Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in San Francisco, CA

Photo of Maxwell J Berlyant, PhD, Psychologist
Maxwell J Berlyant
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94109
I specialize in the treatment / assessment of OCD, Tics, Trichotillomania, Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD –incorporating Psycho-education, Coping Skills Training, Exposure Therapy, Coaching, and Mindfulness approaches.
I obtained my Doctorate/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, from APA-accredited Palo Alto University, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. My Postdoctoral Residency was completed at the Psychiatry Department in Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings with children, adolescents and adults providing individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I provide evidence based treatment from a strengths based perspective and have specialty training in CBT and DBT.
I specialize in the treatment / assessment of OCD, Tics, Trichotillomania, Anxiety, Depression, and ADHD –incorporating Psycho-education, Coping Skills Training, Exposure Therapy, Coaching, and Mindfulness approaches.
I obtained my Doctorate/Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology with an emphasis in Child and Family Psychology, from APA-accredited Palo Alto University, Pacific Graduate School of Psychology. My Postdoctoral Residency was completed at the Psychiatry Department in Kaiser Permanente, San Rafael. I hold a B.A. in Psychology from the University of California, Berkeley. I have worked in a variety of clinical settings with children, adolescents and adults providing individual, family, group, and couples therapy. I provide evidence based treatment from a strengths based perspective and have specialty training in CBT and DBT.
(628) 243-4484 View (628) 243-4484
Photo of Elizabeth Owens, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Elizabeth Owens
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I enjoy working with an array of different types of individuals. Some of the people I work with are looking to gain tangible skills to overcome particular challenges in their lives, such as social anxiety, phobias, and OCD. Others seek out therapy with me because they are navigating life transitions, experiencing relationship difficulties, or looking to better understand themselves. My hope would be that throughout the course of therapy, their goals might evolve as they experience some relief from their symptoms and would shift to exploring their own values, identity, and spirituality.
I enjoy working with an array of different types of individuals. Some of the people I work with are looking to gain tangible skills to overcome particular challenges in their lives, such as social anxiety, phobias, and OCD. Others seek out therapy with me because they are navigating life transitions, experiencing relationship difficulties, or looking to better understand themselves. My hope would be that throughout the course of therapy, their goals might evolve as they experience some relief from their symptoms and would shift to exploring their own values, identity, and spirituality.
(628) 203-7796 View (628) 203-7796
Photo of Dr. Christina M. Charlotin, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Christina M. Charlotin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94108
I specialize in working with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, insomnia, chronic pain, relationship challenges, heartbreak, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination behaviors & LGBTQ/Race related challenges.
In our work together, my intention is to help you break away from the maladaptive thought patterns, emotions, actions, and external circumstances that keep you stuck in an unwanted experience. My goal is to help you create progress towards the life you do want for yourself. I’ll want to understand the changes you’d like to see in yourself. With this in mind, I’ll want to identify the behaviors you’d like to demonstrate, the lasting emotions you’d like to feel, and the outcomes you’d like to see present themselves in your life. With that information, we'll set the overall goals for therapy. Now providing Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
I specialize in working with adults who experience depression, anxiety disorders (agoraphobia, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias), OCD, insomnia, chronic pain, relationship challenges, heartbreak, phase-of-life stressors, procrastination behaviors & LGBTQ/Race related challenges.
In our work together, my intention is to help you break away from the maladaptive thought patterns, emotions, actions, and external circumstances that keep you stuck in an unwanted experience. My goal is to help you create progress towards the life you do want for yourself. I’ll want to understand the changes you’d like to see in yourself. With this in mind, I’ll want to identify the behaviors you’d like to demonstrate, the lasting emotions you’d like to feel, and the outcomes you’d like to see present themselves in your life. With that information, we'll set the overall goals for therapy. Now providing Psychedelic Assisted Therapy.
