A Montana native is starting an innovative new initiative for those with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety disorders.

Benjamin Harris, who grew up in Billings and currently has an office in Sycamore, Illinois, is planning to provide “telemental” health services in Montana.

“I was having a difficult time finding anyone who dealt with OCD and anxiety in Montana,” he said. “I’m licensed in Montana and would like to partner with communities there from a distance.”

Harris’ business, OCD & Anxiety Treatment Specialists, will work with therapists and individuals in Montana to provide specific treatment for various anxiety disorders — a common diagnosis, he said.

“I want to focus on Montana for now,” he said. “With a population rounded to around a million, that means that — conservatively — there might be 150,000 people with some sort of anxiety issue in the state.”

Using an application that complies with Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act regulations, he can meet and treat patients and providers through voice and video. The process is relatively new for Harris, but he said the transition from in-person to over the phone is one he’s looking forward to.

“It’s a very doable proposition,” he said. “I can still create that connection people expect from in-person treatment. There are certain skills you develop that help even from far away.”

Harris said he plans to keep all the ethics expected from one in his profession, regardless if he is in another state or not.

“This is not just opening a Skype account and talking to people all over the world,” he said. “This is dedicated to people who need help in Montana.”

While the concept may be new to most potential patients, Harris, a licensed clinical professional counselor, said it will improve care.

“People can take me with them,” he said. “I do exposure-based intervention and can help them establish a hierarchy of fears to get over.”

For example, he can instruct them to go ask for help in a store or make eye contact or slow down speech in a conversation — all possible treatment methods for someone with anxiety. He said these treatments are not a cure for the disorders, but do have a 80 percent effectiveness rate in cutting down Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and Anxiety.

Harris has made inroads in Bozeman and Billings, but would like to expand all over the state to anyone who might need his service. He plans to stay in Illinois but admits moving back to Montana is on his “to-do” list.

“My wife and I had the discussion,” he said. “But we decided the risk wasn’t in our favor to move and make a clinic back in Montana.”

That could change if he builds up enough of a client base.

His company’s website, www.OATSOnline.org, has more information on services and how to contact him.

Reporter Ryan Murray may be reached at 758-4436 or by email at rmurray@dailyinterlake.com.