Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Playa Vista, CA
![Photo of Leigh Hall, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/72b17567-1345-4752-a1e8-c0a7ad4529b5/2/320x400.jpeg)
Leigh Hall
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Anxiety, sadness, and stress can be immobilizing, and current world events seem overwhelming for many of us, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. These emotions are normal reactions to abnormal times, but just knowing that isn't always enough. Most of us could use some extra support right now. Whether you need a nonjudgmental listener who can help you make sense of your feelings; someone to assist you in adding to your repertoire of effective coping mechanisms; or a coach who can illuminate, and gently push you to change, thought and behavior patterns that may be contributing to keeping you "stuck," therapy can help.
Anxiety, sadness, and stress can be immobilizing, and current world events seem overwhelming for many of us, leading to feelings of helplessness and despair. These emotions are normal reactions to abnormal times, but just knowing that isn't always enough. Most of us could use some extra support right now. Whether you need a nonjudgmental listener who can help you make sense of your feelings; someone to assist you in adding to your repertoire of effective coping mechanisms; or a coach who can illuminate, and gently push you to change, thought and behavior patterns that may be contributing to keeping you "stuck," therapy can help.
![Photo of Erik Anderson, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/70a5d66a-538e-49da-abbf-3a211f236b53/2/320x400.jpeg)
Reaching out to a therapist isn’t easy. It can be especially difficult for those who have tried therapy and been disappointed. Perhaps the therapy process felt too passive, and you felt unsupported. Or maybe you didn’t “click” with your therapist, and you left feeling misunderstood. Trying again after an unfulfilling experience takes tremendous courage. If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to help. Together, we can reflect on what has worked and not worked for you, and collaborate to make our work together helpful.
Reaching out to a therapist isn’t easy. It can be especially difficult for those who have tried therapy and been disappointed. Perhaps the therapy process felt too passive, and you felt unsupported. Or maybe you didn’t “click” with your therapist, and you left feeling misunderstood. Trying again after an unfulfilling experience takes tremendous courage. If any of this resonates with you, I’d love to help. Together, we can reflect on what has worked and not worked for you, and collaborate to make our work together helpful.
![Photo of Cristina Wood, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/960fef53-dfc6-474a-9619-2ef8748f4c8d/1/320x400.png)
Cristina Wood
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
You are constantly battling with your negative thoughts. The weight of PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic is an immense burden, one that shapes every moment of your day. Each thought that crosses your mind seems to carry a sharp edge, cutting into your peace and leaving you raw and exposed. You’ve spent so much time fighting against your anxiety, trying to suppress it, hide it, or force it away. This internal war has only amplified your suffering, creating a vicious cycle where the harder you push back, the stronger it seems to become. It's exhausting, isn’t it?
You are constantly battling with your negative thoughts. The weight of PTSD, severe anxiety, and panic is an immense burden, one that shapes every moment of your day. Each thought that crosses your mind seems to carry a sharp edge, cutting into your peace and leaving you raw and exposed. You’ve spent so much time fighting against your anxiety, trying to suppress it, hide it, or force it away. This internal war has only amplified your suffering, creating a vicious cycle where the harder you push back, the stronger it seems to become. It's exhausting, isn’t it?
![Photo of Viviana McKenney, MA, Psychological Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6b2c993a-0136-401a-a918-0241dd5b4ece/2/320x400.png)
Viviana McKenney
Psychological Associate, MA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Do you struggle with balancing work, family, and society's demands? Do you have issues feeling connected to yourself, others, or your children? Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your daily life, relationships, or ability to function? You deserve to feel happier. Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they're supposed to manage their lives and feel connected. Putting your needs on the back-burner and not taking care of yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. You shouldn’t have to try so hard to feel better.
Do you struggle with balancing work, family, and society's demands? Do you have issues feeling connected to yourself, others, or your children? Do you struggle with anxiety that affects your daily life, relationships, or ability to function? You deserve to feel happier. Now more than ever, people are feeling anxious, overwhelmed, and uncertain about how they're supposed to manage their lives and feel connected. Putting your needs on the back-burner and not taking care of yourself can lead to long-term issues for your mind and body. You shouldn’t have to try so hard to feel better.
