken regularly and patients must actively participate in CBT for the treatments to work. Unfortunately, studies show that at least 25 percent of OCD patients refuse CBT and as many as half of OCD patients discontinue medicines because of the side effects or other reasons.

What is Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

CBT for OCD uses a technique called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in which a therapist helps the individual identify feared situations and/or thoughts and then gradually confront them (exposure) either directly or by imagining it. The therapists also help the individual learn strategies to resist engaging in their compulsive behaviors (response prevention).

ERP is usually done gradually, one step at a time, at a pace the individual is comfortable with. Over time, by confronting their fears, individuals with OCD notice a reduction in their OCD (less anxiety, less intrusive thoughts, no compulsions). The OCD Clinic provides short-term CBT ( three to 12 months), an intensive outpatient program, and referrals to a network of OCD specialists.

Meet the Team

Steven A. Rasmussen, MD

Dr. Rasmussen received his MD from Brown Medical School and completed his psychiatry residency at Yale University. Since then, he has devoted his efforts to the research and treatment of OCD and is acclaimed internationally for his work in the field. Dr. Rasmussen has been recognized by The Best Doctors in America annually for over 20 years. 

Maria Mancebo, PhD

Dr. Mancebo received her received her PhD. in clinical-school psychology from Hofstra University in 2002. She joined the OCD Research Program in 2001 and completed a post-doctoral fellowship with Drs. Steven Rasmussen, Jane Eisen, and Matt Evans. She is currently an Assistant Professor (Research) in the Department of Psychiatry and Human Behavior at Brown.

Kimberley L. Chiappone, MD

Staff Psychiatrist - After completing her medical degree at SUNY Buffalo’s School of Medicine, Dr. Chiappone completed her General Psychiatry residency through Brown University where she became particularly interested in working with patients struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. 

Megan L. Smith, LICSW

Program Therapist - Megan received her MSW from Simmons College School of Social Work in 2009 – completing internships at the Lemuel Shattuck Hospital in Jamaica Plain and at Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Student Health Services. Megan relocated to Rhode Island in order to work at Gateway Healthcare, where for seven years she held positions as a Clinical Specialist and then as a Team Leader for an Integrated Health Home Team, providing outpatient mental health treatment to adults with chronic and persistent mental illness.