Over the past three years, two of our experienced reviewers evaluated NOCD and determined it to be an outstanding treatment option for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). NOCD provides online, evidence-based therapy specifically for OCD and received an overall rating of 4.5 out of 5 stars in our independent review.
Available to individuals ages five and older, NOCD therapy sessions range from $120–$240, with coverage available through several insurance plans.
NOCD at a Glance
Cost: $120–$240 per session
Platforms: iOS & Android
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Pros & Cons:
Pros - Provides specialized treatment for people with OCD ages 5+
- Offers exposure and response prevention (ERP), one of the leading treatments for those with OCD
- Provides a supportive community
- Also treats depressive & anxiety disorders
Cons - Sign-up process can be difficult; NOCD’s preferred process requires booking over the phone
- Medication services not offered directly through NOCD’s platform
- Can be expensive without insurance
Preview NOCD
NOCD is an app specifically designed for people with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). NOCD offers exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, as well as mindfulness exercises for OCD. The NOCD app also contains immediate guidance to navigate an OCD episode, weekly tests to assess OCD symptom severity, OCD education, and motivational notifications.
NOCD treats children (5+), teens, and adults with OCD. Therapy sessions cost $120–$240 per session depending on the length of the session. Select insurance plans, including Kaiser Permanente, United Healthcare, Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, and more, are accepted. According to NOCD, most of its members with in-network insurance pay $50 or less per session.
Detailed Review of NOCD
NOCD is an online platform that offers evidence-based treatment for OCD. It earned 4.5 stars overall during our independent review. Therapy services are available for anyone aged 5+ in the United States and internationally. NOCD also offers extra features like OCD exercises and a community message board.
NOCD therapy sessions range from $120–$240, with many major insurance plans accepted. You can sign up by scheduling a free 15-minute consultation call, or through a self-serve sign-up option. However, note that the self-serve option can be difficult to locate on the website, as NOCD encourages sign-ups primarily through phone consultations. Clients typically have their first session with a therapist within seven days of signing up, but it could be as quick as same-day for some depending on availability.
Continue reading for a detailed review of our experience, as well as our scoring breakdown below:
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
NOCD Therapy
NOCD offers ERP for OCD, which is a proven, evidence-based therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder. It involves gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-inducing situations while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors.1
NOCD personalizes the entire treatment process for each member. During a live video diagnostic assessment, clients receive a tailored treatment plan from a licensed therapist. Additionally, clients can customize various aspects of their therapy, including their exposure hierarchies, compulsion prevention messages, ERP schedule, and more.
According to NOCD, most clients attend ERP therapy sessions twice a week for four weeks. However, session frequency and duration can vary depending on your individual treatment plan and preferences. Therapy is available to anyone five years old or older, with some providers offering more specialized treatment for children and teens. Anyone under 18 must have consent from a parent or guardian to sign up.
NOCD therapy sessions are held over live video via Zoom. Live sessions are either 30, 45, or 60 minutes depending on your treatment plan and preferences. Sessions are typically held twice a week for at least four weeks and then decreased, but ultimately you and your therapist can decide what treatment frequency and duration is best for you. NOCD therapists typically assign homework in between sessions, which is available through the website or app.
If a client isn’t happy with the therapist they chose or were matched with initially, they can seamlessly switch to a new provider by browsing other therapists offering care in their state or reaching out to the Member Advocate team and getting a new match.
Self-Guided ERP Exercises
The NOCD app offers self-guided exercises that walk you through identifying your obsessions, compulsions, and triggers while providing exposure exercises tailored to your needs. These exercises also allow you to track your distress levels during exposure activities and offer guidance on coping strategies. These self-guided exercises are especially valuable for those interested in starting exposure work but who may not yet feel ready to work with a therapist.
NOCD equips members with the tools and structure necessary to consistently engage in planned OCD treatment exercises, much like a mental gym. The primary challenge with these exercises is that they intentionally trigger anxiety, which can lower treatment adherence. To minimize these barriers, the app provides features such as loop tapes, customizable scripts and drawings, along with built-in reminders for exercises and helpful educational tips to keep members on track.
SOS Tools
NOCD’s SOS feature provides members with immediate, clinically effective guidance during an OCD episode, using techniques specifically tailored for OCD.
When an OCD episode occurs, members can tap the “SOS” button on their phone to receive instant support through mindfulness-based cognitive therapy (MBCT) and acceptance commitment therapy (ACT) for response prevention.
For example, if a member is struggling with obsessive thoughts, the app prompts questions like:
- “Are you experiencing an obsession or a compulsion?”
