Minnesota OCD Conference
Join us for a day of learning, sharing, and support at the Minnesota OCD Conference - a safe space to connect and grow together.
Date and time
Location
Saint Paul College
235 Marshall Avenue Saint Paul, MN 55102Lineup
Agenda
8:30 AM - 9:30 AM
Check-In, Welcome Mingle & Resource Fair
9:30 AM - 9:45 AM
Opening Remarks
9:45 AM - 10:15 AM
Keynote Address: Alison Dotson
Alison Dotson
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Breakout Block 1
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Intro to OCD: What It Is & How We Treat It (For Everyone)
Erin Venker, MA, LPCC
Hannah Ose, CTRS
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Innovations in OCD Treatment: The Power of I-CBT (For Clinicians)
Lucy Grantz, LMFT
Tracy Lewis, LICSW, MSW
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Supporting a Loved One with OCD (For Families & Friends)
Bryan Piatt, MA
11:30 AM - 12:45 PM
Lunch & Networking
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Breakout Block 2
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Getting Started with ERP: The Gold Standard Treatment (For Everyone)
Erin Venker, MA, LPCC
Hannah Ose, CTRS
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Parenting a Child with OCD: The SPACE Approach (For Families & Friends)
Halen Bower, MA
Heidi Lohman, MA, LPC
12:45 PM - 1:45 PM
Working with OCD in Complex Presentations Panel (For Clinicians)
Haley Petersen, MA
Javier Osuna Siles, MA
Elizabeth Kittleson, LMFT
Zach Pacha, LISW
1:45 PM - 2:00 PM
Break
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Breakout Block 3
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Talking Taboo: The Hidden Themes of OCD Panel (For Everyone)
Erin Venker, MA, LPCC
Haley Petersen, MA
Alison Dotson
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Perfectionism, Rigidity & OCD – Incorporating RO-DBT (For Clinicians)
Marie Monson, MA, LPCC
John Gawboy, MA, LPCC
2:00 PM - 3:00 PM
Neurodivergence & OCD: Overlap with Autism & ADHD (For Everyone)
Alex McLaughlin, MSW, LICSW
3:00 PM - 3:15 PM
Break
3:15 PM - 4:15 PM
Ask the Experts: Medication, Brain Research, & OCD (For Everyone)
Alik Widge, MD, PhD
Christine Conelea, PhD, LP
Nakita Natala, MD
Good to know
Highlights
- 7 hours 45 minutes
- ages 13+
- In person
- Free parking
Refund Policy
About this event
The Minnesota OCD Conference is a one-day event dedicated to education, connection, and hope for individuals with OCD, their family members, friends, and mental health professionals. This is the first conference of its kind in Minnesota, bringing together experts, advocates, and community members for a day of learning, resource-sharing, and inspiration.
- Whether you’re seeking support, looking to better understand OCD, or wanting advanced clinical training, this event offers something for everyone.
What to Expect
When you arrive at the Minnesota OCD Conference, you’ll be welcomed at our check-in table. There, you’ll receive:
- A tote bag filled with resources and goodies from our sponsors and exhibitors
- A name badge so you can connect easily with others throughout the day
- A conference program with session descriptions, presenter bios, and room locations
Check-in & Welcome (8:30–9:30 AM)
- Grab coffee or tea, browse resource tables, and mingle with other attendees.
- Stop by exhibitor booths to learn about OCD-related services, tools, and community organizations.
Sessions & Keynote
- Enjoy a variety of breakout sessions tailored for different audiences—individuals with OCD, families & friends, and clinicians.
- Hear from our keynote speaker, Alison Dotson, as she shares her story and insights on OCD.
Lunch & Networking
- Use the lunch break to visit resource tables, join an affinity group, or connect with others in the community. More details on these will be available soon.
- Pre-ordered boxed lunches will be ready for those who reserved them.
Ask the Experts Panel
- End the day with a live Q&A featuring top experts in psychiatry, neuroscience, and OCD treatment.
Throughout the Day
- Take breaks in the Quiet Room if you need a calm space.
- Visit exhibitors, pick up materials, and connect with professionals and peers.
- You can do more than just go to the breakouts! Stop by interactive areas to make art, join activities, and connect with others in a more hands-on way.
Silent Auction
Throughout the day, you’ll also have the chance to take part in our Silent Auction. Bid on unique items and experiences donated by our generous community partners—everything from gift baskets and local services to special activities.
All proceeds support the OCDMN Access Fund, helping individuals and families receive the care they need. Bidding will be open during the conference, and winners will be announced before the closing session.
You’ll leave with practical tools, new connections, and a stronger sense of hope and community, plus plenty of resources to keep the momentum going after the event.
Resource Fair Exhibitors
OCD & Anxiety Center of Minnesota
Minnesota Tic and Compulsivity (MnTiC Lab)
NAMI Minnesota
The Emily Program
Brightmont Academy
Grove Center for Therapy
Still Wild Healing
Introspect Mental Health
Rogers Behavioral Health
VonOstir Innovation Services
The Divergent Grove Therapy
Interna Mental Health and Wellness
Compass Health Center
Al-Shifa Psychiatric Clinic
Blooming Neuropsychology
Valerie Christina Acupuncture & Holistic Wellness
Interested in being an exhibitor? Apply here: https://forms.gle/bKgNb36zcUnesDpe6
Frequently asked questions
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