Blue Cross, BCN add provider group that addresses OCD, phobias and anxiety disorders by telehealth to network

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network recently added a new provider group, called NOCD, that uses telehealth to address obsessive-compulsive disorders, phobias and anxiety disorders.

This addition to our network allows our members greater access to the evidence-based treatment called exposure response prevention, or ERP, therapy, which is a sophisticated version of cognitive behavioral therapy.

CBT has been the first-line treatment for these disorders for many years. While CBT provides relief for many people, exposure response prevention therapy can be helpful when CBT isn’t effective.

Until now, we’ve had a small number of specialized providers that address OCD and phobias, but they’ve been largely focused around the Ann Arbor and Grand Rapids areas.

NOCD’s integrated treatment model pairs a network of master’s level licensed professionals with online adherence tools and a peer community. Professional staff includes licensed psychologists, counselors and social workers who are trained in using exposure response prevention therapy for OCD treatment.

NOCD provides:

• OCD-specific clinical diagnostic assessments in a video-based session
• Scheduled video-based teletherapy in all geographic locations
• Electronic messaging between the member and his or her NOCD professional

Other therapeutic tools include:

• Structured electronic-based exercises and tools to assist in the therapy process
• Support during any OCD episode
• The ability to view treatment data in a secure, centralized area
• An online, monitored peer support community to provide nonprofessional support and find resources to manage OCD

NOCD will also facilitate psychiatric consultation with a member’s provider for treatment intervention and coordination of care.

During the COVID-19 crisis, Blue Cross and BCN have allowed the use of telehealth services for all our providers. Overall, we’ve seen a 70% increase in the utilization of this type of care. NOCD uses telepsychotherapy and telemedicine visits exclusively, so this doesn’t limit their services geographically.

NOCD maintains an ongoing team of subject matter experts and OCD leading advisers. This includes individuals from the University of California, Los Angeles OCD treatment program; Yale Medical School; University of Southern California Medical School; University of Pennsylvania; Harvard Medical School and the University of Illinois, Chicago.

The addition of this provider adds to our network capacity and provides more evidence-based interventions for our membership. To make an appointment or refer a member, contact NOCD at 312-766-6780 or visit nocd.com.**

**Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network don’t own or control this website.