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← Individual therapy OCD

Stuck in a loop you didn’t choose.

Specialized OCD treatment with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), online across California.

What it can sound like

“I know it doesn’t make sense, but if I don’t check, something bad will happen.”

“I have thoughts that horrify me, and I’m scared of what they say about me.”

“I wash my hands until they’re raw.”

“I just need to ask one more time, to be sure.”

Sound familiar? You’re not alone.How therapy helps ↓

What’s going on

OCD isn’t about being neat. It’s about being stuck.

OCD is a cycle. An unwanted thought, image or urge (an obsession) brings intense anxiety or doubt, and you do something to make it go away (a compulsion). The relief is real but short, so the cycle gets tighter over time.

Compulsions can be visible, like checking, washing or arranging, or invisible, like mentally reviewing, counting, praying or seeking reassurance. And intrusive thoughts are not wishes. Having a disturbing thought doesn’t make you dangerous or a bad person.

Common signs

• Intrusive thoughts you can’t shake
• Rituals that have to be done “just right”
• Checking, washing, counting or repeating
• Mentally reviewing or seeking reassurance
• Avoiding people, places or objects that trigger you
• Losing an hour or more a day to the cycle

If this sounds like you

Here’s how we can help.

OCD needs specific treatment. General talk therapy can accidentally feed it. Our team includes a therapist with a strong OCD specialty.

01Map the cycleWe identify your obsessions, compulsions and avoidance, including the hidden mental ones.

02Exposure and Response PreventionERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. You gradually face triggers without doing the compulsion, and your brain learns it can handle uncertainty.

03At a pace you chooseNothing is forced. You and your therapist build the steps together, starting small.

04Relate differently to thoughtsACT skills help you let intrusive thoughts come and go without arguing with them.

05Bring in familyLoved ones often get pulled into reassurance or rituals. We help them support you without feeding OCD.

06Medication evaluationFor some people, medication helps alongside ERP. Our psychiatric nurse practitioner can do an evaluation and work alongside your therapist.

What can change

What people often notice

Hours of your day backThoughts that pass instead of stickLess checking and askingDoing things you’ve been avoidingTrusting yourself againCalmer relationships at home

It rarely comes alone. Often it shows up with:

Anxiety →“I can’t turn my brain off.”Eating disorders →“I think about food all day.”ADHD →“I know what to do, I just can’t start.”Depression →“Nothing feels fun anymore.”

OCD is treatable. Let’s break the loop.

Tell us a little about what’s going on. We’ll match you with a specialist in exactly this, verify your insurance for free, and most people have a first session the same week.

Talk to a specialist →or chat with Stella nowor call (805) 678-9182

The Joyful Research Brief · Free, weekly

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New mental health research is published every week, and most of it never makes it out of medical journals. Our specialists read it for you and send the findings that matter, with what they mean for real life.

• ✓The newest research, translated into plain English
• ✓What it actually means for you or your family
• ✓Written and reviewed by our specialists
• ✓A 4-minute read, every Tuesday morning

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Recent issues

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Common questions

Is ERP scary?

It’s challenging, but it’s done step by step and always with your consent. Most people are surprised by how quickly their anxiety drops once they start.

Can OCD be treated online?

Yes. ERP works well over video, and we can do exposures in your real environment, where OCD actually shows up.

My child has rituals. Is it OCD?

Some rituals are a normal part of development. If they cause distress or take up a lot of time, it’s worth an assessment. We work with teens and parents together.

What is the best treatment for OCD?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard therapy for OCD, and our team offers it. Medication can help too.

Can OCD be about thoughts, not just cleaning or checking?

Yes. Many people have scary, unwanted thoughts and hidden mental rituals. These respond to treatment too.

Is online therapy as helpful as in-person therapy?

For most people, yes. Research shows video therapy works about as well as in-person therapy for anxiety, depression, trauma and many other concerns. You also skip the drive, which makes it easier to keep going.

Do you take my insurance?

Our clinicians are in-network with Aetna, Anthem, Blue Shield, Cigna, Optum, Carelon, Health Net, Molina, Medi-Cal, Medicare and more, and we accept Kaiser referrals. We check your benefits for free before you start.

How soon can I start?

Most new clients can have a first session within about a week. Call or text (805) 678-9182, or use “Find my match.”

Who can you see?

Anyone located in California at the time of the session. We work with kids, teens, adults, couples and families.