Live Webinar August 21st — Ethical Treatment of OCD with ERP in the Teletherapy Age with Patrick B. McGrath, Ph.D.

Friday, August 21st, 2026

11:00 AM–12:30 PM Eastern/ 10:00 AM–11:30 AM Central/ 9:00 AM–10:30 AM Mountain/ 8:00 AM–9:30 AM Pacific/ 7:00 AM–8:30 AM Alaska/6:00 AM–7:30 AM Hawaii

1.5 CE Credits Awarded

$15 Student ABCT Members / $25 ABCT Members / $35 Non-Members

Beginner level

All prices listed in US currency

Abstract:

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard behavioral treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). However, its core mechanism—deliberately triggering distress while blocking safety behaviors—presents unique ethical challenges for mental health clinicians. This presentation explores the delicate balance between therapeutic efficacy and ethical clinical practice. We will examine the ethical implications of informed consent, navigating the fine line between therapeutic distress and patient harm, and managing clinician burnout stemming from high-stress interventions. Additionally, the session will address contemporary ethical issues, including the rise of digital ERP platforms and the critical need for cultural humility when addressing taboo obsession themes. Clinicians will leave with practical frameworks to maintain safety, respect patient autonomy, and uphold ethical boundaries while delivering high-quality, evidence-based care.

Presenter Biography:

Dr. Patrick B. McGrath is the Chief Clinical Officer for NOCD, leading their teletherapy services across the world to help people with OCD and related conditions. He has opened Intensive Outpatient, Partial Hospital, and Residential Treatment Programs for Anxiety Disorders, OCD, and PTSD. He is a member of the Scientific and Clinical Advisory Boards of the International OCD Foundation, a Fellow of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, and the host of the “Get to Know OCD,” podcast. Dr. McGrath is the author of “The OCD Answer Book,” and “Don’t Try Harder, Try Different.” He has also been featured on the television documentary Anxious as well as a therapist on Hoarding: Buried Alive. 

Moderator Biography:

Dr. Joanna Robin is the founder and director of Westchester Anxiety Treatment Psychological Services. She specializes in cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and has expertise in the treatment of anxiety, mood, and behavioral problems. Dr. Robin works with children, adolescents, and adults and offers individual and family therapy, as well as parent training.

At the end of the webinar, the learner will be able to:

1. Formulate a comprehensive informed consent process that transparently outlines the distress requirements of exposure therapy.
2. Apply clinical boundaries to differentiate therapeutic exposure anxiety from non-therapeutic patient harm or decompensation.
3. Evaluate the ethical dimensions of treating taboo or ego-dystonic OCD themes using culturally responsive and non-judgmental frameworks.
4. Analyze the ethical risks and boundary considerations associated with modern digital, app-based, and virtual ERP delivery platforms.

Recommended Readings:

Feusner JD, Farrell NR, Kreyling J, McGrath PB, Rhode A, Faneuff T, Lonsway S, Mohideen R, Jurich JE, Trusky L, Smith SM. Online Video Teletherapy Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Using Exposure and Response Prevention: Clinical Outcomes From a Retrospective Longitudinal Observational Study. J Med Internet Res. 2022 May 19;24(5):e36431. doi: 10.2196/36431. PMID: 35587365; PMCID: PMC9164091.

Trent ES, Lanzillo EC, Wiese AD, Spencer SD, McKay D, Storch EA. Potential for Harm in the Treatment of Pediatric Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Pitfalls and Best Practices. Res Child Adolesc Psychopathol. 2025 May;53(5):729-745. doi: 10.1007/s10802-024-01258-x. Epub 2024 Oct 23. PMID: 39441501.

Gola JA, Beidas RS, Antinoro-Burke D, Kratz HE, Fingerhut R. Ethical Considerations in Exposure Therapy With Children. Cogn Behav Pract. 2016 May;23(2):184-193. doi: 10.1016/j.cbpra.2015.04.003. Epub 2015 May 11. PMID: 27688681; PMCID: PMC5036521.

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All attendees will receive a certificate of completion when the course requirements are satisfied.

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies incurs significant administrative cost related to your registration before a webinar.  Therefore, there are no refunds for live webinars. If you unable to attend a webinar, we will provide you with the recorded version after the live presentation (which is still eligible for CE credit). If you wish to cancel or request to transfer your webinar registration to another webinar please email your request to membership@abct.org. 

ABCT is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. ABCT maintains responsibility for this program and its content

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5797. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs

The Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies is recognized by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences for Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT) to offer continuing education as Provider #4600

Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT), is recognized by the New York State Education Department’s State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0124

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For more information, contact:

Rachel Greeman, ABCT Web Manager
212-647-1890 ext. 208
rgreeman@abct.org

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