Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) cause intense distress and lead to repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) done to relieve that distress. OCD is treatable, most often with medication such as SSRIs and a specialized therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP).
Those thoughts do not define you, and you do not have to explain them perfectly to get help. We will meet you with understanding, not judgment.
Common signs of OCD
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress
- Fears about contamination, harm, mistakes, or things not being "just right"
- Repeated checking, washing, counting, ordering, or reassurance-seeking
- Mental rituals such as reviewing, praying, or neutralizing thoughts
- Spending a lot of time each day on obsessions or compulsions
- Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger obsessions
Experiencing some of these does not necessarily mean you have a diagnosis. A comprehensive evaluation can help clarify what is going on.
How we treat OCD
Treatment begins with a careful evaluation of your symptoms, how much time they take, and how they affect your life. OCD often overlaps with anxiety and depression, so we look at the full picture.
Evidence-based medication, most often SSRIs, can reduce the intensity of obsessions and compulsions, sometimes at doses different from those used for depression. Exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy is considered a first-line treatment, and we strongly encourage combining medication with ERP when possible. We can help you understand ERP and coordinate with your therapist.
Services that can help
- Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation to understand your symptoms and history
- Medication management with education and shared decision-making
- Supportive therapeutic interventions to build coping skills
- Telepsychiatry from a private, comfortable space
Frequently asked questions
What is the best treatment for OCD?
The most effective treatments for OCD are exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and certain medications, especially SSRIs. Many people do best with a combination of both.
Are intrusive thoughts a sign that I am dangerous?
Intrusive thoughts in OCD are unwanted and distressing precisely because they go against your values. Having them does not mean you want to act on them. A clinician experienced with OCD can help you understand what you are experiencing.