Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD can involve intrusive thoughts, repetitive behaviors, mental rituals, and persistent doubt that can interfere
with daily life.
Common OCD Symptoms
Intrusive Thoughts
Compulsions & Rituals
Checking & Reassurance Seeking
Contamination & Cleaning
Compassionate, evidence-based care to help you feel more calm, confident, and in control
How We Help
Medication Options
Medication can significantly reduce obsessions, compulsions, and intrusive thoughts.
OCD often requires different medication strategies, and sometimes higher SSRI doses or longer treatment trials, than depression or generalized anxiety.
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SSRIs: sertraline (Zoloft), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Luvox), paroxetine (Paxil), and other SSRIs
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Clomipramine (Anafranil): a highly effective serotonergic medication that may be considered when SSRIs have not provided adequate benefit
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Medication trials are individualized and typically require adequate dose and duration
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For treatment-resistant symptoms, augmentation strategies may sometimes be considered
ERP & Therapy Collaboration
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard psychotherapy for OCD and can be used alone or together with medication.
Rather than simply trying to suppress intrusive thoughts, ERP gradually helps patients face feared thoughts, sensations, or situations while learning to resist the compulsions that reinforce the OCD cycle.
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Identify obsessions, compulsions, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking
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Gradually practice exposure to feared situations or thoughts
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Reduce rituals and compulsive responses
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Build tolerance for uncertainty and distress
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Coordinate medication management with an OCD/ERP therapist when appropriate
Personalized & Advanced Treatment Options
Not everyone responds to the same treatment.
When first-line treatment is insufficient, we can reassess the diagnosis, medication dose and duration, co-occurring conditions, therapy approach, and other evidence-based or emerging options.
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Combining ERP + medication for persistent symptoms
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Switching SSRIs or considering clomipramine
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Selected medication augmentation strategies for treatment-resistant OCD
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Emerging glutamate-modulating approaches, such as N-acetylcysteine (NAC) or memantine, when clinically appropriate
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Lifestyle factors including sleep, exercise, stress, nutrition, and substance use
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Referral for specialized treatments such as TMS or higher-level OCD care when appropriate
OCD Resources
Helpful information to better understand OCD and treatment options.
OCD vs. Anxiety:
How to Tell the
Difference
Learn how OCD differs from anxiety, including the role of intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and reassurance seeking.
When Unwanted Thoughts Become a Problem
Learn why intrusive thoughts occur, when they may be a sign of OCD, and how treatment can help.
OCD Medications:
SSRIs, Clomipramine, and Treatment Options
Explore common medications for OCD, how they work, and what to expect from treatment.
OCD Treatment:
How ERP Therapy and Medication Work Together
Learn how ERP therapy and medication can work together to reduce obsessions, compulsions, and OCD symptoms.
Wondering if your symptoms may be related to OCD?
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