PANDAS/PANS therapy · Atlanta & virtual
PANDAS/PANS therapy for sudden-onset OCD in children
If your child's OCD symptoms, anxiety, or behavior changed suddenly and dramatically, it can feel like it came out of nowhere. We offer family support and evidence-based therapy for OCD and anxiety, and work with medical providers when needed.
Who we see
Children
Approach
ERP & parent support
Sessions
In person or virtual
Location
Atlanta, GA
What PANDAS and PANS can look like
PANDAS is associated with a strep infection, while PANS may be triggered by other infections or factors. What sets them apart is how quickly and intensely symptoms appear.
Families often feel urgency and uncertainty. You do not have to manage this alone.
Why it feels so severe
When symptoms appear rapidly, children can feel overwhelmed and confused, and struggle to understand what is happening.
Medical evaluation is important. Therapy helps with the OCD and anxiety, whatever the underlying cause.
- 1A sudden fear. Contamination, harm, or safety worries appear quickly.
- 2Intense distress. Your child feels overwhelmed and needs it to stop.
- 3Rituals or avoidance. Repeating, reassurance-seeking, or avoiding people and places.
- 4Short relief. Things calm down, for now.
- ↻The fear grows. Routines become harder to get back to.
How we treat it
ERP adapted to your child
We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), adapted to your child's pace, age, and current level of distress. The approach is structured, compassionate, and collaborative.
01
Initial consultation
We learn about your child's symptoms and what has changed.
02
Small, achievable steps
A safe setting with early successes that build confidence.
03
Parent guidance
How to respond to compulsions, reassurance-seeking, and accommodation at home.
04
School coordination
Working with schools when needed to support a return to routines.
Who this is for
We support families whether or not there's a formal PANDAS/PANS diagnosis, if they notice:
Sudden symptoms
A sudden onset of OCD or anxiety symptoms.
Rapid changes
Quick shifts in behavior or emotions, with more distress, rigidity, or avoidance.
Trouble with routines
Difficulty getting back to school, activities, and normal daily life.
Common questions
Do we need a PANDAS/PANS diagnosis to start?
No. We can help with your child's OCD and anxiety symptoms whether or not there is a formal diagnosis, and we work alongside medical providers when needed.
How are parents involved?
Parents are a key part of treatment. We guide you on responding to compulsions and reassurance-seeking, reducing accommodation, supporting exposure work at home, and managing your own stress.
Do you offer virtual sessions?
Yes. We see clients in person at our Atlanta office and virtually.
How do I get started?
Fill out our short New Patient Screener Form and we'll reach out within 24–48 hours to schedule your free consultation. You can also call us at (404) 462-5533.
Help your child feel like themselves again
Start with a short screener, and we'll follow up to set up your consultation.
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