Combined with treatment, online resources can be beneficial for those living with mental health conditions like OCD. Mental health apps, online publications, teletherapy, and support groups are all great options to consider when searching for effective treatment plans.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health disorder that will affect 1 in 40 American adults (2.3%) in their lifetime.1 People with OCD experience frequent unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause anxiety and distress, which they then relieve by engaging in ritualistic behaviors (compulsions).2 OCD is also one of the most poorly understood mental illnesses, and is misdiagnosed by doctors and mental health professionals in at least 40% of cases.3,4 Despite this, receiving an OCD diagnosis shouldn’t deter you from living a successful, productive life. There are always ample sources of treatment and symptom management readily available online.
Best Online OCD Therapy Services
When seeking professional treatment for OCD, you will stumble upon many resources. However, the sheer volume of online mental health websites can be overwhelming. Locating specialized advice can be even harder to find. Below are our top picks for online sources that offer accurate information on living with OCD, therapy providers, and symptom management skills.
1. NOCD
NOCD is one of the best places to look for online OCD therapy. The organization offers many different important and helpful resources including coping skills and discussion forums. Moreover, NOCD is one of the leading providers of specialized online therapy for OCD. They have a nation-wide network of therapists that are specially trained in this disorder and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), one of the most researched and effective OCD treatments.5
What Is NOCD?
NOCD is a company formed by Stephen Smith, who has personal experience with OCD. Because OCD is so commonly misdiagnosed, NOCD sets out to make information, resources, and effective treatment available to everyone struggling with the disorder. In fact, Smith speaks openly about his struggle with OCD, which is where the idea for NOCD first originated. The company began as an app that provided healthy coping skills and information about OCD, but has since expanded to include a wide range of services.
NOCD Features and Services
NOCD provides high quality, helpful, and informative resources. Website visitors have the ability to connect with others, engage in self-guided exercises, and participate in weekly support calls led by a trained therapist. Along with the extensive vault of information based articles available, users can find customized content based on the specific subtypes of OCD. You can also easily locate a therapist via their directory and utilize their app for easy mobile access.
Cost of NOCD’s Online Resources for OCD
Most of NOCD’s online resources are completely free to use, with no premium memberships or special features locked behind a paywall. The free resources include all of the information, forums, coping skills exercises, and free weekly online support groups.The only paid services they offer are their online therapy sessions, which users can opt in or out of.
Does NOCD Take Insurance?
NOCD consists of a network of over 200 therapists and is credentialed with many insurance carriers. Those in-network may still have a copay or out-of-pocket cost, depending on their plan. For self-pay options, users can expect to pay $170 per session. Payment plans are available when needed.
Where to Find NOCD’s Online Resources
There are multiple ways to sign up for NOCD therapy. Reach out to one of their specialists, who will provide an initial screening, ask you questions, and then help you set an appointment.
2. OCD Challenge
OCD Challenge is an online course designed by experts in the field of OCD. It provides symptom management skills and techniques using standardized questionnaires, progress tracking, and interactive exercises.
About OCD Challenge
OCD Challenge is funded by Peace of Mind, a division of IOCDF. The program is intended to be used as a supplement to standard OCD treatment. You can register for the course by responding to a series of questionnaires meant to identify your symptoms, customize program exercises, and track your progress. Educational modules include written content, short videos, and exercises.
OCD Challenge Features and Services
OCD Challenge has many self-help exercises for people struggling with OCD. It is a great tool for individuals to further practice coping skills when in therapy or after completing therapy.7 Modules incorporate evidence-based OCD treatments including CBT and ERP tactics. Videos, exercises, and questionnaires help to make the online course more engaging.
Cost of OCD Challenge
OCD Challenge is completely free and users can register at any time online.
Where to Find the OCD Challenge Program
The OCD Challenge Program can be found on their website
3. The Center for OCD & Anxiety
Located in Baltimore, Maryland, the Center for OCD and Anxiety is a division of Sheppard Pratt, one of the largest nonprofit treatment facilities for mental health. The clinic has made the US News and World Report’s top 10 psychiatric hospital list for the past 30 years and is led by a team of clinicians, specializing in OCD treatment. ERP, CBT, and mindfulness tactics are included in their approach to treating symptoms.
About The Center for OCD & Anxiety
The Center for OCD and Anxiety provides both in-person care and online resources for those with OCD. With a wealth of informative articles, posts, and blogs available on their website, patients can continue to expand their understanding of their condition while receiving top-quality treatment.