(213) 500-9543 View (213) 500-9543
Photo of Dr. Alexandra Davidson, PsyD, Psychologist
Dr. Alexandra Davidson
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94103  (Online Only)
I am passionate about helping clients understand and rise above that unwanted presence that has likely been a steady companion for some time — anxiety. This anxious part of the brain can have quite a loud voice, triggering uncomfortable symptoms that lead you to avoid what you fear. You can then become stuck in a smaller, less vibrant life, one where you stop pursuing what matters most. Anxiety can show up in the form of worry that is difficult to control, public speaking anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and work stress/burnout. I also treat insomnia, which can be a related problem.
I am passionate about helping clients understand and rise above that unwanted presence that has likely been a steady companion for some time — anxiety. This anxious part of the brain can have quite a loud voice, triggering uncomfortable symptoms that lead you to avoid what you fear. You can then become stuck in a smaller, less vibrant life, one where you stop pursuing what matters most. Anxiety can show up in the form of worry that is difficult to control, public speaking anxiety, social anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, OCD, health anxiety, and work stress/burnout. I also treat insomnia, which can be a related problem.
(415) 481-4255 View (415) 481-4255
Photo of Heather Wassarman, PhD, Psychologist
Heather Wassarman
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114
I specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure/Response Prevention (ERP) for adults with OCD and anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety, panic, and phobias). I'm also experienced in working with depression, bipolar, bulimia and binge eating, and other disorders. In addition, I have an interest in health psychology and enjoy working with people on issues like weight management, smoking cessation, and coping with medical problems.
I specialize in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure/Response Prevention (ERP) for adults with OCD and anxiety disorders (such as generalized anxiety, panic, and phobias). I'm also experienced in working with depression, bipolar, bulimia and binge eating, and other disorders. In addition, I have an interest in health psychology and enjoy working with people on issues like weight management, smoking cessation, and coping with medical problems.
(415) 399-0255 View (415) 399-0255
Photo of Lena Nicodemus, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Lena Nicodemus
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I specialize in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
I specialize in obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), borderline personality disorder (BPD), neurodivergence, trauma, anxiety, and depression.
Do you feel trapped by your anxious rumination, obsessive-compulsive patterns, and people-pleasing behaviors? Have you seen therapists in the past who you feel like listened and validated you but didn't help you figure out what to actually do about your anxiety? Maybe you feel like your previous trauma makes it hard for you to feel like you can connect with loved ones in relationship now? I help highly motivated clients like you learn how to manage your anxiety and get your needs met in your relationships. There is hope for you to live a life that feels worth living.
(415) 991-6762 View (415) 991-6762
Photo of Ashley Witt, PhD, Psychologist
Ashley Witt
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep difficulties, and body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair-pulling and skin-picking. I provide treatment approaches that have been supported by research, while tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each client. I believe that therapy works best when it is a collaborative partnership between the client and the therapist, and I work with my clients to clarify their goals and develop an individualized treatment plan.
I am a licensed psychologist specializing in the treatment of anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, sleep difficulties, and body-focused repetitive behaviors such as hair-pulling and skin-picking. I provide treatment approaches that have been supported by research, while tailoring treatment to the unique needs of each client. I believe that therapy works best when it is a collaborative partnership between the client and the therapist, and I work with my clients to clarify their goals and develop an individualized treatment plan.
(415) 741-2231 View (415) 741-2231
Photo of Christy Tadros, LPCC
Christy Tadros
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, LPCC
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94108
I also have years of experience and a passion for working with children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, behavioral issues and supporting parents through these challenges.
During this challenging time it is normal to be experiencing some anxiety, nervousness or restlessness. Being home and having major changes in routines can be disorienting for many and trigger impairing mental health conditions. I am offering Telehealth sessions to support people in maintaining mental, emotional and physical health. I provide evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are holistic and multiculturally sensitive.
I also have years of experience and a passion for working with children and adolescents with anxiety, OCD, selective mutism, behavioral issues and supporting parents through these challenges.
During this challenging time it is normal to be experiencing some anxiety, nervousness or restlessness. Being home and having major changes in routines can be disorienting for many and trigger impairing mental health conditions. I am offering Telehealth sessions to support people in maintaining mental, emotional and physical health. I provide evidence-based therapeutic approaches that are holistic and multiculturally sensitive.
