Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

When OCD is worth addressing

OCD involves obsessions, which are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, images, or urges, and compulsions, which are the behaviors or mental rituals people use to ease the distress.

Common patterns include fears of contamination, a need for symmetry, intrusive taboo thoughts, and repeated checking, washing, counting, or seeking reassurance. The relief is temporary, so the cycle repeats.

Many people live with OCD for years before seeking help. If these patterns take up significant time or cause real distress, effective treatment is available.

How I approach OCD

My approach is thoughtful, unhurried, and personal. I start by understanding your specific symptoms and how they affect your life, since OCD shows up differently for everyone.

Care is collaborative and evidence-based. The most effective therapy for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP), and I will help coordinate that care alongside medication when it is appropriate.

What your first appointment looks like

We begin with a complimentary 15-minute phone consultation to make sure we’re a good fit. If we move forward, your first visit is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. This is an in-depth conversation about your clinical history and current concerns that ends with a personalized treatment plan.

From there, follow-up visits let us track how you’re doing and fine-tune your plan over time. All visits are virtual, for adults across California.

Medication and ongoing care

When medication is part of the plan, I focus on options with strong evidence for OCD, which often means a higher dose and a longer trial than people expect. We adjust carefully based on how you respond. Medication often works best alongside ERP therapy.