The Center for OCD and Anxiety Features and Services
The Center for OCD and Anxiety is a reputable source for receiving therapy and treatment for OCD. Their website provides visitors with the option to engage in psychoeducation groups, group therapy activities, therapy appointments, and more. Patients can select their therapist from a directory of clinicians for a customized treatment plan.
Online Therapy with the Center for OCD & Anxiety
| Type of treatments provided | Online therapy with a licensed clinician using ERP, CBT, and mindfulness tactics Group therapy sessions OCD psychoeducation groups for family members and loved ones |
| Cost of treatment | Cost of online group therapy and support groups: $40 per group Cost of online psychoeducation group for family members and loved ones: $80 per session |
| Provider Choices | Clients can self-select a therapist depending on the provider’s availability |
| Can You Change Therapists? | Yes |
| Speed to First Appointment | Depends on provider and type of treatment selected |
| Length & frequency of treatment | Uses ERP and CBT primarily, treatment length varies |
| Geographic Coverage | Tele-therapy sessions within the United States |
| Age Limitations | Ages 13 and above |
Cost of Treatment At The Center for OCD & Anxiety
One drawback of The Center for OCD & Anxiety is that the facility does not accept insurance. Individuals with insurance may be able to receive a partial reimbursement reimbursed partially through out-of-network claims to their insurer. Additionally, there is no standard rate for treatment, as affiliated therapists set their own.
Where to Find The Center for OCD & Anxiety
To utilize the resources available through The Center for OCD and Anxiety, simply navigate to their website to learn more about their current offerings and explore resources.
Here are some helpful links to follow:
Best OCD Apps
For those seeking more portable treatment options, a mobile app can be a great option to consider. When choosing an OCD centered program, you should keep an eye out for useful exercises, free informational materials, and methods of tracking past and future progress. Finding healthy ways to manage symptoms is possible with the right tools.
4. GGOCD App
The GGOCD app is a highly-rated service that uses cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) exercises to help users struggling with intrusive thoughts and other OCD symptoms. The app includes a self assessment tool to track your progress, 15 free “levels” and 15 paid “levels.”
What is GGOCD?
Originally designed as a self-help/mental health app for those with OCD, GGOCD has since expanded its target market. They now provide resources for a range of other mental health conditions. The main features of the app include methods of identifying negative self-talk or intrusive OCD thoughts. GGOCD also offers three minute ‘daily sessions’ with targeted practices and coping skills to help improve one’s mental health.
The GGOCD app utilizes CBT methods, which can be helpful for those struggling to overcome obsessive thoughts. CBT is considered an evidence-based practice, as it has been proven effective when treating negative symptoms of OCD.5 However, it’s important to note that any app should not be considered a substitute for treatment. Research shows that self-help alone is not effective for treating OCD.7
Features of GGOCD
GGOCD is a simple and easy-to-use app that features modern CBT tactics for combating OCD symptoms. The app offers users a variety of resources including prompts to identify stressors, sessions designed to improve coping skills, the ability to track negative thoughts, and self-guided meditation routines.
Cost of GGOCD App Subscription
There is no charge to download the mobile GGOCD app or access their website. However, there is a paid subscription option that will cost you between $11.99 and $59.99; you can choose either a monthly or annual membership.
Pros & Cons of GGOCD
Based on user reviews, there are both negative and positive aspects to the resources provided on the GGOCD
Pros of the GGOCD app include:
- Providing exercises to help users adopt positive self-affirmations and thought processes
- Swiping feature to determine if thought processes are positive or negative
- Research-based treatment plans
Cons of the GGOCD app include:
- Unexpected subscription fees
- Limited features and functions
- Grammatical/translation errors
Where to Find the GGOCD App
- Android users can find the app on the Google Play Store
- Apple users can find the app on the Apple App Store
5. Liberate OCD Fighter App
Designed as a platform for providing healthy coping skills, the Liberate OCD Fighter app allows users to log their obsessions and compulsions, track them, and export their reports. Methods are drawn from both CBT and ERP techniques; with diary and goal setting features, users can find effective ways to combat negative OCD symptoms.
About Liberate OCD Fighter App
Developer Kaajal Gupta has personal experience of living with OCD. She openly shares her struggles and how these influenced her decision to create Liberate OCD Fighter. By choosing to focus on providing insightful tutorials and tracking tools, Gupta created a useful program for those in need of portable treatment options.