(628) 266-4174 View (628) 266-4174
Photo of Dr. Nina Paul, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Nina Paul
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94117  (Online Only)
Welcome! I am Dr. Nina Paul. With a commitment to evidence-based practices, I provide therapy tailored to you to address OCD, PTSD and trauma, and a wide range of anxiety disorders. My goal is to help patients find the strength to gradually approach their worries, obsessions, distressing thoughts, fears, and traumatic memories. I create a warm space fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and confidence to let go of self-blame and expectations. I equip patients with tools (e.g., thought challenging or defusion, acceptance of emotions, mindfulness practices) to help them overcome their challenges and build meaningful lives.
Welcome! I am Dr. Nina Paul. With a commitment to evidence-based practices, I provide therapy tailored to you to address OCD, PTSD and trauma, and a wide range of anxiety disorders. My goal is to help patients find the strength to gradually approach their worries, obsessions, distressing thoughts, fears, and traumatic memories. I create a warm space fostering self-awareness, self-compassion, and confidence to let go of self-blame and expectations. I equip patients with tools (e.g., thought challenging or defusion, acceptance of emotions, mindfulness practices) to help them overcome their challenges and build meaningful lives.
(415) 993-8181 View (415) 993-8181
Photo of Carmen Chow - Carmen Chow, MFT Private Practice SF, MA, MFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Carmen Chow, MFT Private Practice SF
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, MFT
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94110
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, OCD and trauma related disorders.
Psychotherapy has the ability to significantly improve your mental well being, treat mental illnesses and boost your overall social and psychological functionality. During therapy, we will explore life's challenges, thought patterns and behaviors that are hindering your well being within a very safe, supportive, and non-critical environment. The search for the right therapist can take time and courage. It's important that you find the right match. Let me share with you about my practice and see if I can be of help to you.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders, OCD and trauma related disorders.
Psychotherapy has the ability to significantly improve your mental well being, treat mental illnesses and boost your overall social and psychological functionality. During therapy, we will explore life's challenges, thought patterns and behaviors that are hindering your well being within a very safe, supportive, and non-critical environment. The search for the right therapist can take time and courage. It's important that you find the right match. Let me share with you about my practice and see if I can be of help to you.
(650) 262-4800 View (650) 262-4800
Photo of Marina Bystritsky, PhD, Psychologist
Marina Bystritsky
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in treatment of the OCD and OCD spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia, health anxiety, phobias, stress related conditions and depression.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist working with people to help them achieve lasting changes and create more fulfilling life. I pride myself on providing evidence based, ethical and compassionate care to my clients. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, active and present focused. I am easygoing and use a lot of humor to enhance the therapeutic relationship and to make our time together more enjoyable and productive. I believe that each person is unique, has his/her own unique history and goals and work with each client to develop individualized treatment plan designed to address each person's unique symptoms and needs.
I specialize in treatment of the OCD and OCD spectrum disorders, anxiety disorders such as generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder and agoraphobia, health anxiety, phobias, stress related conditions and depression.
I'm a licensed clinical psychologist working with people to help them achieve lasting changes and create more fulfilling life. I pride myself on providing evidence based, ethical and compassionate care to my clients. My therapeutic approach is collaborative, active and present focused. I am easygoing and use a lot of humor to enhance the therapeutic relationship and to make our time together more enjoyable and productive. I believe that each person is unique, has his/her own unique history and goals and work with each client to develop individualized treatment plan designed to address each person's unique symptoms and needs.
(650) 209-7869 View (650) 209-7869
Photo of Radhika Reddy, PhD, Psychologist
Radhika Reddy
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94110  (Online Only)
However, my areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, behavioral sleep disorders, chronic pain, and medically unexplained symptoms.
Welcome! Thank you for checking out my page, and more importantly, for taking this step to invest in yourself! You likely are struggling significantly with something and looking for guidance. You may be wondering if I could be the therapist by your side on this journey. Here's a little about me to help you make an informed decision: My style of therapy is thoughtful, warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, highly collaborative, and results-driven. You are the expert on you (your child), and are likely coming to me for expertise in specific therapies to help you get to where you are heading. As a team we can get there quicker!
