The mission of OCD Chicago is to increase public and professional awareness of OCD, educate and support people with OCD and their families, and encourage research into new treatments and a cure.

OCD Chicago serves adults and children with OCD, their families, and the mental health professionals who treat them. It is the only Chicago area organization dedicated to OCD.

OCD Chicago reaches out with compassion and encouragement to those affected by this potentially devastating but treatable neurobiological disorder. We’re dedicated to assuring people with OCD that they are not alone and helping them manage the disorder.

Our active agenda includes:

• Consumer education and support – We provide OCD sufferers and their families with the latest information on this disorder, referrals to treatment providers and support groups, and the opportunity to meet and learn from one another.
  
  
• Professional education – We offer mental health professionals opportunities to increase their knowledge of OCD and improve their ability to treat patients effectively.
  
  
• Public awareness – We supply speakers for schools, public forums, and the news media to help increase understanding about OCD and reduce the stigma of mental illness.
  
  
• Research – We encourage research that focuses on finding new treatments and a cure for OCD.

Above all, we’re a source of hope, humor, and friendship for people with OCD.

Become a member or make a donation today!


Board of Directors

Martin E. Silverman, President
Jeanne Ettelson, Vice President & Treasurer
Sarah Williams, Secretary
Ellen Sawyer, Assistant Secretary
Susan Richman, Honorary Chair
Scott M. Kaufman
John Lindo
Donna B. Wilkens

Scientific Advisory Board

Karen Cassiday, Ph.D., Chair
Gail Adams, Ed.D.
A.J. Allen, M.D., Ph.D.
Mona Berman, M.A.
John Calamari, Ph.D.
Kevin L. Gyoerkoe, Psy.D.
Brian Martis, M.D.
Bradley Riemann, Ph.D.
Kenneth A. Wexler
Pamela Wiegartz, Ph.D.



Executive Director
Ellen Sawyer


OCD Chicago is proud to acknowledge the William Blair & Company Foundation for their grant to fund our telephone assistance program, which provides information and resources to people with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and their families. Their generosity enables us to continue to serve children and adults affected by OCD.

The William Blair & Company Foundation has also provided grants to fund the development of the OCD Chicago web site, the publication of a brochure for teens and preteens entitled "Got OCD?" and the publication of "Relief from OCD: A Guide for People with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder."

OCD Chicago gratefully acknowledges the Debbie and Jim Challenger family for their grant to fund the publication of "How to Help Your Child: A Parent's Guide to OCD."



OCD Chicago is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization and an affiliate of the national OC Foundation in New Haven, CT.