Over two years, two of our experienced reviewers evaluated NOCD and determined it to be an outstanding treatment option for individuals 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 five and older, NOCD therapy sessions range from $110 – $210, with coverage available through select insurance plans.
NOCD At a Glance
Cost: $110 – $210 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
Pros & Cons:
Pros - Provides specialized treatment for people with OCD (5+)
- Offers Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Provides a supportive community
- Treats subtypes of OCD, as well as 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
- Users don’t get to pick their therapist
Who is NOCD Right For?
- People with insurance who are seeking online OCD treatment
- People with OCD who live in areas where OCD specialists are scarce
- People wanting to connect with other people with OCD
- Those who haven’t been formally diagnosed but have obsessive-compulsive tendencies
- Kids (5+) with OCD
Preview NOCD:
NOCD is an app for individuals with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). NOCD offers exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, as well as mindfulness 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 $110 – $210 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.
Why You Can Trust My Review
Our NOCD review is based on first-hand use by two of our experienced reviewers. The first reviewer, Emily, conducted a full review of NOCD’s offering. Our second reviewer, Michelle, used NOCD by going through the sign-up process, meeting with an OCD specialist, trying and testing all the features, and interacting with the NOCD customer service team. Over the last two years, we’ve learned a lot about NOCD while also collectively testing and reviewing multiple other online therapy providers.
Most recently, based on our quantitative multi-point scoring criteria, NOCD scored 4.5 out of 5 stars. Our scoring criteria measure 30+ metrics across 13 categories, including quality of user experience, prescriber vetting, and more.
Review our scoring criteria for online therapy platforms here.
Review our complete editorial policies here.
Firsthand Experiences with NOCD
In our full NOCD review below, we’ve presented a deep dive into everything NOCD offers. Full reviews and breakdowns of services are valuable, but sometimes you just want to hear a clear recommendation from somebody who’s used the service firsthand.
Michelle Liu, MPH
Detailed Review of NOCD – What is 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 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 $110 to $210, 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, the self-serve option can be difficult to locate on their website, as NOCD encourages sign-ups primarily through phone consultations.
NOCD Therapy
NOCD offers ERP for OCD, which is a proven, evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). ERP is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT for OCD involves gradually exposing individuals to anxiety-inducing situations while preventing them from engaging in compulsive behaviors.1
According to NOCD, most of their 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 5+ with some providers having additional training and experience working with children and teens. Children and teens must have consent from a parent or guardian to sign up.
With NOCD, there are no subscriptions or monthly fees. The standard fee per session varies depending on the length of the session and your insurance coverage. You have the option to browse the therapist directory and choose your own provider, or be matched by a live agent during your initial phone call. When I spoke to a representative, they informed me that a therapist in my state was available the following day.
After you create an account with NOCD, you also gain access to OCD education and ERP exercises to do on your own, as well as a community message board. All of these extra features can be accessed through the website or NOCD’s convenient mobile app. The community message board includes posts from NOCD therapists and staff sharing tips and information, as well as members seeking support.
The NOCD clinician-guided videos available for different types of OCD include:
You can choose to watch, listen, or read through the exercise. Your therapist may even assign these exercises as homework to review during your session.
NOCD therapy sessions are held over live video via Zoom. Live sessions are either 30-60 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.
NOCD Custom Therapy
NOCD personalizes the entire treatment process for each member, enhancing therapy with licensed clinicians. During a live video diagnostic assessment, patients receive a tailored treatment plan from a licensed therapist. Additionally, patients can customize various aspects of their therapy, including their exposure hierarchies, compulsion prevention messages (acceptance-based), ERP schedule, and more.
NOCD App Tools: ERP Self-Guided 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 adherence to treatment. 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.
NOCD App Tools: SOS Tools
NOCD’s SOS feature provides members with immediate, clinically effective guidance during an OCD episode, using techniques from cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) 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,” and “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.
I believe the SOS feature empowers 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 are able to find and build an OCD-specific community support group. The platform provides this on the “Community” tab, which functions like a message board where you can post questions, comments, 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.
NOCD Cost & Insurance
NOCD therapy costs $110 – $210 per session, depending on the session length. Your therapist will work with you to determine what length 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 costs are as follows:
- 60-minute therapy session: $210
- 45-minute therapy session: $160
- 30-minute therapy session: $110
NOCD is available in all 50 states and 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.
NOCD can also 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. NOCD also accepts FSA and HSA funds as a form of payment.
Who Does NOCD Serve?
NOCD is for anyone diagnosed with OCD (5+) who desires evidence-based treatment online. It is available in all 50 U.S. States and 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.
OCD Community - Free To Join!
Join others who are overcoming OCD. Participate anonymously. Find support, connect, and overcome challenges with us. The community is managed by NOCD. Join The Community
NOCD Vs. Competitors
Presently, NOCD is the only online treatment platform that exclusively focuses on OCD. With NOCD, you can rest assured that all of the therapists on the platform specialize in treating OCD and are trained in ERP. Additional options for OCD support include Talkspace and BetterHelp, as well as Impulse Therapy, a self-help course designed specifically for OCD.
