Instructor: Jayme M. Valdez, LMHC

Obsessive–Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety disorders rarely occur in isolation, and their clinical presentation is often complicated by high-risk factors and overlapping conditions. This advanced seminar examines the nuanced intersections of OCD and anxiety with suicidality, substance use, eating disorders, and neurodevelopmental differences such as ADHD and autism spectrum disorder. Through case-based discussion and a harm-reduction framework rooted in the Unified Protocol, we will explore assessment strategies, evidence-based interventions, and practical approaches to integrated, collaborative care. Emphasis will be placed on equipping clinicians to manage risk and tailor treatment plans to the individualized needs of clients presenting with complex comorbidities while maintaining safety and therapeutic alliance. Participants will leave with concrete tools and a deeper understanding of how to navigate the multifaceted realities faced by individuals living with these challenges. (4 CEUs)