Annie Merel, LCPC

The majority of my referrals are for OCD related cases and 95% of my caseload is OCD treatment. I regularly use the Y-BOCS, an assessment tool to inform treatment and diagnose OCD. In my practice we work together to use ERP and CBT for symptom reduction and overall improvement in life functioning. I have seen over 100 clients with OCD and participate in group consultation for OCD clients. I also provide consultation to clinicians that are new to OCD treatment and learning to use ERP with their own clients.

I completed the Intensive Post Graduate Training offered by the International OCD Foundation in January of 2020. After that I worked with a supervisor and OCD specialist in my area for case consult for 2 years. I continue to attend continuing education events on OCD related topics and treatment methods. I have been treating OCD for over 6 years now.

I work with many different religious backgrounds given that my area has significant religious diversity. I have done a lot of work with the Orthodox and conservative Jewish population with OCD and Scrupulosity. Additionally, we have a LGBTQIA demographic that my practice specializes in so I regularly see clients that are part of that population as well.

In my doctoral program at the Chicago School of Professional Psychology we had extensive diversity training coursework as was required by the school. These classes were specific to diversity and cultural awareness. Additionally, most of our classes were required to incorporate diversity training and cultural competency as it relates to psychopathology.

Furthermore, I have completed and continue to complete the necessary continued education hours on cultural competency required by my license renewal every other year.