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NCT Number: NCT07124780

Helping Adults With Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Succeed at Work

The purpose of this study is to compare two models of employment services for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) interested in finding and maintaining employment. All 40 participants will receive up to 12 sessions of the first-line treatment for OCD called exposure and response prevention, a form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Assigned by chance, half of the people will also receive Individual Placement and Support (IPS); the other half will receive standard vocational services (SVS). This study will compare these two approaches for helping adults with OCD find and maintain work.

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Key information

Conditions

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Anxiety Disorders Mental Disorders Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Age range

18 year–60 year

Sex eligibility

All sexes

Study type

Interventional

Phase

Not applicable

Primary location

About this study

The purpose of this study is to compare two models of employment services for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) interested in finding and maintaining employment. In a randomized controlled trial (RCT), we will compare the work and clinical outcomes of individuals with OCD (n=20) who receive CBT plus standard vocational services (SVS) to those who receive this same course of CBT but who also receive Individual Placement and Support (IPS) (n=20). Work and clinical outcomes will be measured before starting CBT, at the end of CBT treatment, and at 6, 9, and 12-month time points.

Who can participate

Healthy volunteers accepted: No

Only the study team can determine whether someone qualifies for participation.

Inclusion criteria

  • Currently unemployed and interested in finding competitive employment in New York State
  • Currently residing in New York State
  • Primary diagnosis of OCD
  • For those currently on psychiatric medication: On a stable dose of psychiatric medication (for at least 6 weeks) and willing to remain on this dose for the first three months of CBT.
  • Access to the internet through a mobile device or computer

Exclusion criteria

  • In the process of applying for or currently receiving disability benefits
  • Currently receiving supported employment services
  • Active suicidality or recent suicide attempt
  • Active substance use problem (other than nicotine) that warrants treatment
  • Comorbid psychiatric conditions that significantly elevate the risk of study participation such as psychotic disorders or bipolar disorder

Treatment and study plan

Individual Placement and Support (IPS)

Behavioral

Individual Placement and Support is an evidence-based model of supported employment for individuals with mental illness. In IPS, participants will meet with an IPS specialist weekly who will help the study participant create resumes, conduct job searches online or in the community, complete job applications, role-play interviews, and, if requested, accompany them when visiting prospective employers.

Other names: IPS

Standard Vocational Services

Behavioral

In Standard Vocational Services, participants will meet with a representative from the American Jobs Center (AJC) who will help them find a job by identifying their interests, assess their skills and abilities, and advise them on in-demand jobs and potential training opportunities.

Other names: SVS

Primary outcomes

  1. Competitive employment

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of 12 months

    Employed at least one work shift in an integrated work setting in the open job market at prevailing wages with supervision provided by personnel employed by the business.

  2. Hours worked

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of 12 months

    Total hours of competitive employment

Secondary outcomes

  1. Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (scores range from 0-40 with higher scores indicating greater OCD severity)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of 12 months

    Change in severity of OCD symptoms

  2. Quality of Life Enjoyment and Satisfaction Scale (scores range from 14-70 with higher scores indicating greater life satisfaction and enjoyment)

    Time frame: From enrollment to the end of 12 months

    Change in degree of enjoyment and satisfaction experienced by subjects in various areas of daily functioning

Study contacts

Contact information is provided by the study sponsor or research team.

Blair Simpson, M.D., Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

646-774-8110

Sapana R. Patel, Ph.D.

CONTACT

[email protected]

646-774-8491

Sponsors and collaborators

Lead sponsor

New York State Psychiatric Institute

Other

Registry information

Important dates

Study start
2026
Primary completion
2027
Study completion
2027
First posted
Aug 15, 2025
Registry last updated
May 19, 2026

OpenTrials presents study information sourced from ClinicalTrials.gov. The official registry record should be consulted for the latest information.

View the official ClinicalTrials.gov record (opens in a new tab)

This listing is for discovery and informational purposes only. It is not medical advice, does not guarantee that a study is recruiting, and does not determine eligibility. Contact the study team and a qualified healthcare professional when considering participation.

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