Features of the Liberate OCD Fighter App
After downloading, users of the Liberate OCD Fighter app have access to a library of coping skills, CBT exercises, diary entries, and ERP practices. You can easily revisit previously logged thoughts, feelings, and compulsions for self-awareness or to share with your therapist.
Cost of the Liberate OCD Fighter App
The Liberate OCD Fighter app is completely free to download and use, but is currently only available on Android devices.
Pros & Cons of the Liberate OCD Fighter App
The Liberate OCD Fighter App is a helpful tool for combating intrusive thoughts and consumers seem to be overall impressed with its user-interface.
Pros of the Liberate OCD Fighter app include:
- Easy tools for tracking negative compulsions/obsessions
- Helpful reminders and exercises
- Visually appealing graphics and illustrations
Cons of the Liberate OCD Fighter app include:
- Only available for android devices
- Frequent program crashes
Where to Find the Liberate OCD Fighter App
Link to the Liberate OCD Fighter app on the Google Play Store
Online OCD Support Groups
While therapy can be crucial for those with OCD, having a group of peers with whom to talk through struggles and trials can be incredibly helpful. Just to have others who understand what you’re going through can change the game.
6. PeerVida (Formerly OCD Peers)
PeerVida is an online peer support community designed to help users connect with other OCD sufferers. Groups are led by clinically trained facilitators who have personal experience with OCD. Evidence-based treatments are incorporated into meetings.
About PeerVida
PeerVida offers scheduled online support groups via Zoom and sessions generally last around 50 minutes. PeerVida aims to provide a middle ground between typical support groups and professional therapy meetings. Groups are kept small to allow opportunities for all members to participate.
Many who struggle with OCD benefit from hearing relatable stories and receiving support from their peers. Because of the stigma and misconceptions around OCD, those diagnosed with the condition may go years without receiving proper therapy or treatment.8 For this reason, support groups such as PeerVida can be incredibly helpful.
PeerVida Features and Services
Sessions with PeerVida offer a number of group oriented features to create a supportive and encouraging environment for members. Users can chime into meetings via computer or mobile device, making for easy access at any time. Group leaders provide a wealth of useful tips and coping strategies, as well as positive feedback.
Cost of the PeerVida Groups
Prices for the PeerVida services depend on the type of events being attended. Users can anticipate paying a fee every time they use the PeerVida platform.
Users can choose from two different meeting options:
- Scheduled Support Groups: $35 per session
- Online Community Events: $20 per person
Where to Find a PeerVida Group
All of PeerVida’s online support groups can be found on their website
7. Everything OCD Facebook Group
Everything OCD is a facebook group of over 23,000 members that provides information and resources regarding OCD. Posts are created to initiate discussions and share relatable, light-hearted, supportive content. A number of licensed therapists and psychologists specializing in OCD help create content for and manage the group.
About Everything OCD Facebook Group
Everything OCD was founded in 2012 by Leanne Schoenike, a Registered Nurse and mother of a child with OCD. Since then, the community has received attention from credible OCD institutions including NOCD and IOCDF. Everything OCD also offers private online support groups for individuals living with OCD and another specifically for their loved ones.
What Does Everything OCD Offer to People with OCD?
Research suggests that when used wisely, social media support groups can help those with OCD manage symptoms more effectively.9 Being involved in an active and supportive online community brings members together in a safe space to share personal experiences. Peer-to-peer support combined with licensed professional advice work to provide users a relaxed and inviting setting to learn important coping skills, treatment methods, and more. While this group doesn’t offer as many resources as other websites, it does fill a need for inclusion and sodality.
Cost of Everything OCD
Everything OCD and affiliated private groups are accessible to anyone with a Facebook account.
Where to Find the Everything OCD Facebook Group
You can find the Everything OCD page on Facebook:
- ‘Like’ or ‘follow’ their Facebook page to see their posts on your feed
- Join the Support 4 Everything OCD private Facebook group or the private Family & Friends Support 4 Everything OCD Facebook group by reaching out to one of the admins via messaging
Other Online Resources for OCD
Several authoritative websites contain a wealth of information regarding OCD treatments and ways to cope, as well as places to hear other stories from those with OCD.
8. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is a nonprofit organization that provides support, information, and resources for those with OCD. The foundation offers free virtual support groups and an online treatment directory. But, what sets them apart from other organizations is found within their information base.
What Is IOCDF?
