2026 ANNUAL LCPCM FALL CONFERENCE
Full-Day Presentation
“The OCD Impostors: Symptoms and Behaviors That Mimic OCD but Aren’t”
OCD can be both overidentified and underrecognized when clinicians rely on the surface appearance of symptoms rather than the function, meaning, and phenomenology of the behavior. In this workshop, we will examine clinical presentations that can look like OCD but may reflect a different process altogether, as well as presentations in which OCD is missed because the content appears to overlap with identity exploration, neurodevelopmental differences, safety concerns, or intrusive thoughts.
Through a differential-diagnosis lens, participants will explore autism and ADHD stimming versus OCD compulsions; sexual orientation discovery versus OCD doubts about orientation; suicidal ideation versus self-harm OCD doubts; and other common clinical “impostors” that require careful assessment. The workshop will emphasize how OCD treatment depends on a comprehensive understanding of phenomenology, including the role of intrusive thoughts, distress, avoidance, reassurance seeking, mental rituals, and compulsive behavior.
We will also discuss scope-of-practice considerations for non-specialist clinicians, including when to seek consultation, when to refer to an OCD specialist, and where clinicians can obtain additional training in OCD assessment and evidence-based treatment such as exposure and response prevention.
Michael Heady, LCPC is a licensed clinical professional counselor with over 18 years of experience specializing in the treatment of anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and related conditions. Mike is the co-owner and co-director of the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute, a large private group practice in Maryland. He is a faculty member with the International OCD Foundation’s Training Institute and a Clinical Fellow with the Anxiety and Depression Association of America. In addition, he serves on the advisory board for OCD Training School. As a former professor of psychology at McDaniel College, he combines academic rigor with practical clinical experience to support clinicians and clients alike.
Megan English, LCPC is a Clinical Associate at the Anxiety and Stress Disorders Institute of Maryland (ASDI) where she specializes in the treatment of OCD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and neurodiversity-affirming care. She has received extensive training and supervision in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders at ASDI since 2019 and has pursued additional education and training focused on ADHD and neurodiversity. Megan has particular experience applying evidence-based treatments for OCD and anxiety disorders while working with neurodivergent and LGBTQ+ individuals and enjoys educating fellow clinicians through consultation, conference presentations, and professional workshops.
SCHEDULE
Registration and Breakfast: 8:00 AM
Business Meeting: 9:00 AM
Morning Presentation: 9:15 AM - 12:15 PM
Networking Lunch: 12:15 PM - 1:30 PM
Afternoon Presentation: 1:30 PM - 4:30 PM
Registration (and payment) deadline is 11:59pm, Friday, October 9, 2026.
Attendees will be required to turn in a signed attendance form (which will be provided) before leaving in order to receive a CEU certificate. Both morning AND afternoon sessions must be attended. Partial credit will not be given. A link will be sent to an evaluation form and the certificate on Tuesday, October 27.
Cost:
Conference Fees:
LCPCM Members: $125
Non-Members: $165
LGPC/Retired: $75
Student: $65 (not for LCPCs or LGPCs)
Membership Fees*:
LCPC: $90
Retired: $55 (not working as an LCPC)
LGPC: $45
Student: $25 (not for LCPCs or LGPCs)
*If you join when you register, you are eligible for the membership rate.
Note: Late registrations (after October 9) and walk-ins will be charged an additional $20 (if space is available)
A $15 cancellation fee will be charged for all refunds
Other Information:
A buffet lunch will be served.
6 CEU’s Approved by the Maryland Board of Professional Counselors.
LOCATION
Doubletree Hilton
5485 Twin Knolls Road
Columbia, MD 21045
(410) 997-1060
Directions
From 495 to I-95 North towards Baltimore:
Take 32 West toward Columbia and exit 16A for 29 North. Then take exit 20A for 175 East. Keep right on 175 East and turn right at light onto Thunder Hill Road. Take next Right onto Twin Knolls Road and turn right at hotel sign into parking lot.
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Contact LCPCM www.LCPCM.org mylcpcm@gmail.com Phone: 443-370-1255