![Photo of Sara Mehrabani, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/406eafb6-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
I believe the most important factors in the therapeutic relationship are compassion, acceptance, and collaboration. Through this type of relationship, I will create an environment where you feel safe and understood, and therefore ready to make effective change. My approach to therapy is strength- based and I will combine psychotherapy interventions with practical and personalized approaches to help you meet your unique needs. My therapy practice is based in the strongest research as well as specialized training in evidence based treatments.
I believe the most important factors in the therapeutic relationship are compassion, acceptance, and collaboration. Through this type of relationship, I will create an environment where you feel safe and understood, and therefore ready to make effective change. My approach to therapy is strength- based and I will combine psychotherapy interventions with practical and personalized approaches to help you meet your unique needs. My therapy practice is based in the strongest research as well as specialized training in evidence based treatments.
![Photo of Melissa Kay, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3fafc385-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
"I CAN HELP YOU FIND HAPPINESS AND CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT" Your thoughts and feelings determine what your life is about and I can help guide you towards the manifestation of your dreams and happiness in all areas of your life, such as relationships, marriage, family, healthy body, career, success, etc. I have a unique approach that includes Holistic Counseling, Spirituality, the "Law of Attraction" and Mind-Body-Spirit Healing. I am very intuitive and a healer and I have had great success helping people thrive and live the life they want. I love the work I do and feel called to help you.
"I CAN HELP YOU FIND HAPPINESS AND CREATE THE LIFE YOU WANT" Your thoughts and feelings determine what your life is about and I can help guide you towards the manifestation of your dreams and happiness in all areas of your life, such as relationships, marriage, family, healthy body, career, success, etc. I have a unique approach that includes Holistic Counseling, Spirituality, the "Law of Attraction" and Mind-Body-Spirit Healing. I am very intuitive and a healer and I have had great success helping people thrive and live the life they want. I love the work I do and feel called to help you.
![Photo of Rachel Thomasian, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0984cf0f-5998-4d1a-9c65-727a4336991e/1/320x400.jpeg)
Rachel Thomasian
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
7 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
You're ready to start your journey to a better you. Whether you wish for less anxiety, more joy, relationship satisfaction or finding inner peace, I'm here to work towards it with you. You want something different, and you deserve to give yourself the gift of living a more fulfilling life.
![Photo of Khana Lacewell, MA, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4f2fbaf5-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Khana Lacewell
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094 (Online Only)
Are you a woman in your 20's, 30's or 40's who is struggling with anxiety, depression, friend or dating issues, career/creative/life purpose confusion, burnout, loneliness/lack of connection, self-judgment, Imposter/Comparison Syndrome? Are you struggling to get clarity around big or small life decisions and move forward on your path, yet feel blocked, stuck or a little behind? You're definitely not alone, and I've been helping women just like you feel more comfortable in their own skin, cultivate healthy relationships, increase clarity and calm, and create healthier, happier routines so they can be their best selves.
Are you a woman in your 20's, 30's or 40's who is struggling with anxiety, depression, friend or dating issues, career/creative/life purpose confusion, burnout, loneliness/lack of connection, self-judgment, Imposter/Comparison Syndrome? Are you struggling to get clarity around big or small life decisions and move forward on your path, yet feel blocked, stuck or a little behind? You're definitely not alone, and I've been helping women just like you feel more comfortable in their own skin, cultivate healthy relationships, increase clarity and calm, and create healthier, happier routines so they can be their best selves.
![Photo of Erin Bishop - Erin Bishop JD MFT, JD, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7d258c5d-4ba9-4b04-8c65-3f2d462aae70/2/320x400.jpeg)
Erin Bishop JD MFT
Marriage & Family Therapist, JD, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
IT TAKES COURAGE to reach out for support and guidance when we feel lost, distressed, confused or uncertain. My goal is to meet you - in whatever emotional state you find yourself - with empathy and acceptance, and provide a safe, caring and consistent therapeutic relationship in which we collaborate on identifying and moving toward the CHANGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES that matter most to you. I have worked with clients since 2010, tailoring the counseling experience to each individual or couple's unique strengths and needs and drawing from a wide range of psychological theories and healing modalities. My approach is also informed by my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE being treated for major depression and anxiety. NO EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE IS TOO BIG TO WORK ON, and it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey toward a healthier, more satisfying life.
