Theresa Chiu, MSSW, LICSW
Theresa (she/they) is a Licensed Independent Clinical Social Worker with over 13 years’ experience in providing evidence-based treatment to individuals and families. She began her career in behavioral health and worked in community mental health facilities, a transitional housing program, crisis services, an Assertive Community Treatment team, and a hospital inpatient and emergency department.
In 2021, she entered private practice and founded Olympic OCD Services. With this new endeavor, she channeled her lived experience and clinical expertise into helping people suffering from OCD find relief and experience recovery from OCD’s torment.
She played an important role in the dissemination of I-CBT in the United States by creating one of the first weekly I-CBT group consultations for professionals, which still continues to meet weekly. She has introduced I-CBT to dozens of clinicians, and her lived experience and recovery from OCD offer a valued perspective on effective treatment.
Theresa brings her expertise, energy, and enthusiasm to support clinicians treating OCD through I-CBT (and ERP) training and consultation. She recognizes and advocates for the importance of intersectionality and identity in clinical practice. Her approach is neurodiversity affirming, trauma competent, collaborative, engaging, and compassionate. She enjoys laughing and integrating humor in the recovery process.
Washington License: LW61230737
Pennsylvania License: CW023261
Education
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MS in Clinical Social Work, Columbia University
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BA in Psychology, University of Arizona
Professional Memberships
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International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
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Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)
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EMDR International Association (EMDRIA)
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Postpartum Support International (PSI)
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National Association of Social Workers (NASW)
Training
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ERP, Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI)
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CBT, Beck Institute
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I-CBT, Fred Aardema, co-creator of I-CBT
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EX/RP, Cognitive Behavioral Institute
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Rumination-Focused ERP, OCD Associates
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ERP, New England Center for OCD and Anxiety
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Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE)
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SPACE Expanded: Applications of SPACE
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Prolonged Exposure, Cognitive Behavioral Institute
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Cognitive Processing Therapy, Center for Deployment Psychology
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Neurodivergent-Informed Clinician, specialization program
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EMDR, EMDRIA approved training provider