However, my areas of specialty include anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive spectrum disorders, behavioral sleep disorders, chronic pain, and medically unexplained symptoms.
Welcome! Thank you for checking out my page, and more importantly, for taking this step to invest in yourself! You likely are struggling significantly with something and looking for guidance. You may be wondering if I could be the therapist by your side on this journey. Here's a little about me to help you make an informed decision: My style of therapy is thoughtful, warm, compassionate, non-judgmental, highly collaborative, and results-driven. You are the expert on you (your child), and are likely coming to me for expertise in specific therapies to help you get to where you are heading. As a team we can get there quicker!
(650) 727-1805 View (650) 727-1805
Photo of Annie Alpers, PhD, Psychologist
Annie Alpers
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94115  (Online Only)
I specialize in obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD, BDD, BFRBs, illness anxiety disorder), misophonia, and anxiety. I have several of these conditions myself, and have benefited greatly from the same treatments I now provide for others. My work is very personally rewarding - I love seeing my clients experience symptom relief and turn their attention back to the things that matter most.
I specialize in obsessive-compulsive disorders (OCD, BDD, BFRBs, illness anxiety disorder), misophonia, and anxiety. I have several of these conditions myself, and have benefited greatly from the same treatments I now provide for others. My work is very personally rewarding - I love seeing my clients experience symptom relief and turn their attention back to the things that matter most.
(415) 301-6012 View (415) 301-6012
Photo of James Rosenheim, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
James Rosenheim
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94105  (Online Only)
I describe myself as passionate, open, caring and engaged. I have worked for many years with teens, parents, families, and individuals experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, OCD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am committed to helping each client meet their goals, including working with all other care providers involved. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and have an extensive background in mindfulness. I meet each client where they are at, and collaborate with the client to show up for life in a way that is consistent with their values.
I describe myself as passionate, open, caring and engaged. I have worked for many years with teens, parents, families, and individuals experiencing anxiety and depressive disorders, including Major Depressive Disorder, OCD, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. I am committed to helping each client meet their goals, including working with all other care providers involved. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and have an extensive background in mindfulness. I meet each client where they are at, and collaborate with the client to show up for life in a way that is consistent with their values.
(415) 936-1364 View (415) 936-1364
Photo of Sarah Moulding, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Sarah Moulding
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94123
I specialize in treating the spectrum of anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD and obsessive compulsive disorder.
I am a warm and experienced psychotherapist who works with adults living with the challenging effects of high anxiety, relationship problems, difficult life transitions, and trauma. I listen and work closely with you to understand what factors may be contributing to your present difficulty, and from there create a plan for the path forward to feeling better. Whether it be learning strategies to live a full life in spite of anxiety, improving the quality of your relationships, resolving symptoms or simply feeling less alone in the world, my goal is for you to see tangible results from your treatment with me.
I specialize in treating the spectrum of anxiety disorders, including phobias, panic disorder, generalized anxiety, PTSD and obsessive compulsive disorder.
I am a warm and experienced psychotherapist who works with adults living with the challenging effects of high anxiety, relationship problems, difficult life transitions, and trauma. I listen and work closely with you to understand what factors may be contributing to your present difficulty, and from there create a plan for the path forward to feeling better. Whether it be learning strategies to live a full life in spite of anxiety, improving the quality of your relationships, resolving symptoms or simply feeling less alone in the world, my goal is for you to see tangible results from your treatment with me.
(415) 534-6386 View (415) 534-6386
Photo of Kristina Orlova, LMFT, Marriage & Family Therapist
Kristina Orlova
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94118  (Online Only)
Intrusive thoughts, images, or fears popping into your head? Are you feeling anxious and out of control? Are you feeling a sense of urgency and need to check or ask same questions or go over things in your mind until you get an absolute answer but you never do? You may be dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. As an OCD specialist who has OCD I want to help you learn what OCD is, how it works, and how to overcome it.
Intrusive thoughts, images, or fears popping into your head? Are you feeling anxious and out of control? Are you feeling a sense of urgency and need to check or ask same questions or go over things in your mind until you get an absolute answer but you never do? You may be dealing with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. As an OCD specialist who has OCD I want to help you learn what OCD is, how it works, and how to overcome it.
