How to Find an OCD Specialist (And Why It Matters)

I can’t count the number of times I meet a new client who has been to “therapy for OCD” but feels worse than when they started. I’ve heard of providers using talk therapy, relaxation, hypnosis, EMDR, or cognitive therapy to treat OCD. I’ve even heard of providers who have no idea what OCD really is and mistake intrusive thoughts for actual wants and have called 9-1-1, CPS, or the police. Some providers reassure people with OCD. Without ERP or other evidence based therapy for OCD, all of this is absolutely wrong. 

If you’ve  tried therapy before. You’ve talked about your intrusive thoughts, your compulsive behaviors, and  anxiety that won't quit. Your therapist listened, offered reassurance, maybe taught you some relaxation techniques.

And yet... the OCD didn't get better.

You, sadly, probably weren’t working with an OCD specialist. 

Unfortunately, the average person with OCD waits 14-17 years between symptom onset and receiving proper treatment. Not because treatment doesn't exist, but because they're seeing therapists who don't specialize in OCD.

If you're struggling to find effective help, you're not alone. Let's talk about why seeing an OCD specialist matters, and exactly how to find one.

Why You Need an OCD Specialist (Not Just Any Therapist)

The Truth About General Therapy for OCD

Most therapists receive minimal training in OCD during their graduate programs (sometimes just a single lecture or chapter). They may have a rudimentary understanding of what OCD is, but not how to effectively treat it.

Here's what often happens when you see a non-specialist:

❌ They provide reassurance — "You would never do that," "Those thoughts don't mean anything"
❌ They focus on relaxation — Deep breathing, mindfulness to "calm the thoughts"
❌ They explore root causes — "Let's talk about why you might have these thoughts"
❌ They validate avoidance — "Just don't think about it," "Avoid your triggers until you feel ready"

The problem? All of these approaches actually reinforce OCD instead of treating it.

What OCD Specialists Do Differently

Therapists who specialize in OCD are trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—the gold-standard treatment with decades of research backing its effectiveness.

An OCD specialist will:

✓ Help you face your fears gradually — Through structured exposure exercises
✓ Teach you to resist compulsions — Not through willpower, but through new learning
✓ Reduce reassurance-seeking — Even when it feels counterintuitive
✓ Focus on behavior change — Not analyzing why you have OCD, but what to DO about it
✓ Normalize intrusive thoughts — Because everyone has them!

The result? Most people see significant improvement within 12-20 sessions when working with a trained OCD specialist. ERP works. ERP specialists help people get better every single day. 

Red Flags to Look Out For: Signs Your Therapist Isn't an OCD Specialist

Be cautious if your therapist:

🚩 Says things like "just try not to think about it" or "those thoughts will go away with time"
🚩 Provides frequent reassurance about your obsessions
🚩 Focuses primarily on talk therapy without behavioral exercises
🚩 Seems uncomfortable discussing the content of your intrusive thoughts
🚩 Doesn't mention ERP, exposures, or response prevention
🚩 Suggests you should be able to "think your way out" of OCD
🚩 Doesn't give you homework or practice assignments between sessions

Keep in mind: A well-meaning therapist who doesn't specialize in OCD can accidentally make your symptoms worse, even with the best intentions.

What to Look for in an OCD Specialist

Essential Qualifications

When searching for an OCD therapist, look for:

1. Training in Evidence-Based OCD Treatment

• ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) — The first-line treatment for OCD
• CBT for OCD — Cognitive Behavioral Therapy specifically adapted for OCD
• ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) — Often used alongside ERP

2. Specialized Credentials or Training

• Graduates of programs like the IOCDF's Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI)Training from specialized OCD centers (McLean OCD Institute, Rogers Behavioral Health, Perelman School of Medicine, etc.)
• Memberships in organizations like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) or Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA)

3. Experience with Your Specific OCD Subtype

Not all OCD is the same. Look for experience with:

• Harm OCD
• Contamination OCD
• Sexual orientation OCD (SO-OCD)
• Relationship OCD (ROCD)
• Scrupulosity (religious/moral OCD)
• Taboo OCD Themes
• Pure O (primarily mental compulsions)
• Pediatric OCD (if seeking treatment for your child)

4. Willingness to Do Exposure Work

A true OCD specialist will:

• Create a personalized exposure hierarchy with you
• Conduct exposures during sessions (not just talk about them)
• Be willing to do exposures outside the office if needed
• Assign exposure homework between sessions

How to Find an OCD Specialist Near You

Step 1: Use Specialized Directories

Start with directories that specifically list OCD specialists:

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Provider Directory
→ iocdf.org/ocd-finding-help/find-help/
Lists clinicians with specialized OCD training

Psychology Today
→ psychologytoday.com
Filter by "Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)" under Issues
But verify their actual OCD specialization (not everyone listed is truly specialized)

ADAA Therapist Directory
→ adaa.org/finding-help/treatment/find-a-therapist
Anxiety and Depression Association of America's directory

Local OCD Clinics or Centers
Many cities have specialized OCD treatment centers with intensive programs and outpatient services.

Step 2: Ask the Right Questions

When you contact potential therapists, ask:

About Their Training:

• "What specific training do you have in treating OCD?"
• "Are you trained in ERP therapy?"
• "What percentage of your practice focuses on OCD?"