- “What is the obsession you’re facing?”
- “What triggered it?”
- “How intense is your anxiety?”
Based on the answers, NOCD offers personalized, acceptance-based therapy techniques to help the user manage the obsession without resorting to compulsive behaviors. The SOS feature can empower individuals with OCD by providing them with constant, accessible support, helping them live more freely knowing that assistance is just a tap away.
NOCD Community & Support Groups
NOCD users and therapists can build OCD-specific community support through the “Community” tab, which functions like a message board where people can post questions, stories, and coping skills. This feature allows you to connect with other people who are also experiencing OCD, which can help you to feel less alone.
Cost & Insurance
NOCD therapy costs $120–$240 per session, depending on the session length. Your therapist will work with you to determine what length of sessions you need. NOCD also offers a free 15-minute consultation with one of their licensed OCD specialty therapists. In-app features, including self-help tools and OCD education, are free.
NOCD breaks down its costs per appointment by session length:
- 60-minute therapy session: $240
- 45-minute therapy session: $180
- 30-minute therapy session: $120
NOCD partners with most major health insurance plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare. For this reason, NOCD earned 5 stars in our “Insurance & Out-of-Network Benefits” category on our scoring criteria. Learn more about whether your insurance is covered and verify your benefits on the NOCD insurance page. According to the company, most of its in-network members pay $50 or less per session.
If NOCD doesn’t take your insurance, it can assist with out-of-network benefits by providing a superbill you can submit to your insurance company. NOCD also offers payment plans if your out-of-pocket costs are too high. The payment plan allows you to pay off a portion of your balance each week. You can also use FSA and HSA funds as a form of payment.
Note that clients must reschedule or cancel their appointment within 48 hours to avoid a late cancellation fee of $100.
Who Does NOCD Serve?
NOCD is for anyone diagnosed with OCD (5+) seeking evidence-based treatment online. It is available in all 50 U.S. States and several countries internationally. NOCD specializes in treating OCD through online ERP therapy, with all therapists being highly trained and experienced in this specific approach. NOCD also has a community feature that allows you to connect with other people dealing with OCD.
User Reviews
NOCD has a 4.9 star rating from 12.4K reviews in the Apple App Store and a 4.7 star rating from 2.2k reviews in the Google Play Store. Most of the reviews of NOCD were positive and focused on the valuable tools and supportive community that the company provided. A small percentage of negative reviewers were dissatisfied with their therapy experiences.
Reviews from Apple App Store - 4.9 stars out of 5 | 12.4K reviews
Positive reviews from the Apple App Store include how much they enjoyed the self-guided exercises available in the app, the ease of finding an OCD specialist, and the easy-to-navigate app interface.
Negative reviews from the Apple App Store include having less personalized OCD treatment options from their therapists, having a poor experience with their OCD therapist, and difficulty finding more resources within the app.
Reviews from Google Play Store - 4.7 stars out of 5 | 2.2K reviews
Positive reviews of NOCD on the Google Play Store include how much they enjoyed the self-guided exercises available in the app, the easy-to-navigate app interface, and the ability to receive on-demand support when faced with a trigger event.
Negative reviews of NOCD on the Google Play Store include receiving generic OCD treatment (does not seem personalized to them), having a poor experience with their OCD therapist, and glitches on the Android version of the NOCD mobile app.
Alternatives & Competitors
NOCD exclusively offers services for people with OCD who are interested in online ERP therapy. Those with OCD who are seeking medication or those with other mental health conditions will need to seek out an alternative platform. If you’re looking for help for a more broad range of mental health concerns, BetterHelp or Talkspace will likely be a better fit. Brightside Health could also be a great option for someone looking for personalized care.
Best for Broader Therapy Needs - Betterhelp
Price: $260–$400 monthly
Platforms: iOS & Android
Insurance Accepted: No
BetterHelp is an affordable and accessible option for online therapy, though it does not accept insurance. While BetterHelp focuses solely on therapy, NOCD provides both therapeutic treatment and educational tools. However, BetterHelp covers a broader range of diagnoses beyond OCD.
When it comes to price, BetterHelp’s cost depends on which state you live in. That said, services start at $260–$400 monthly for weekly sessions, while NOCD ranges from $120–$240 per session with no subscription or added costs.
Learn more in our BetterHelp review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - 30k+ licensed therapists to choose from
- Same-day appointments often available
Cons - Not OCD therapy
- Limited choice for initial therapists
Best for Comprehensive Care - Talkspace
Price: $276–$436 monthly
Platforms: iOS & Android
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Talkspace provides a broader range of care compared to NOCD, covering more diagnoses. While Talkspace can offer medication management for OCD in addition to therapy, NOCD specializes specifically in online OCD treatment and includes additional self-help tools.
