About Us Our Impact How Hayden Flipped the Script on OCD

Breaking free

How Hayden Flipped the Script on OCD

Intrusive thoughts and compulsions took Hayden away from the things he cared about — until the breakthrough that changed everything.

Hayden's Story

Hayden felt trapped. Every day, he was consumed with compulsive behaviors and scary, intrusive thoughts about death and dying. Whether it was rearranging items on his desk or repeatedly retying his hockey skates, the relentless cycle of obsessions and compulsions was taking a toll on his academic and social life.

Searching for Answers

Hayden’s mother wasn’t sure how to help, or even exactly what was wrong. Still, she tirelessly sought solutions to alleviate her son’s pain. Hayden was fourteen, and none of the many groups and therapists in their hometown of Toronto seemed to make a difference.

That was when their family discovered the Child Mind Institute’s two-week program for severe OCD.

“Before I even knew what OCD was, I thought this was just something I had to deal with — and nobody else knew.”

– Hayden, Child Mind Institute Patient

Breaking Through

Hayden’s new treatment program meant facing his fears head-on, and he didn’t know if he could do it. He describes how at first, he’d refuse to speak, walk out of the room, or curl up in a ball on the floor. But around day three, something shifted.

“It was like I saw a bright light,” says Hayden — but the work was just getting started. Through therapy sessions and exposure exercises, he was able to start confronting his fears and find the courage to face situations that once filled him with dread.

“The team created a safe environment where he could trust and become vulnerable and take those steps — and realize: Nothing bad is going to happen.”

– Hayden’s Mom

Dreaming Bigger

With the skillset and mindset to manage his OCD, ADHD, and executive functioning issues, Hayden now tackles new challenges with confidence. Most importantly, he’s able to get back to the things he cares about. He’s back on the ice rink and applying to universities.

And Hayden’s parents grew alongside him, too. His mom, once searching for answers, now has the skills to support him as they enter this new chapter.

“Where Hayden is at today, my dreams have completely shifted,” she says. “There is nothing he can’t do.”

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About the Child Mind Institute

Millions of children – as many as 1 in 5 – struggle with mental health or learning challenges. Fully 70% of U.S. counties do not have a single child and adolescent psychiatrist. Due to stigma, misinformation, and a lack of access to care, the average time between onset of symptoms and any treatment at all is over 8 years. Our children deserve better.

That’s why the Child Mind Institute was created.

We’re dedicated to transforming the lives of children and families struggling with mental health and learning disorders by giving them the help they need. We’ve become the leading independent nonprofit in children’s mental health by providing gold-standard evidence-based care, delivering educational resources to millions of families each year, training educators in underserved communities, and developing tomorrow’s breakthrough treatments.

Together, we truly can transform children’s lives.

Donation Match

To find out if your employer will match your donation and for other enquiries, please contact our development team via phone 646.779.1779 or email developmentinfo@childmind.org.

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Donation Information

Child Mind Institute is a tax-exempt charitable organization (tax identification number 80-0478843) under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Every donation made to the Child Mind Institute is tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. We do not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry.

Donor Privacy Policy

We will not sell, share or trade our donors’ names or personal information with any other entity, nor send mailings to our donors on behalf of other organizations. This policy applies to all information received by the Child Mind Institute, both online and offline, as well as any electronic, written, or oral communications. To the extent any donations are processed through a third-party service provider, our donors’ information will only be used for purposes necessary to process the donation.

The Child Mind Institute comprises a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, Child Mind Institute, Inc., and two clinical programs, Child Mind Medical Practice, PLLC and Child Mind Medical Practice, PC. Donations to the Child Mind Institute are tax-deductible to the extent permitted by law. The Child Mind Institute does not accept funding from the pharmaceutical industry. Upon request, a copy of our latest annual report can be obtained by contacting the Child Mind Institute at Attention: Development Office, 215 East 50th Street
New York, New York 10022 or by contacting the Charities Bureau of the Office of the Attorney General at 120 Broadway, New York, NY 10271.

More Ways to Support Children's Mental Health

Explore more ways you can support the Child Mind Institute and our mission to transform children’s mental health. From donations by check to giving through your employer, we offer a variety of giving options to fit your preference.

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