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notaloneproject
Starting an OCD Awareness Chapter at Your School
A guide for students, teachers, and counselors · notaloneproject.org/chapters
What is a Not Alone chapter?
A student-led club that raises awareness about OCD, reduces stigma, and helps students who may be struggling find the right resources. It’s not a therapy group. It’s not a support group. It’s a club that says: OCD is common, it’s treatable, and nobody should go through it alone.
Why it matters
OCD affects 1–3% of young people, but it takes an average of 13 years to get a correct diagnosis. Over 50% of cases are misdiagnosed by family doctors. Most students with OCD don’t know what they have — they just think something is wrong with them. Awareness is the first step to treatment.
Core principles
Facts over fear. We teach what OCD actually is — not the stereotypes. It's not about being neat. It's about intrusive thoughts and compulsions.
No one is asked to share. Awareness activities are educational, not confessional. Students are never pressured to disclose anything personal.
Student-led, adult-supervised. Every chapter requires one faculty advisor who ensures activities are appropriate and safe.
We connect, not counsel. Chapters point students toward professional resources like ERP therapy and the IOCDF — we don't provide clinical advice.
Sample activities
OCD Myth vs. Fact Boards
Post common misconceptions alongside the truth. "OCD means you like things clean" → "OCD involves unwanted, distressing thoughts and rituals you can't stop."
OCD Awareness Week
One week per semester: daily facts around the school, a film screening (like UNSTUCK), and resource cards in counseling offices.
Anonymous Question Box
Students submit questions about OCD anonymously. A counselor or chapter leader answers them in a weekly post — normalizing curiosity.
Speaker Events
Invite a local therapist or someone living with OCD to speak. IOCDF can help connect you with speakers.
What you need to start
One student founder (you). One faculty advisor. A room to meet. That’s it.
Ready to start?
Visit notaloneproject.org/chapters to fill out our inquiry form.
Questions? Email chapters@notaloneproject.org