OCD involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges (obsessions) and the things people do to relieve the distress they cause (compulsions), such as checking, cleaning, reassurance seeking or mental reviewing.
Intrusive thoughts do not reflect who you are or what you want. OCD responds well to the right treatment.
Signs it may be time to get help
- Intrusive thoughts that feel distressing or out of character
- Repeated checking, washing, counting or seeking reassurance
- Rituals that take significant time each day
- Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions
How I approach treatment
Effective treatment for OCD usually combines medication with exposure and response prevention (ERP), a specialized form of CBT. I manage medication and can coordinate with an ERP therapist.
Visits are by secure video for patients located in California or New York at the time of the appointment. See what the first evaluation involves and how medication management works.
Questions people ask
Does having a disturbing thought mean I might act on it?
In OCD, the distress the thought causes reflects that it goes against your values. This is something we can talk through openly and without judgment.
Related reading
Related conditions
This page is general information, not medical advice for your situation.