OCD Treatment: Break Free From Obsessions and Compulsions
Expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder, so intrusive thoughts and rituals no longer control your day.
What is obsessive compulsive disorder?
Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition with two parts: obsessions, which are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause intense anxiety, and compulsions, which are repetitive behaviors or mental acts a person feels driven to perform to reduce that anxiety or prevent something bad from happening.
Common themes include fear of germs or contamination, fear of harming others, need for symmetry or things feeling “just right,” unwanted taboo thoughts, and excessive doubt. Compulsions can include washing, checking, counting, arranging, repeating words or seeking reassurance.
People with OCD usually know their thoughts are excessive, but still feel unable to stop. OCD is not a personality quirk; it is a treatable medical condition.
Who does OCD affect?
OCD affects children, teens and adults of all backgrounds. It often begins in childhood, adolescence or early adulthood.
People with intrusive thoughts
Distressing thoughts that feel impossible to dismiss.
Those stuck in rituals
Checking, cleaning or counting that takes hours each day.
Constant reassurance seekers
Repeatedly asking others or searching online to feel certain.
Family members
Loved ones who are pulled into rituals or reassurance.
People with anxiety or depression
OCD frequently occurs alongside other conditions.
New parents
OCD symptoms can appear or worsen after childbirth.
When should you seek help for OCD?
Consider an evaluation when obsessions or compulsions cause distress or take up significant time.
- Rituals or obsessive thoughts take more than an hour a day
- You avoid places, people or objects because of fears
- Compulsions interfere with work, school or relationships
- You feel trapped by thoughts you know are irrational
- Family members are increasingly involved in your rituals
- Symptoms are causing depression or hopelessness
Ready when you are
New and returning patients welcome, with insurance or self-pay. In-person and telehealth visits available.
In crisis? Call or text 988 or call 911.
Why professional OCD treatment matters
OCD rarely improves on its own, and compulsions tend to strengthen the cycle over time. With proper treatment, most people experience significant relief. Specialized care matters because OCD responds best to specific approaches.
- Accurate diagnosis that separates OCD from other anxiety conditions
- Medication options shown to reduce OCD symptoms
- Referral to exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy
- Treatment of co-occurring depression or anxiety
- Ongoing monitoring and adjustment
How we treat OCD
A structured, evidence-based approach tailored to you.
Comprehensive evaluation
We assess your obsessions, compulsions, severity and any co-occurring conditions.
Personalized treatment plan
Your plan reflects your symptoms, goals and preferences.
Medication when appropriate
Certain antidepressants (SSRIs) are a first-line medication treatment for OCD, often at doses carefully adjusted over time.
Therapy coordination
We recommend exposure and response prevention (ERP), the gold-standard therapy for OCD, and coordinate referrals.
Regular follow-up
We track progress and adjust treatment to help you regain control.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD): frequently asked questions
What are the most common signs of OCD?
Unwanted intrusive thoughts plus repetitive behaviors like washing, checking, counting, arranging or seeking reassurance that you feel driven to perform.
Is OCD just being very neat or organized?
No. OCD involves distressing obsessions and time-consuming compulsions that interfere with life. Being tidy is not the same as having OCD.
What causes OCD?
OCD likely results from a combination of genetics, brain function and environmental factors. It is not caused by personal weakness.
Can OCD be cured?
OCD is a long-term condition, but with treatment many people achieve major symptom relief and live full lives.
What medications are used for OCD?
SSRIs are first-line medications for OCD. Your provider will discuss options, benefits and side effects with you.
What is ERP therapy?
Exposure and response prevention is a type of cognitive behavioral therapy where you gradually face fears without performing compulsions, reducing anxiety over time.
How long does OCD treatment take to work?
Medication for OCD often takes several weeks to months for full benefit. Your provider will monitor progress closely.
Can children and teens have OCD?
Yes. OCD often begins in childhood or adolescence. Early evaluation and treatment are important.
Can OCD be treated through telehealth?
Yes. Evaluations and medication management for OCD can be completed by secure video.
How do I get started with OCD treatment?
Book a psychiatric evaluation online or by phone. We accept insurance and self-pay ($150 initial evaluation).
Take the first step today
Book your appointment with Therapete Psychiatry. Insurance and self-pay patients welcome.