Although NOCD does not offer psychiatry services, it is the only platform dedicated exclusively to online OCD treatment. In contrast, Talkspace supports a wide array of mental health conditions and treatment services, making it a valuable resource for those seeking help with various mental health concerns.
Read our full Talkspace review for further information.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Quick and easy sign-up
- Offers treatment for couples and teen (13+)
- Can provide medication services
Cons - Can be expensive without insurance
- Not much control over initial therapist choice
Best for Insurance Coverage - Brightside Health
Price: $95–$349 monthly
Platforms: iOS & Android
Insurance Accepted: Yes
Brightside Health offers therapy and medication management for a variety of mental health concerns, not just OCD. The platform also offers a few extra resources, such as videos and coping skill exercises, in addition to its unique Crisis Care program for clients with more distressing mental health symptoms.
While NOCD charges per successful therapy session, Brightside uses a subscription model, costing between $95–$349 monthly depending on what services are needed. The highest payment tier includes four live therapy sessions per month and psychiatric care.
Learn more about the platform in our Brightside Health review.
Pros & Cons
Pros - Same-day appointments are often available
- Accepts a wide range of insurance plans
Cons - Cash-pay costs are high
- Some users complain about customer service being slow
Why You Can Trust My Review
“While we didn’t personally use the service (a licensed clinician must determine that a client likely has OCD during an introductory call in order to use the platform), we spent hours vetting the product and fact-checking our information to give you a thorough representation of what you’ll be getting into if you sign up for NOCD.
NOCD is an online platform designed specifically for treating OCD, combining ERP therapy sessions with a supportive community and self-help tools. It is well-suited for individuals experiencing OCD symptoms who prefer online treatment. NOCD offers a focused approach with high-quality services provided by skilled mental health professionals with specialized experience in OCD treatment.
However, NOCD may be less accessible for those without insurance coverage, as the cost can be high. Additionally, it might not be the best option for individuals who have not had success with ERP therapy in the past. Despite these considerations, I would recommend NOCD for those with OCD who are interested in trying ERP, particularly if their health insurance plan is accepted.”
History & News of NOCD
Year Founded: 2017
Founder: Stephen Smith
NOCD was founded in 2017 by entrepreneur Stephen Smith, who was personally diagnosed with OCD in college. His symptoms became so severe within six months that he was confined to his home, and it was only through treatment that he found relief.
As a former college athlete, Smith experienced a significant shift in his life due to OCD. Facing difficulties in accessing affordable and effective treatment, he eventually found improvement through ERP. Inspired by his own journey, Smith established NOCD to help others with OCD and provide the support he wished he had during his struggles.3
Since its founding, NOCD has raised over $84 million to help expand its reach across the United States and internationally.2 In 2020, a study conducted by Columbia University Medical Center and the New York State Psychiatric Institute on the efficacy of NOCD’s mobile app combined with live therapy was published in the academic journal Behavior Therapy. The clinical trial found that an eight-week course of NOCD’s program resulted in a clinically significant decrease in symptoms of OCD among participants.4
At the present time, NOCD holds over 50,000 therapy sessions per month in the United States and has over 100,000 engagements through its online OCD community. In the future, NOCD plans to continue to carry out its mission and expand its network to help make OCD treatment more accessible.3
Frequently Asked Questions
What Is NOCD?
NOCD is an online therapy service and digital mental health app for individuals looking for treatment for obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD).
How Are NOCD’s Therapists Vetted?
All NOCD therapists are licensed and have master’s or doctorate degrees in psychology, social work, or a related field. All therapists also have training and experience in treating OCD with ERP. Therapists may also have additional training in other areas, such as tic disorders, hoarding disorder, and trichotillomania, as well as LGBTQ+ competence. You can learn more by reviewing the NOCD therapist directory.
Is NOCD Legit?
Yes, NOCD is a legitimate company and service that’s been vetted against our business and medical standards. Its live video therapy has been shown to be as effective as face-to-face therapy.
How Much Does NOCD Cost?
NOCD costs $120–$240 per session, depending on the session length. Your therapist will work with you to determine what length of sessions you need. NOCD offers a free 15-minute consultation with one of their licensed OCD specialty therapists before getting started. There are no subscription costs, so you’re only paying whenever you have a successful therapy session.