If you’re seeking in-person care, the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) offers a directory that allows you to search for OCD specialists in your area. You can narrow down your search by type of provider, ages served, gender, specialty, and more. Since IOCDF is a directory, each provider or clinic sets its own rates and may or may not accept insurance or provide telehealth services.
Cost: $110-210 per session
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Provides specialized treatment for OCD (5+) -
Offers ERP
-
Medication services not offered directly through NOCD’s platform -
Can be expensive without insurance
Price: $260-$360 monthly
Insurance Accepted? No
-
30k+ licensed therapists to choose from -
Same-day appointments often available
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Not OCD therapy -
Limited choice for initial therapists
Price: Initial session $299, follow-ups $175
Insurance Accepted? Yes
-
Quick and easy sign-up -
Offers, couples, teen (13+), & medication services
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Can be expensive without insurance -
Not much control over initial Therapist
NOCD Vs. BetterHelp
NOCD Vs. Talkspace
User Reviews
NOCD has a 4.9 star rating from 9.9K reviews in the Apple App Store and a 4.7 star rating from 1506 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 | 9.9K reviews
Positive reviews of NOCD on 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 of NOCD on 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 Android App Store - 4.7 stars out of 5 | 1.5K reviews
Positive reviews of NOCD on the Android App 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 in-demand support when faced with a trigger event.
Negative reviews of NOCD on the Android App 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.
Who May Want an Alternative to NOCD?
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.
Those Seeking Medication Alongside Their OCD Treatment - Learn Why
NOCD’s main offering is ERP therapy for OCD. The company does not directly offer psychiatry services or prescribe medication for OCD. However, in cases where members require medication management, NOCD therapists can work alongside an external medication provider to coordinate care.
People who want medication for OCD can find a psychiatrist using an online psychiatry platform. For example, Amwell or Talkspace offer psychiatry services on a per-session basis. Brightside Health, on the other hand, can offer psychiatry services as a subscription.
To learn more about these platforms, read our in-depth review of Amwell, Talkspace review, or Brightside Health review.
Those With Other Mental Health Conditions
NOCD only treats OCD and co-occurring disorders like anxiety, PTSD, and depression. If you are not experiencing OCD, NOCD is not right for you. For help treating disorders not connected to OCD, online therapy platforms like BetterHelp and Calmerry offer a wide range of therapy options with great subscription options.
To learn more about these subscription-based therapy options, read our comprehensive BetterHelp or Calmerry review.
NOCD Review – Our Final Verdict
“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.”
Frequently Asked Questions
What is NOCD?
NOCD is an online therapy service and digital mental health app for individuals looking for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment.
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 LGBT 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 $110 – $210 per session, depending on the session length. Your therapist will work with you to determine what length sessions you need. NOCD offers a free 15-minute consultation with one of their licensed OCD specialty therapists before getting started.
NOCD therapy costs are as follow:
60-minute therapy session: $210
45-minute therapy session: $160
30-minute therapy session: $110
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.
With NOCD, there are no subscriptions or monthly fees. Users pay a standard fee for each therapy session, which varies depending on session length and insurance coverage.
What is the Typical Time From Sign Up to a First Appointment?
With NOCD, it can take as little as 24 hours to start with your first NOCD appointment.
Can I Choose a New NOCD Therapist?
If you would like to change your therapist, you will have to contact NOCD directly by phone (312-766-6780) or email ([email protected]). You may either select a provider in the directory or request assistance being matched to a new therapist. There is no option to change your therapist on your own through the website or app.
NOCD Insurance: 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?
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?
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.
OCD Medication: Can NOCD Therapist 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.
Additional Resources
To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, Choosing Therapy has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. Choosing Therapy is compensated for marketing by the companies included below.
OCD Therapy
NOCD: Effective, Affordable, & Convenient OCD Therapy Do live, face-to-face video sessions with a therapist who specializes in treating OCD and get 24/7 support between sessions. NOCD is covered by many insurance plans and is available nationwide. Visit NOCD
Treatment from an Online Psychiatrist
Talkiatry OCD is treatable. Talkiatry specializes in OCD and provides personalized care with medication and additional support. Get started with a short assessment.
OCD Community - Free to Join!
Join others who are overcoming OCD. Participate anonymously. Find support, connect, and overcome challenges with us. The community is managed by NOCD. Join The Community
OCD Newsletter
A free newsletter from Choosing Therapy for those impacted by OCD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign-Up
History & News of NOCD
Year Founded: 2017
Founder: Stephen Smith
NOCD was founded in 2017 by entrepreneur Stephen Smith, a Pomona College student who was personally diagnosed with OCD. 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.2, 3
Since its founding, NOCD has raised over $12 million to help expand its reach across the United States.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 20,000 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
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.
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Norwood, R. (2020, December 1). NOCD entrepreneur Stephen Smith ’17 sees growth for treatment amid a mental health crisis. Pomona College. Retrieved from: https://www.pomona.edu/news/2020/12/01-nocd-entrepreneur-stephen-smith-17-sees-growth-treatment-amid-mental-health-crisis
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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
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: 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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