Common Concerns · OCD
Therapy for OCD, so intrusive thoughts lose their power.
OCD isn't about being tidy. It's being caught in a loop of unwanted thoughts, images or urges, and the checking, washing, counting or reassurance-seeking you use to quiet them. The relief never lasts, and the loop can take hours out of your day.
Our clinicians use exposure and response prevention (ERP), the leading evidence-based treatment for OCD, to help you break the cycle step by step, at a pace you agree to.
Signs it might be time to talk to someone
OCD takes many forms. You might notice some of these:
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Thoughts
- Unwanted thoughts that feel disturbing or 'not you'
- Fear of causing harm or making a terrible mistake
- Needing things to feel 'just right'
- Doubts that won't settle
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Rituals
- Checking, washing or counting
- Asking for reassurance again and again
- Mentally reviewing or undoing a thought
- Avoiding anything that might trigger the fear
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In your day
- Rituals that take up an hour or more a day
- Being late or stuck because of them
- Hiding rituals from others
- Feeling exhausted and ashamed
Having intrusive thoughts doesn't make you a bad person. Almost everyone has them; OCD is when they keep you stuck. If that sounds familiar, effective help exists.
Kinds of OCD we treat
Contamination fears
Worry about germs, illness or dirt, and washing or cleaning to feel safe.
Checking and doubt
Checking locks, stoves or messages again and again, and still not feeling sure.
Harm and intrusive thoughts
Frightening thoughts of hurting someone that go against everything you value.
Symmetry and 'just right' feelings
Arranging, repeating or redoing things until they finally feel right.
Relationship and religious OCD
Relentless doubts about your partner, your feelings or your faith.
Hoarding
Distress at letting things go, until the clutter takes over your space.
How we help
Your clinician will tailor treatment to you, starting with the approach OCD experts recommend first.
Exposure and response prevention (ERP)
Gradually face triggers without doing the ritual, so anxiety fades on its own and OCD loses its grip.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Loosen the beliefs that make intrusive thoughts feel so dangerous.
Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
Hold intrusive thoughts more lightly and live by what matters to you.
Family involvement
Help loved ones respond in ways that support recovery rather than feed the rituals.
Medication, if it might help
Our psychiatric providers can talk with you about whether medication could be part of your plan, alongside therapy.
In the language you think in
Sessions in English, Mandarin, Cantonese, Korean or Spanish, depending on the clinician.
Clinicians who focus on OCD
Each of these clinicians lists OCD among their areas of focus. Look for someone whose languages and approach feel right to you.
See all clinicians who focus on OCDQuestions about OCD treatment
Something else on your mind? Our FAQ covers much more, and our intake team is always happy to talk it through.
Do intrusive thoughts mean I want to act on them?
No. In OCD, intrusive thoughts are distressing precisely because they go against what you want and value. Having them says nothing about your character.
What is ERP, and will it be too hard?
In exposure and response prevention, you and your clinician plan small, manageable steps toward what you fear, while resisting the ritual. You set the pace together, and the steps grow only as your confidence does.
How long does treatment take?
It varies. Many people see meaningful progress within a few months of regular sessions, and keep using what they've learned long after treatment ends.
Can children and teens be treated for OCD?
Yes. OCD often starts in childhood or the teen years, and ERP works well for young people too, usually with parents involved.
Can I have sessions in Mandarin or Cantonese?
Yes. Many of our clinicians speak Mandarin, and some speak Cantonese, Korean or Spanish. On Our Team you can filter clinicians by language.
Will my insurance cover OCD treatment?
Often, yes. We work with Lyra Health, Spring Health and Modern Health employee benefits, and with Kaiser when you have an external referral. Some of our clinicians also take plans such as Aetna and Blue Cross through Headway. With any other plan, we send you a superbill each month to claim out-of-network benefits, which typically repay 50 to 80 percent, and FSA and HSA cards are accepted.
Whenever you're ready, we're here.
- Reach outSend us a short message, or call or text (650) 434-2563. We reply within one business day.
- A free 15-minute callOur care team listens, answers your questions about cost and insurance, and suggests clinicians who fit.
- Your first sessionMany people meet their clinician within one to two weeks. The first session is mostly about getting to know each other, at your pace.
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, please call or text 988 any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911.
