Cognitive behavioral therapy for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder: Development of expert-level competence and implications for dissemination

•Detail the knowledge and skills needed to treat pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder.•Review CBT theory, assessment strategies, and treatment outcome literature.•Review goals to be accomplished in the delivery of CBT for pediatric OCD.•Suggest next steps in dissemination of CBT for pediatric OCD.

Pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is associated with substantial morbidity, comorbidity, family difficulties, and functional impairment. Fortunately, OCD in youth has also been found responsive to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) both alone and in combination with medication. This paper highlights key areas a treatment provider must be highly knowledgeable in to be considered an expert in cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) for pediatric obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). We describe the areas of knowledge that must be mastered to gain expertise, as well as the more difficult to quantify personal qualities that may allow a clinician to convey this knowledge in an expert manner. We provide detailed discussions of CBT theory, assessment strategies, implications of the treatment outcome literature for clinical decision-making, and how best to navigate CBT. We also discuss what the expert needs to accomplish by engaging youth and families throughout the evaluation and treatment process.