Pediatric OCD, Anxiety, and Tic Disorders (POCAT) Program

Weill Cornell Medicine POCAT Team

We provide a range of specialty services for children and adolescents struggling with OCD, anxiety disorders and tic disorders. We also offer an Early Childhood Service designed specifically for children ages 2–8 and their parents.

Our services include weekly outpatient therapy utilizing evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Comprehensive Behavioral Intervention for Tics (CBIT), Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE), and Parent-Child Interaction Therapy (PCIT). We also offer CBT groups, parent guidance and medication evaluation and management.

These services are fee-for-service, and our providers are out of network with most insurance plans, except for Weill Cornell Aetna and NYP Aetna. For insurance-based services for OCD and Selective Mutism (SM), please see our NYP partner programs below.

Please view the list of our providers below or call 646-962-2820 and ask for the Pediatric OCD, Anxiety and Tic Disorders (POCAT) Program.

NYP Child and Adolescent Outpatient Program: OCD Track and Selective Mutism Track

Located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, this insurance-based program offers specialized treatment tracks for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and Selective Mutism within the Child and Adolescent Clinic. The program provides weekly individual therapy utilizing evidence-based approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Contact: POCAT@med.cornell.edu

Intensive Treatment Program for OCD and Anxiety

These services are fee-for-service, and our providers are out of network with most insurance plans, except for Weill Cornell Aetna and NYP Aetna. For insurance-based services for OCD and Selective Mutism (SM), please see our NYP partner programs below.

What is it?

The Intensive Treatment Program (ITP) offers a comprehensive, short-term treatment experience with up to 10 hours per week of active therapy. The program addresses OCD as well as other anxiety disorders, including Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Separation Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Selective Mutism and specific phobias.

The goal of the ITP is to provide focused, evidence-based care using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help children and adolescents reduce symptoms and build coping skills.

Who's it for?

It is designed for children and adolescents with moderate to severe symptoms and their families who would benefit from more intensive, structured care.

What does it provide?

Our program provides evaluation, psychoeducation, group therapy, individual sessions and parent sessions. Additionally, a board-certified child and adolescent psychiatrist with expertise in this area is available for consultations and medication changes as needed.

How do I contact?

• Children and Adolescents, ages 7–18 years, with a diagnosis of OCD or other anxiety disorder
• Contact Avital Falk, Ph.D. at (646) 962-2820 or via email at POCAT@med.cornell.edu
  

CBT and Exposure Group for OCD and Anxiety

This group is offered through the Intensive Treatment Program and focuses on building Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) skills, with an emphasis on exposure-based strategies to reduce OCD and anxiety symptoms. We also collaborate with outside individual providers to enhance treatment intensity. The group is intended for children and adolescents with a primary diagnosis of OCD and/or an anxiety disorder.

• Contact: POCAT@med.cornell.edu

Partial Hospitalization Program: OCD Track

We offer a specialized OCD Track within our Adolescent Partial Hospitalization Program, designed for children and teens with OCD and related anxiety disorders. This short-term, intensive treatment model targets acute symptoms and supports a smooth transition back to community-based care. Our team works collaboratively to develop a personalized aftercare plan with strategies for ongoing support.

This program is best suited for adolescents aged 13 to 18 with moderate to severe OCD symptoms who can be safely treated outside of an inpatient setting.

Program highlights include:

• A fully accredited school program integrated with therapeutic services for acute stabilization.
• A team-based approach providing up to 15 hours per week of active treatment, including evaluation, psychoeducation, group, individual and family therapy.
• One of the few intensive pediatric OCD programs that accepts most commercial insurance plans.
• Medication assessment and management, as needed.

Coming soon!

Virtual sessions are available for all outpatient appointments if desired.