IT TAKES COURAGE to reach out for support and guidance when we feel lost, distressed, confused or uncertain. My goal is to meet you - in whatever emotional state you find yourself - with empathy and acceptance, and provide a safe, caring and consistent therapeutic relationship in which we collaborate on identifying and moving toward the CHANGES AND GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES that matter most to you. I have worked with clients since 2010, tailoring the counseling experience to each individual or couple's unique strengths and needs and drawing from a wide range of psychological theories and healing modalities. My approach is also informed by my PERSONAL EXPERIENCE being treated for major depression and anxiety. NO EMOTIONAL CHALLENGE IS TOO BIG TO WORK ON, and it would be my privilege to accompany you on your journey toward a healthier, more satisfying life.
![Photo of Marcela Rondani, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3ca4239e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Marcela Rondani
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT, CEDS, PsyD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
I believe that psychotherapy can be a tool to help someone to increase their self-awareness and promote healing and reparation to the life's pain and struggles. If you would like someone on your side to the new journey of rediscovering who you are and who you want to be, that is my goal. To provide support through this new path with the objective that life will unfold with more joy and happiness.
![Photo of Veronica Cisneros, MS, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f9b044e6-e822-4a21-8c5e-514dc55c5c72/2/320x400.jpeg)
High-achieving women often face the challenge of balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling marriage and effective parenting. You need strategies to manage stress, stop endless arguments, prioritize your goals, and feel validated. You deserve to thrive at work, at home, and in your personal life, without sacrificing your dreams and energy. As a mother of three with over 24 years of marriage and 10 plus years of experience, owner of Outside The Norm Counseling, and host of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, I am dedicated to helping you build a lasting legacy for your family.
High-achieving women often face the challenge of balancing a demanding career with a fulfilling marriage and effective parenting. You need strategies to manage stress, stop endless arguments, prioritize your goals, and feel validated. You deserve to thrive at work, at home, and in your personal life, without sacrificing your dreams and energy. As a mother of three with over 24 years of marriage and 10 plus years of experience, owner of Outside The Norm Counseling, and host of the Empowered and Unapologetic podcast, I am dedicated to helping you build a lasting legacy for your family.
15 Second Videos
Erik Anderson
Cristina Wood
Viviana McKenney
Erin Bishop JD MFT
![Photo of Cari Coulam - LAT Psychosocial Rehabilitation , LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/51ea3018-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
LAT Psychosocial Rehabilitation
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Our ideal client is someone who wants to learn how to manage their mental health, gain self-confidence, find direction, increase independence, and ultimately re-engage in meaningful pursuits. It is someone who wants to become successful in their living, working, learning and social environments. We believe everyone can learn to live well!
Our ideal client is someone who wants to learn how to manage their mental health, gain self-confidence, find direction, increase independence, and ultimately re-engage in meaningful pursuits. It is someone who wants to become successful in their living, working, learning and social environments. We believe everyone can learn to live well!
![Photo of Rachel R Thomasian - Playa Vista Counseling, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0a87202d-3a8c-44fe-bf98-8d713a445933/2/320x400.jpeg)
Playa Vista Counseling
Marriage & Family Therapist
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Playa Vista, CA 90094
Looking to create a more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner or your family? We can help! Our team of therapists will help you identify your concerns and work together to create a path towards your goal. We work with clients who are experiencing problems concerning anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships and trauma. Our therapists are trained in working with individuals as well as couples, using evidence based treatments such as CBT for effective therapy.
Looking to create a more satisfying relationship with yourself, your partner or your family? We can help! Our team of therapists will help you identify your concerns and work together to create a path towards your goal. We work with clients who are experiencing problems concerning anxiety, depression, ADHD, relationships and trauma. Our therapists are trained in working with individuals as well as couples, using evidence based treatments such as CBT for effective therapy.
More Therapists Nearby
![Photo of Dr. Christina M. Charlotin, PsyD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/50331525-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
I work with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, relationship challenges or loss, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination, & LGBTQ or Race related trauma.
Compared to many other psychologists, my therapy style may be more goal oriented, assertive, and with a stronger focus on observing and measuring therapeutic progress over longer term emotional processing. My approach is based on my belief that we do have the power to create healthy emotions & dismantle unwanted emotions. When meeting with you, I'll want to understand how your ongoing circumstances, emotions, behaviors, or thoughts impact the short term as well as the overall outcomes in your life. I base my treatment on evidenced-based inventions, eastern & wellness perspectives, and a conscious awareness approach.
