# Teenager Achieves OCD Remission Through Intensive Four-Day Bergen Treatment Bailey Moore overcame debilitating OCD symptoms after completing a specialized intensive therapy program. - **Source:** [NZ Herald](https://www.nzherald.co.nz) - **Published:** 2026-11-05 - **Topic:** [health](https://brifing.si/c/health) - **Original article:** - **On Brifing:** https://brifing.si/s/13c217d2-0637-4c78-b0e0-e0a14497967f ## Severe OCD Impact Sixteen-year-old Bailey Moore experienced a life-altering struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder that left him bedridden for an entire year. His symptoms included excessive hand washing, constant coughing, and social isolation from his own family. He was unable to attend school or interact with peers, significantly disrupting his formative teenage years. ## The Bergen Treatment Model The Bergen four-day treatment is an intensive, Norway-developed therapy now available in New Zealand through the charity Open Closed Doors. Unlike traditional weekly sessions, this concentrated approach provides one-on-one therapist support to help patients confront triggers in real-world environments, such as shopping malls, public restrooms, and using public transportation. ## Clinical Success Metrics Before starting the program, Bailey scored 38 out of 40 on the children’s Yale-Brown obsessive-compulsive scale, indicating severe symptoms. Two weeks after completing the four-day course, his score dropped to 12, classifying his condition as mild. Three months later, his score reached five, which clinicians officially classify as full remission. ## Restoring Daily Functionality Post-treatment, Bailey has regained his independence and ability to participate in normal activities. He recently competed in the mountain bike orienteering nationals and successfully passed his learner driver license test on his sixteenth birthday. His mother, Anna Moore, noted that the family dynamic has also dramatically improved following his recovery. ## Addressing Treatment Accessibility Open Closed Doors was established in 2025 to bridge significant gaps in OCD care. While exposure and response prevention is considered the gold-standard therapy, weekly sessions are often difficult to access and maintain. The charity has already received over 800 expressions of interest from families seeking this intensive, scalable treatment model. ## Financial and Systemic Barriers Dr. Marthinus Bekker, clinical lead for the charity, identified funding as the primary barrier to integrating this treatment into public mental health services. Each course costs between $6,000 and $7,000 per person. Despite these costs, the high demand from patients and clinicians highlights a critical need for more accessible intensive care. ## Standard Clinical Perspectives Health New Zealand acknowledges growing international interest in intensive OCD approaches like the Bergen method. Dr. Leeanne Fisher noted that while standard care typically involves cognitive behavioral therapy and exposure exercises, these intensive models may help some patients engage more effectively than traditional weekly sessions due to the concentrated, supportive coaching. ## Advocacy and Future Outlook Bailey Moore aims to dispel the misconception that OCD is merely about being tidy, emphasizing its truly debilitating nature. By sharing his journey, he hopes to encourage others struggling with the disorder to seek support. His recovery serves as a testament to the potential effectiveness of intensive, evidence-based mental health interventions. ## Sources covering this story - https://www.nzherald.co.nz/bay-of-plenty-times/news/ocd-mount-maunganui-teenager-sees-life-changing-results-after-bergen-treatment/premium/5QGZKBOT7FBKFLWIBRXDBD5MRA/ — --- _Summary written by Brifing from the original reporting. Copyright in the original article belongs to its publisher; read the full piece at the link above._