Participate in Research
We are currently recruiting participants for a wide range of research studies, both online and in person! Our research work is funded in large part by the National Institutes of Health (NIMH) and by private foundations.
We will offer you a confidential screening and evaluation to determine whether you are eligible for one of our studies. Through our research, you may receive compensation and/or treatment. Any treatment you receive as part of your study participation is provided at no cost to you.
Interested in Our Research Studies?
If you are interested, please complete our online form below and someone will be in touch with you soon.
Current Studies
How Hormones and Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) Affect the Brain of People with OCD
Studies show that hormones affect the brain's fear extinction network, which is relevant for therapy involving exposure and response prevention (EX/RP), a first-line treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). This study will examine the effect of delivering EX/RP to women during different phases in their menstrual cycle to determine the effects of hormones on the fear extinction network and on their OCD symptoms. Men will also be recruited for this study to further explore biological sex differences.
Neural Correlates of Compulsivity
The goal of this study is to understand how neural and cognitive factors involved in learning and decision-making contribute to compulsive behaviors in OCD. Participation in this study includes completing computerized learning and decision-making tasks while an electroencephalogram (EEG) is recorded during a one-time in-person visit. Recording an EEG involves wearing a snugly fitting cap attached to some sensors that are passively measuring the naturally occurring activity of your brain. After completing research procedures, participants with OCD may be eligible for treatment through our clinic.
Precision Medicine Approach to OCD Treatment: Targeting Neuroinflammation
We are seeking patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) who are currently experiencing symptoms despite current medication treatment to participate in a research study involving brain imaging and treatment. The goal of this study is to examine whether a type of brain imaging called PET imaging can predict how much benefit patients will have in their OCD symptoms from treatment with an anti-inflammatory medication called celecoxib, which is not FDA approved for this purpose. This study is seeking adults between the ages 18 and 55 years old who have OCD. Eligible participants with OCD will receive a psychological and medical evaluation to determine eligibility for the study. The study involves a positron emission topography (PET) scan, which involves the administration of the experimental radioactive tracer to measure the level of inflammation in the brain, and a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, followed by treatment with celecoxib. After completing research procedures, participants will be offered three months of treatment visits for OCD at no cost.
Seeking Healthy Controls for Studies of OCD and Anxiety
We are seeking individuals without any history of psychiatric disorders to serve as controls in our studies of OCD and anxiety. Studies may involve diagnostic interviews, MRI scans, and computer tasks. Compensation provided for time and travel.