I work with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, relationship challenges or loss, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination, & LGBTQ or Race related trauma.
Compared to many other psychologists, my therapy style may be more goal oriented, assertive, and with a stronger focus on observing and measuring therapeutic progress over longer term emotional processing. My approach is based on my belief that we do have the power to create healthy emotions & dismantle unwanted emotions. When meeting with you, I'll want to understand how your ongoing circumstances, emotions, behaviors, or thoughts impact the short term as well as the overall outcomes in your life. I base my treatment on evidenced-based inventions, eastern & wellness perspectives, and a conscious awareness approach.
![Photo of Khris Durham Ocd And Anxiety Specialist, LPCC, Counselor](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5163af17-2c8d-4ea8-b695-bafd5f2f1fa7/1/320x400.jpeg)
Khris Durham Ocd And Anxiety Specialist
Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90032
Effective OCD treatment means challenging yourself to do those things you fear—not just speak about them. With therapy, change is easy to see, but it takes your hard work and dedication to do the opposite of what has been protecting you from stress, anxiety, and fear. Living in an OCD cycle is distressing and time consuming, but often times comfortable; its repetitive and ritualistic nature provides a false sense of safety and control. Effective OCD treatment requires a willingness to abandoned your tried and true (though unhealthy) methods try something new. Together, we can enact the change you’d like to see in your life.
Effective OCD treatment means challenging yourself to do those things you fear—not just speak about them. With therapy, change is easy to see, but it takes your hard work and dedication to do the opposite of what has been protecting you from stress, anxiety, and fear. Living in an OCD cycle is distressing and time consuming, but often times comfortable; its repetitive and ritualistic nature provides a false sense of safety and control. Effective OCD treatment requires a willingness to abandoned your tried and true (though unhealthy) methods try something new. Together, we can enact the change you’d like to see in your life.
![Photo of Dr. Tabasom Vahidi, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3d5f53ae-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
My training and experience has focused on a variety of areas including OCD, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and relationship struggles.
I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental therapy environment where my patients can openly share their fears, deepest thoughts and feelings. I believe strongly that revealing our authentic selves is integral to utilizing therapy to achieve growth and to overcome our most challenging obstacles.
My training and experience has focused on a variety of areas including OCD, depression, anxiety, phobias, panic disorder, and relationship struggles.
I strive to create a safe, non-judgmental therapy environment where my patients can openly share their fears, deepest thoughts and feelings. I believe strongly that revealing our authentic selves is integral to utilizing therapy to achieve growth and to overcome our most challenging obstacles.
![Photo of Jordan Werner, MA, Marriage & Family Therapist Associate](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/34592c81-f3ff-4bed-8378-6c52ed9c01af/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jordan Werner
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90026
I am foundationally trained in DBT, trained in ERP for OCD, and utilize an underlying feminist and integrative approach to therapy.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey is a difficult and courageous, yet rewarding decision. It's my goal to meet you where you’re at and create an empathetic, safe, and nonjudgmental space for you to discover more about yourself and make sense of the world around you. I use a compassionate, sincere, and culturally competent approach with my clients. By engaging in meaningful discussions and self-examination, I will assist you in identifying recurring behaviors and thought patterns, gain a deeper awareness of yourself, and enhance your ability to handle difficult situations that arise in life.
I am foundationally trained in DBT, trained in ERP for OCD, and utilize an underlying feminist and integrative approach to therapy.
Making the decision to embark on a therapeutic journey is a difficult and courageous, yet rewarding decision. It's my goal to meet you where you’re at and create an empathetic, safe, and nonjudgmental space for you to discover more about yourself and make sense of the world around you. I use a compassionate, sincere, and culturally competent approach with my clients. By engaging in meaningful discussions and self-examination, I will assist you in identifying recurring behaviors and thought patterns, gain a deeper awareness of yourself, and enhance your ability to handle difficult situations that arise in life.
![Photo of Michelle Glantz, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/43b3a09c-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
In addition to working with everyday concerns and life transitions, I have extensive experience helping individuals struggling with issues of PTSD and complex trauma, anxiety disorders, OCD, emotional dysegulation, and mood disorders.
