St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute has been providing treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorders (OCD) and other anxiety disorders for over 30 years. First established in 1982, the Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) is an internationally recognized, multidisciplinary program for a wide range of anxiety disorders. COARD is active in public education, professional training and clinical research, but is best known for evidence-based clinical care, including cognitive behavior therapy.

COARD at St. Louis Behavioral Medicine Institute specializes in the treatment of disorders that involve complications of anxiety or other problematic emotional responses. Our facility offers treatment for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and many more anxiety-related issues. We offer care on an Outpatient and Intensive Outpatient basis.

The Center for OCD and Anxiety-Related Disorders (COARD) has been a leading contributor to the field of anxiety disorders for over 30 years. Dr. Alec Pollard, Founding Director of COARD and Saint Louis University Professor of Family and Community Medicine, highlights the Center’s history and the services it provides to the community.

ISSUES WE TREAT

Our staff has extensive experience treating a variety of disorders, but we’ve provided a list of common disorders and anxieties that are addressed at COARD. For more information on anxiety disorders, visit the National Institute of Mental Health.

• Agoraphobia
• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
• Panic Disorder
• Social Anxiety Disorder
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Phobias
• Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
• Illness Anxiety (Hypochondriasis)
• Hoarding Disorder (HD)
• Body Dysmorphic Disorder
• Body-Focused Disorders
• Paruresis
• Separation Anxiety
• Scrupulosity and Religious Obsessions
• Selective Mutism
• Tourette’s Disorder and Tics

OUR TREATMENT APPROACH

Most cases of OCD and anxiety-related disorders are treatable. After a thorough evaluation, your COARD clinician will review your options and help you obtain the treatment that is right for you. Our professionals incorporate many of the modalities below, but other services that might be considered include spiritual direction, physical therapy, nutritional consultation, and biofeedback. 

Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT)
CBT is the most established psychological treatment for OCD and most of the anxiety-related disorders. Patients are taught to face the things they fear at a manageable pace (“exposure”). They also learn healthy coping habits to replace compulsions (“response prevention”).

Pharmacotherapy
A number of medications have been effective with OCD and anxiety-related disorders. In most cases, individuals receiving CBT at our Center are seen by a COARD psychiatrist. 

Family Consultation for Participating Patients
COARD clinicians routinely counsel family members to help them learn how to support their loved one’s treatment. 

Motivational Enhancement & Treatment-Readiness Therapy
Patients ambivalent about treatment can benefit from interventions designed to help them increase motivation or overcome other obstacles so they can participate effectively in therapy.

Group Therapy 
Some individuals benefit from the mutual support provided in a group treatment format. COARD conducts group therapy for several anxiety-related groups. To find out which groups are currently available, visit the outpatient services section.

SERVICES & HELP FOR FAMILIES

COARD has developed services to address needs of the family and friends of those who suffer from these disabling conditions. 

Consultation for the Families of Patients Participating in Treatment
COARD clinicians routinely counsel family members to help them learn how to support their loved one’s treatment. 

Consultation for the Families of Treatment-Refusers
Many OCD and anxiety sufferers do not actively seek help for their condition. The clinical team at COARD helps families reduce stress and deal more effectively with a treatment-refuser. 

To read articles our clinicians have written to help you, such as Someone I Care About Is Not Dealing With His OCD: What Can I Do About It? and Help For Families, please visit the International OCD Foundation. Dr. Alec Pollard also discussed help for families for treatment-refusers on a recent podcast.

Services & Education for Professionals

COARD is dedicated to educating current and future healthcare professionals, as well as the general public, about OCD and anxiety-related disorders. 

Community & Professional Presentations
COARD clinicians are available to provide talks for community organizations and health professionals on various subjects, such as childhood anxiety, updates on treatment, OCD, PTSD, anxiety disorders in general, and hoarding.

Workshops
Workshops provide a more in-depth training program consisting in a half-day, whole-day, or multi-day training format.

Postgraduate Fellowships and the Clinical Practicum for Graduate Students
COARD offers a nine-month practicum for graduate students and a one-year fellowship of postgraduate training in OCD and anxiety-related disorders. 

Case Consultation
COARD senior clinicians are available to practitioners seeking consultation on challenging or complex cases of OCD and anxiety-related disorders.