(415) 993-5512 View (415) 993-5512
Photo of Marisa Mazza - choicetherapy psychological services, inc., PsyD, MS, Psychologist
choicetherapy psychological services, inc.
Psychologist, PsyD, MS
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94127
Mazza is trained in exposure and response prevention for OCD and works with a number of individuals with OCD, anxiety, Panic, Phobias, Worry and Social Anxiety.
Marisa T. Mazza, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist. She enjoys helping people learn new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings so they can live meaningful lives. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way.
Mazza is trained in exposure and response prevention for OCD and works with a number of individuals with OCD, anxiety, Panic, Phobias, Worry and Social Anxiety.
Marisa T. Mazza, Psy.D. is a licensed psychologist. She enjoys helping people learn new ways of interacting with thoughts and feelings so they can live meaningful lives. Her approach allows individuals to face their fears in a gradual and gentle way.
(415) 729-3949 View (415) 729-3949
Photo of Angela Grau, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Angela Grau
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94114  (Online Only)
As an OCD specialist, I am dedicated to helping you build insight into your strengths, break free from obsessive compulsive cycles and build a fulfilling life.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specialized in the treatment of OCD, OC-Spectrum disorders and anxiety. I am also passionate about treating depression, complex trauma, grief and life transitions. My practice is fully virtual, open to adults (18+) living in California. You can expect my sessions to feel warm, welcoming, collaborative and creative.
As an OCD specialist, I am dedicated to helping you build insight into your strengths, break free from obsessive compulsive cycles and build a fulfilling life.
Hello and welcome! I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker specialized in the treatment of OCD, OC-Spectrum disorders and anxiety. I am also passionate about treating depression, complex trauma, grief and life transitions. My practice is fully virtual, open to adults (18+) living in California. You can expect my sessions to feel warm, welcoming, collaborative and creative.
(415) 472-9812 View (415) 472-9812
Photo of Adam Clark-Tan, LCSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Adam Clark-Tan
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Verified Verified
San Francisco, CA 94102
I have specialty training in exposure and response prevention for OCD, anxiety, panic, phobias, and body image/dysphoria.
Do your worries or thoughts feel overwhelming? Do your compulsive behaviors feel out of your control? Now imagine that you can experience your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck trying to block them, change them, or act on them. Imagine being able to spend time with the people you love and accomplishing your goals. If you are ready to live your life joyfully, let's talk.
I have specialty training in exposure and response prevention for OCD, anxiety, panic, phobias, and body image/dysphoria.
Do your worries or thoughts feel overwhelming? Do your compulsive behaviors feel out of your control? Now imagine that you can experience your thoughts and feelings without getting stuck trying to block them, change them, or act on them. Imagine being able to spend time with the people you love and accomplishing your goals. If you are ready to live your life joyfully, let's talk.
(415) 779-7705 View (415) 779-7705
Photo of Julie Hartman - Dr. Julie Hartman OCD, Anxiety and ADHD, PhD, Psychologist
Dr. Julie Hartman OCD, Anxiety and ADHD
Psychologist, PhD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
San Francisco, CA 94102  (Online Only)
I'm glad you're here! I am an OCD, Anxiety and ADHD specialist with Kids, Teens & Adults, which means that for 20 years, I've provided THE gold-standard, science-based form of treatment known as Inference-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - these methods lead to remarkable well-being! Parents also enjoy my parent consultation expertise. I've found for most folks, online therapy is even better than in person therapy for addressing the issues from the comfort of home (and decades of research backs that up).
I'm glad you're here! I am an OCD, Anxiety and ADHD specialist with Kids, Teens & Adults, which means that for 20 years, I've provided THE gold-standard, science-based form of treatment known as Inference-based Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) - these methods lead to remarkable well-being! Parents also enjoy my parent consultation expertise. I've found for most folks, online therapy is even better than in person therapy for addressing the issues from the comfort of home (and decades of research backs that up).
(628) 214-2985 View (628) 214-2985
1
...

See more therapy options for San Francisco

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.