Pediatric Anxiety Research Center

About the Pediatric Anxiety Research Center (PARC)

PARC has provided assessment and treatment for children with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and other anxiety disorders through research studies and an outpatient anxiety clinic since 1999. PARC includes leading mental health professionals, researchers in the pursuit of life-changing research, and educators with a passion for patient-centered care. Each of PARC's offered services is designed to bring about vital improvements in the lives of children with obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) or other forms of anxiety.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by recurrent, intrusive thoughts called "obsessions" and ritualized or repetitive behaviors called "compulsions." Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety disorder, separation anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, specific phobias, panic disorder, agoraphobia, and selective mutism.

PARC provides exposure-based cognitive behavioral therapy. Exposure is a type of therapy where therapists help people gradually face fears in a safe environment to break the cycle of avoidance and worry. Exposure is not dangerous or new. In fact, it is a well-established treatment shown to be effective in hundreds of research studies across kids, teens, and adults. Exposure is believed to help people by reducing their anxious reaction to situations with repeated practice, build confidence around managing anxiety, and create new learning experiences. Exposure is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and is a recommended first-line treatment for anxiety according to numerous professional groups.