It is my belief that anyone can benefit from psychotherapy as we all have unique concerns influencing our daily lives. Working in a safe and comfortable environment, I can work to help you know yourself better and to live your life the way you want. We will work collaboratively to explore and understand the psychological roots of emotional suffering by focusing on self-reflection and the examination and resolution of inner conflicts. I can help you to explore and modify your patterns of thinking in order to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and to improve coping with daily struggles.
In addition to working with everyday concerns and life transitions, I have extensive experience helping individuals struggling with issues of PTSD and complex trauma, anxiety disorders, OCD, emotional dysegulation, and mood disorders.
It is my belief that anyone can benefit from psychotherapy as we all have unique concerns influencing our daily lives. Working in a safe and comfortable environment, I can work to help you know yourself better and to live your life the way you want. We will work collaboratively to explore and understand the psychological roots of emotional suffering by focusing on self-reflection and the examination and resolution of inner conflicts. I can help you to explore and modify your patterns of thinking in order to gain a deeper understanding of yourself and to improve coping with daily struggles.
![Photo of Dr. Hilary Adams, PhD, Psychologist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/714c20c4-a754-4b89-b3ee-7494b5165643/1/320x400.png)
Additionally, I have expertise in helping young children to adults with symptoms of anxiety, OCD, sleep issues/insomnia, behavior problems, tics/Tourette's Syndrome, etc.
Are you or your children or teens ready to make a change? Through short-term, problem-focused therapy, I can help your family with challenging behaviors (e.g., temper tantrums) or social and emotional issues (e.g, anxiety) within only a few months. With a warm and collaborative approach, I will address your problems and teach you and your child skills to practice in your daily life. I offer weekly individual sessions, parent training, social skills groups, and more. Feel empowered knowing you learned the skills to help your family!
Additionally, I have expertise in helping young children to adults with symptoms of anxiety, OCD, sleep issues/insomnia, behavior problems, tics/Tourette's Syndrome, etc.
Are you or your children or teens ready to make a change? Through short-term, problem-focused therapy, I can help your family with challenging behaviors (e.g., temper tantrums) or social and emotional issues (e.g, anxiety) within only a few months. With a warm and collaborative approach, I will address your problems and teach you and your child skills to practice in your daily life. I offer weekly individual sessions, parent training, social skills groups, and more. Feel empowered knowing you learned the skills to help your family!
![Photo of Winifred Flach, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3cf8c1cc-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
Winnie trained at UCLA's OCD Outpatient Program, the UCLA Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program, and the Southern California Counseling Center.
In this time of intense uncertainty and stress, feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, isolation and burnout are pervasive. So many of us can identify with having difficulty concentrating, making decisions, motivating, and following through. I specialize in anxiety, OCD, ADHD, high-stress careers, the entertainment industry, relationships and life transitions. I work with my clients to identify strengths and blocks; build executive functioning, coping skills, and self-esteem; move towards goals; and create lasting change. Life is stressful... But it can also be rich, meaningful and full of possibility. I am here to help!
Winnie trained at UCLA's OCD Outpatient Program, the UCLA Early Childhood Partial Hospitalization Program, and the Southern California Counseling Center.
In this time of intense uncertainty and stress, feelings of overwhelm, exhaustion, isolation and burnout are pervasive. So many of us can identify with having difficulty concentrating, making decisions, motivating, and following through. I specialize in anxiety, OCD, ADHD, high-stress careers, the entertainment industry, relationships and life transitions. I work with my clients to identify strengths and blocks; build executive functioning, coping skills, and self-esteem; move towards goals; and create lasting change. Life is stressful... But it can also be rich, meaningful and full of possibility. I am here to help!
See more therapy options for Playa Vista
Nearby Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists Searches for Playa Vista
- Alhambra
- Eagle Rock
- East Los Angeles
- Glendale
- Highland Park
- Huntington Park
- Los Angeles
- Monterey Park
- Pasadena
- San Marino
- Silver Lake
- South Pasadena
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists
How long does OCD treatment take?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.
What happens if OCD is not treated?
Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.
Are there medications for OCD?
Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.
Can OCD come back after treatment?
Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.