Maybe you’ve checked the stove three times this morning, or a thought keeps coming back no matter how hard you push it away. Living with OCD can be exhausting. You’re not alone, and you don’t have to sort it out by yourself.
Our therapists use exposure and response prevention (ERP) to help adults with OCD. You and your therapist plan small steps toward your triggers while you practice not giving in to repeated actions or mental habits.
We see adults at our Scottsdale office, and select therapists offer secure video for clients in Arizona, New York, or Hawaii. You don’t need a diagnosis to call.
If you’re thinking about suicide or feel unsafe, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
ERP is a structured, step-by-step approach. Your therapist plans each step with you, and you decide together when to move forward. A plan often includes steps like these.
Your first step is meant to feel manageable. That way, you can begin even if the idea of ERP feels scary.
Signs of OCD often include unwanted thoughts, called obsessions, and repeated actions or mental habits, called compulsions. Our therapists work with adults who have concerns like these.
Everyone double-checks things now and then. It may be time to reach out when these thoughts or habits take up an hour or more of your day. The same is true if they start to affect work, home, or relationships.
OCD often begins in the teen years. A teen might redo homework until it looks perfect, take very long showers, or need constant reassurance from a parent.
Some of our therapists work with teens using ERP. Your therapist will explain your child’s privacy and your role as a parent. They can also show you how to support practice at home.
Our teen therapy page has more details. For a younger child, our child therapy page is a good place to start.
Here’s what to expect when you reach out.
Set up a free 15-minute phone consultation online, or call (480) 639-5559.
Share a little about what's been going on. You don't need to explain every thought or habit.
Then we'll help you choose a therapist who treats OCD and book a 75-minute first visit.
Some of our therapists list OCD and ERP among their specialties. You can read about them on our team page.
Fees depend on which therapist you see. Find current rates on our fees page.
Or call (480) 639-5559
OCD stands for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It often follows a cycle. An unwanted thought causes worry, a repeated action brings short relief, and then the worry comes back.
Not always. Most people have odd or unwanted thoughts from time to time. With OCD, the thoughts tend to return often, feel very upsetting, and lead to habits meant to make them go away. A therapist can help you understand what you’re experiencing.
Unwanted harm thoughts are common in OCD, and therapists who treat OCD hear them often. You can tell your therapist exactly what the thought is. If you feel you might act on a thought or can’t stay safe, call or text 988, or call 911 in an emergency.
There’s no single cause. OCD can run in families, and stress may make symptoms worse. It isn’t something you caused.
ERP is a widely used, research-supported treatment for OCD. It’s a form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). Some people also take medication prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist. Medication isn’t part of counseling here, since our therapists don’t prescribe.
ERP includes planned practice during visits and between them. You and your therapist work on responding to triggers in new ways. Talking is still part of each visit.
Many people feel nervous at first. You and your therapist agree on a starting point that feels manageable. You’ll talk through each exercise before you try it.
The two can overlap. OCD usually includes repeated actions or mental habits, such as checking, counting, or seeking reassurance. A therapist can help you sort out what fits best. You can also read about our anxiety therapy services.
It’s natural to want to reassure a loved one or help with their habits. Over time, though, this may keep the OCD going. Their therapist can suggest other ways to respond, and family therapy may help if the whole household is affected.
The length of treatment depends on your symptoms and goals. Your therapist will check in regularly about how ERP is going and how often to meet.
Select therapists offer OCD therapy by video for adults located in Arizona, New York, or Hawaii. Many ERP exercises can be planned and practiced from home.
Your therapist will explain what stays private and when safety concerns or the law may require them to share information. Let us know if you have questions about privacy before your first visit.
OCD therapy starts with a 75-minute first visit, priced from $285 to $490 by therapist. Ongoing visits begin at $185.
We do not accept insurance. You pay us directly for your care. We can give you a special receipt called a superbill. You can send it to your insurance plan to ask if it will pay back part of the cost. Check with your plan first. Not all plans cover OCD therapy.
We offer scheduled therapy visits. We do not provide emergency care. If you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you’re in immediate danger, call 911.
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