NOCD therapy costs are as follows:
- 60-minute therapy session: $240
- 45-minute therapy session: $180
- 30-minute therapy session: $120
NOCD is available in all 50 states and is in-network with most major health insurance plans, including Aetna, BlueCross BlueShield, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare.
What Is the Typical Time From Sign Up to a First Appointment?
It can take as little as four hours to go from your introductory call to your first NOCD appointment, though this depends on therapist availability in your state. Users typically have a session within seven days of signing on to the platform.
Can I Choose a New NOCD Therapist?
Yes, inside the NOCD platform, users can view profiles of other therapists in their state and self-schedule with a new one at any time. Or, if you prefer, someone from the Member Advocate team can help match you with a new therapist if you call or email them.
Does NOCD Accept Insurance?
Yes, NOCD is in-network with most major health insurance plans that cover therapy, including Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, Humana, and United Healthcare in all 50 states. You can learn more about whether your insurance is covered and verify your benefits on the NOCD insurance page. According to the company, most of its members with in-network insurance pay $50 or less per session.
Can NOCD Offer a Superbill?
Yes, NOCD can provide you with a superbill to submit to your insurance company. To help members manage out-of-pocket costs, NOCD also offers interest-free payment plans if your out-of-pocket costs are too high.
Can I Use My HSA/FSA for NOCD?
Yes, NOCD accepts FSA and HSA funds as a form of payment.
How Do I Cancel My NOCD Subscription?
Yes, you can cancel your account with NOCD through the website or app. To do so, sign into your account and click “View profile.” From there, scroll to the bottom and select “Delete.” Your account will then be deleted.
Does NOCD Issue Refunds?
NOCD may offer refunds on a case-by-case basis. For more information, you can speak with a representative by phone (312-766-6780) or email ([email protected]).
Is NOCD HIPAA-Compliant?
Yes, NOCD is a secure and HIPAA-compliant service. To learn more, you can read the NOCD Terms and Conditions and NOCD Privacy Policy.
How Do I Login to My NOCD Account?
Upon opening the NOCD app, you are greeted with the login page, where you can easily sign in using your Google Account.
Can NOCD Therapists Prescribe OCD Medication?
No, NOCD therapists cannot prescribe OCD medication directly to patients. In cases where members require medication management, NOCD therapists can work alongside an external provider with expertise in medication management, coordinating care for a seamless experience.
Choosing Therapy strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Law, C., & Boisseau, C. L. (2019). Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current perspectives. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 12, 1167–1174. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6935308/
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NOCD – Crunchbase Company Profile & Funding. crunchbase. (n.d.). https://www.crunchbase.com/organization/nocd
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NOCD. (n.d.). Our story. Retrieved from: https://www.treatmyocd.com/about-us/our-story
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NOCD. (2020, June 8). NOCD announces results of a clinical trial on the efficacy of its mobile app integrated with exposure and response prevention for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Cision PR Newswire. Retrieved from: https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/nocd-announces-results-of-a-clinical-trial-on-the-efficacy-of-its-mobile-app-integrated-with-exposure-and-response-prevention-for-treatment-of-obsessive-compulsive-disorder-301071696.html
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Church, M. (February 5, 2025). BetterHelp Review 2025: Cost, Pros & Cons, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/betterhelp-review/
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Church, M. (February 11, 2025). Talkspace Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/talkspace-review/
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Church, M. (February 11, 2025). Brightside Health Review 2025: Pros & Cons, Cost, & My Experience. Retrieved from: https://www.choosingtherapy.com/brightside-health-review/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: Abigail Rueger, MA (new author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (no change)
Primary Changes: Added information on NOCD’s cancellation policy. Added Brightside Health to the Alternatives & Competitors section. Fact-checked and edited for readability and clarity.
Author: Michelle Liu, MPH (no change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (no change)
Primary Changes: Updated NOCD pricing throughout; Updated primary sources; edited for clarity and readability.
Author: Michelle Liu, MPH (no change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (no change)
Primary Changes: Updated language and edited for clarity; updates images
Author: Michelle Liu, MPH (no change)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (no change)
Primary Changes: Added new FAQ; Updated Cons section for NOCD; Added information about OCD medication management; Updated the care experience of NOCD; Added self-sign-up information.
Author: Michelle Liu, MPH (New Author)
Medical Reviewer: Kristen Fuller, MD (New Reviewer)
Primary Changes: Reassessment of NOCD and firsthand person impressions added; Added new FAQ; Fact-checked cost and offerings; updated style throughout. All new content was written by Michelle Liu, MPH, and medically reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
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