Low or no data? Visit Zero Data then search for 'Healthify'. Click on our logo to return to our site and browse for free.

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) course (Just a Thought)

An online cognitive behavioural therapy course to help users understand and learn about obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and strategies to tackle it.

Print this page

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) course	By Just A Thought
	Features Information sheets (PDF) that can be downloaded and printed. Progress that can be monitored. Save as you go option which allows the user flexibility to choose how long then engage in the programme at any one time.
Country of origin	New Zealand
Clinical review	Read a clinical review below.
Security and privacy	Does the app: Collect medical information? Yes – if chosen can complete mental health screens which are saved and can be sent through to a health support person Require a login? Yes Have password protection? Yes Have a privacy policy? Yes Require internet access to use? Yes Read more about safety and security when using apps. Brochures: Tips to improve your privacy and security [PDF, 65 KB] Healthify He Puna Waiora, NZ Staying safe online(external link) Netsafe, NZ
Cost	Free
Advertisements	This app contains no ads.
How to access the course	(external link)

The obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) course in an online course that teaches proven and effective strategies for tackling OCD using cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) techniques.

The course follows the story of 2 New Zealand based fictional characters who experience the symptoms of OCD.

Throughout the course, the stories will help the user learn about their own symptoms and the steps required to help them recover.
Each story takes about 20 minutes to read and will generally require the user to take 3–4 hours in between each part to complete the suggested practice activities.
Users are able to work through the course with the support of a healthcare provider and their progress can be monitored if they so choose.

There are 6 parts to the course, which focus on: understanding a diagnosis of OCD, managing OCD worries and behaviour, OCD exposure steps, maintaining progress and preventing relapse. The course recommends taking a week to complete each part (6 weeks in total), however users are able to go at their own pace and save their progress as they go.

The course provides a good source of accurate information about OCD and could be a useful additional to support the treatment of OCD. It teaches useful techniques to practice in the tools and tips section and also provides the opportunity to connect with other people who are going through similar difficulties with OCD.

For the complete app description, go to the app website(external link) or, for a more detailed review, see reviews below.

PROS	CONS
✔ Good source of accurate information about OCD and a clear evidence-based treatment approach. ✔ Clear definitions and easy to understand language. ✔ Effective graphics. ✔ Uses New Zealand based case examples for users to identify with and provide a more personalised experience. ✔ Able to complete with the support of a health practitioner and have them directly monitor your progress. ✔ Reference to online support groups. ✔ Free.	✘ Very little variety. Completely reading based – no audio or video content. ✘ There's a lot of reading content, which may be hard for people who struggle with self-motivation, or difficulty concentrating for longer periods of time. ✘ Content may feel overwhelming without a health support person to oversee the progress.

PROS

CONS

✔ Good source of accurate information about OCD and a clear evidence-based treatment approach.

✔ Clear definitions and easy to understand language.

✔ Effective graphics.

✔ Uses New Zealand based case examples for users to identify with and provide a more personalised experience.

✔ Able to complete with the support of a health practitioner and have them directly monitor your progress.

✔ Reference to online support groups.

✔ Free.

✘ Very little variety. Completely reading based – no audio or video content.

✘ There's a lot of reading content, which may be hard for people who struggle with self-motivation, or difficulty concentrating for longer periods of time.

✘ Content may feel overwhelming without a health support person to oversee the progress.

Clinical review

Reviewer: David Bloore, Clinical Psychologist. David Bloore Psychology Ltd (private practice)
Date of review: August 2023
Platform: Website
Comments: This is an online 6-part cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) course designed to support people to overcome OCD. It is part of the Just a Thought website and draws from treatment practices, which have demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of OCD. The course is designed to be completed in around 2–3 months, but can be done at the chosen pace of the user.
While users have the option to complete it on their own, it is recommended that they work through the programme with the support of an experienced health professional. This is due to the large amount of information, which may prove to be overwhelming or possibly confusing without having someone to help guide them through the process.
Overall it is a course which provides accurate and valuable information about OCD and offers an evidence based treatment process to help the user learn skills to treat OCD effectively. While the content lacks variety (written material only) it is an easy platform to navigate and a worthwhile treatment option for OCD patients and health professionals to use with their clients.
Safety concerns: No, but I would want to reiterate that clients should seek the support of an experienced health/mental health practitioner before starting a programme like this.
New Zealand relevance: Yes.

Mental health and wellbeing apps
Anxiety topics
Just a Thought courses
CBT apps
NZ Health App Library
Consumer guide: how to choose a health app
Clinicians guide: how to choose a health app

Disclaimer: The NZ Health App Library is a free consumer service to help you decide whether a health app would be suitable for you. Our review process is independent. We have no relationship with the app developers or companies and no responsibility for the service they provide. This means that if you have an issue with one of the apps we have reviewed, you will need to contact the app developer or company directly.