The IOCDF began as a small support community in the 80s, and soon grew into a major international foundation. In addition to providing resources and support, they also offer training for mental health professionals to improve the standard of care for OCD. Additionally, IOCDF does a lot behind the scenes including providing training to clinicians, promoting advocacy/volunteering opportunities, and offering reliable information and resources on OCD.
IOCDF Features and Services
The IOCDF’s website boasts an incredible amount of accurate, helpful facts, and treatment options for those living with OCD. Users (and their loved ones) can learn more about symptoms, locate support groups, and uncover other resources to further support their recovery.
Educational resources include fact sheets, brochures, and articles written by field experts.
Users can also take advantage of free newsletters, publication recommendations, community events, and The Peace of Mind virtual group. Livestream events and conferences are offered occasionally for interactive discussions.
Cost of IOCDF Online Resources for OCD
The vast majority of IOCDF features are free, including their livestream events.
However, there are membership options available.
IOCDF subscriptions/plans include:
- IOCDF Annual conference: $210 for a one day pass or $340 for the full three days
- Community Member: $25 annual fee– additional newsletters, archives, and email updates
- Foundation Member: $55 annual fee– community member features plus discounted conference/event rates
Where to Find IOCDF Online Resources for OCD
The best way to access IOCDF resources is by visiting their website.
You can take advantage of IOCDF information via these helpful links:
- Access educational resources including books, articles, podcasts, fact sheets and more
- Read archived newsletters or sign up for free newsletters
- IOCDF’s free resource and treatment directory service (US only)
- View a listing of online and in-person community events and programs
- Visit the IOCDF’s site for information and resources for kids
- Visit the IOCDF’s resources on how to support a family member or loved one
- Join the IOCDF’s Peace of Mind Virtual Community to connect with others who have OCD and find out more about upcoming livestream events
- View a comprehensive listing of online and phone support groups
9. Beyond OCD
Beyond OCD is a website that provides accurate information regarding OCD, with a focus on raising awareness and reducing stigma around the disorder. Visitors can read articles, watch videos, and learn more about OCD symptoms and treatment options.
What Is Beyond OCD?
Beyond OCD was founded in 2018 and is run by volunteer members and mental health advocates. Their primary information comes in the form of articles, blogs, fact sheets, and short videos. They are passionate about advocating for further research into OCD to uncover more impactful treatment options.
Beyond OCD does not offer the same amount of information or resources as some of the other sites on our list, but the articles we read were helpful, informative, and accurate. The organization is fairly new to the online scene, so they are still working on expanding their database.
Beyond OCD Features and Services
The Beyond OCD website provides users with information about support groups, coping skills, and more. For those seeking information regarding a loved one, Beyond OCD provides insightful articles on how to identify symptoms and offer help. Posts with relevant treatment options, recovery guides, and video testimonials can be useful for visitors who are searching for expert advice.
Cost of Beyond OCD
Beyond OCD is a free website, with no premium subscriptions or hidden content.
Where to Find Beyond OCD
All of the content on Beyond OCD can be accessed via their website
10. The OCD Stories Podcast
The OCD Stories podcast is another great online OCD resource. The broadcast can be accessed directly from their website or most major podcast platforms. With hundreds of episodes available, OCD Stories can be a useful tool for learning more about OCD.
About OCD Stories
OCD Stories first began broadcasting back in 2015. Since then, it has amassed a large following of loyal listeners. Host Stuart Ralph interviews field experts regarding OCD symptoms, coping skills, treatment options, and more. Their lineup of speakers include bestselling authors such as Russ Harris among other therapists, specialists, and clinicians.
OCD Stories Features and Services
Podcasts such as OCD Stories can be beneficial to those who struggle with finding appropriate resources for managing OCD symptoms. Weekly episodes typically last around an hour and include conversational dialogues focused on sharing personal stories, highlighting OCD related news, and sharing insightful information. Listeners can tune in easily from any device with wifi capabilities.
Cost of the OCD Stories Podcast
The OCD Stories podcast is available for free and accessible on a variety of platforms.
Where to Find the OCD Stories Podcast
You can find the episode directory for the OCD Stories podcast on their website
Final Thoughts
OCD can be a debilitating mental health condition. However, with effective treatment plans, symptoms can be managed constructively. Finding a therapist with specialized knowledge and experience is the first step towards recovery. To do so, you can utilize an online therapist directory or seek out organizations such as NOCD or The Center for OCD & Anxiety.3,4 Moreover, online support groups, discussion forums, self-help apps and informational sites can also be helpful supplement treatments for those living with OCD.7