About Their Approach:

• "Can you describe what a typical OCD treatment session looks like?"
• "Do you conduct exposures in session, or is treatment primarily talk-based?"
• "What role does reassurance play in your treatment approach?"

About Your Specific Needs:

• "Have you worked with [your OCD subtype] before?"
• "Do you treat [adults/children/teens] with OCD?"
• "What's your experience with treatment-resistant OCD?" (if applicable)

Step 3: Consider Telehealth Options

You don't have to limit your search to local therapists. Many excellent OCD specialists provide:

Virtual therapy across state lines — Through programs like PsyPact (For example, at Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center Psypact allows our licensed psychologists to practice in multiple states!)

Benefits of telehealth for OCD:

• Access to highly specialized providers regardless of location
• Ability to practice exposures in your actual environment
• More flexible scheduling
• Often more affordable than in-person sessions

Step 4: Verify Their Approach in the First Few Sessions

During your initial consultation, a true OCD specialist should:

✓ Conduct a thorough assessment of your symptoms
✓ Explain how ERP works and why it's effective
✓ Describe what a  preliminary exposure hierarchy with you
✓ Set clear, measurable treatment goals
✓ Discuss what to expect from treatment, including realistic timelines
✓ Assign homework or practice exercises 

If the first sessions are mostly just talking about your history without any discussion of behavioral treatment, this may not be an OCD specialist.

Why OCD Specialization Makes Such a Difference

The Numbers Don't Lie

Research shows that when treated by OCD specialists using ERP:

• 60-80% of people experience significant symptom reduction
• Most see improvement within 16-20 sessions
• Effects are long-lasting (much more so than medication alone)
• Relapse rates are lower compared to other approaches

Compare this to general therapy approaches, where many people with OCD see minimal or no improvement—sometimes for years.

Real Stories, Real Impact

"I spent 3 years in regular therapy talking about my intrusive thoughts. My therapist was kind, but I didn't get better. Within 2 months of working with an OCD specialist, I was doing things I hadn't done in years." — Sarah, 32

"The difference was night and day. My first therapist kept reassuring me I wasn't a bad person. My OCD specialist taught me I didn't need reassurance at all—that was the game-changer." — Marcus, 28

What If There Are No OCD Specialists in My Area?

If you live in an area with limited access to specialized care:

Option 1: Telehealth with an Out-of-State Specialist

Many states participate in PsyPact or have reciprocal licensing agreements, allowing you to work with specialists nationwide.

Option 2: Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP)

Some people travel to OCD treatment centers for intensive programs (3-5 days per week for several weeks), then continue with local support.

Option 3: Self-Directed ERP with Supervision

Some specialists offer consultation models where they guide a local therapist in providing ERP, or conduct periodic video check-ins while you do self-directed exposures.

Option 4: Online OCD Treatment Programs

Evidence-based programs like NOCD offer app-based therapy with OCD specialists via video sessions.

Red Flags: When to Find a Different Specialist

Even among OCD specialists, fit matters. Consider switching if:

🚩 You're not doing any exposures after 3-4 sessions
🚩 They seem judgmental about your specific obsessions
🚩 They're not challenging you to move forward
🚩 They provide excessive reassurance
🚩 You don't feel safe or supported
🚩 They don't explain their reasoning or treatment plan

A good therapeutic relationship is crucial—but that relationship should include effective, evidence-based treatment.

Questions to Ask Yourself

As you search for an OCD specialist, reflect on:

• Are you willing to do hard work in therapy, including facing your fears?
• What are your non-negotiables? (location, cost, availability, etc.)
• Do you need someone who specializes in a particular OCD subtype?
• Would you be open to telehealth if it means access to better specialists?
• Do you need someone who takes insurance, or can you consider out-of-network providers?

The Bottom Line

Finding an OCD specialist is essential for effective treatment.

You deserve a therapist who:

• Understands how OCD actually works
• Uses proven methods that create lasting change
• Won't accidentally reinforce your symptoms
• Can guide you toward genuine recovery

Don't settle for therapy that keeps you talking about OCD without actually treating it. The right specialist can help you reclaim your life,often much faster than you think.

Looking for an OCD Specialist in Houston, Texas, or Online?

At Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, our team has extensive training in ERP therapy and specializes in treating all types of OCD. We've helped hundreds of people break free from OCD's grip and build the lives they want.

We offer:

• In-person therapy at our Houston office (Montrose area)
• Online therapy across 42 states via PsyPact
• Evidence-based treatment (ERP, CBT, ACT)
• Specialized experience with all OCD subtypes
• Compassionate, judgment-free care

Schedule a consultation to learn how we can help you find relief from OCD.

Don't wait another minute for proper treatment. The right specialist can change everything.

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References:

American Psychiatric Association. Practice guidelines for the treatment of patients with obsessive compulsive disorder. Arlington, VA: American Psychiatric Association, 2007.

Foa E. B. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 12(2), 199–207.

Hezel DM, Simpson HB. Exposure and response prevention for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A review and new directions. Indian J Psychiatry. 2019 Jan;61(Suppl 1):S85-S92. doi: 10.4103/psychiatry.IndianJPsychiatry_516_18. PMID: 30745681; PMCID: PMC6343408.

Koran LM, Hanna GL, Hollander E, Nestadt G, Simpson HB; American Psychiatric Association. Practice guideline for the treatment of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Am J Psychiatry. 2007 Jul;164(7 Suppl):5-53. PMID: 17849776.