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  • Getting a DiagnosisGetting a Diagnosis
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  • Therapy for OCDTherapy for OCD
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OCD OCD OCD Treatment Types of OCD Online OCD Resources

OCD Treatment: Therapy & Medication Options

Kerry Heath, LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S

Author: Kerry Heath, LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S

Kerry Heath, LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S

Kerry Heath LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S

Kerry, a licensed counselor in Arizona, specializes in eating disorders, mood disorders, PTSD, and more. She offers national supervision and is a recognized expert in her field.

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Published: July 13, 2023
  • Getting a DiagnosisGetting a Diagnosis
  • Most Effective TreatmentMost Effective Treatment
  • Therapy for OCDTherapy for OCD
  • MedicationMedication
  • Additional TreatmentsAdditional Treatments
  • Severe OCD TreatmentSevere OCD Treatment
  • Support GroupsSupport Groups
  • Is There a CureIs There a Cure
  • In My ExperienceIn My Experience
  • InfographicsInfographics
  • Additional ResourcesAdditional Resources

OCD can be treated with exposure and response prevention (ERP) and antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).1 Studies of both ERP and SSRIs show that, in the long-term, a substantial number of people with OCD have experienced a reduction of symptoms with both treatments.2 If traditional treatment methods don’t produce the desired result, some may require more intensive treatment.

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How Is OCD Diagnosed?

OCD is diagnosed when someone experiences the recurrence of obsessive thoughts and repetitive behaviors, and when these thoughts and behaviors significantly impair their life and ability to function. A psychiatrist or psychologist will diagnose OCD after a period of analyzing someone’s current symptoms and health history.

Why Is OCD Often Misdiagnosed?

OCD is often misdiagnosed because there is so much overlap in symptoms with complex trauma, anxiety, depression, and sometimes even ADHD. It can also be more complicated when someone has a comorbid disorder with their OCD.

What Is the Most Effective Treatment for OCD?

Generally, exposure and response prevention is the most effective type of treatment used to address OCD; however, the length of one’s illness, severity of symptoms, and treatment history all play a role in determining the best options.3 Other patients may choose to add medication management to their treatment plan to achieve greater impact on their progress.

OCD Therapy

Most often, OCD is treated with outpatient therapy, most commonly exposure and response prevention (ERP). Positive results can be seen as soon as four to six months. There are instances in which clients will require longer outpatient treatment or a more intensive treatment setting depending on the severity of their condition.

Therapy techniques used to manage OCD are:3,4

Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)

ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. In ERP for OCD, the client and therapist formulate a list of feared items (hierarchy of fears), then gradually expose the individual while avoiding the usual compulsive responses. This continues until they can manage the stimuli without the need to engage in the usual, ritualized behaviors.3,4

Habit Reversal Training

Habit reversal training (HRT) was originally used to help people manage symptoms of tic disorders and Tourette Syndrome. More recently, the treatment has been successful with OCD. HRT works to have the person challenge and end their compulsive behaviors through recording, awareness training, competing-response training, and habit-control motivation.9

Mindfulness-Based CBT

Mindfulness-based CBT trains people to have an observational instead of judgmental stance regarding thoughts, feelings, urges, and physical sensations. People with OCD are taught that the uncomfortable sensations are not the problem, but rather their reactions to them, they are encouraged to practice experiencing these sensations without engaging in rituals, avoidance, and reassurance-seeking behaviors.3,4

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

ACT is an approach to therapy that asks clients to be open to their negative feelings and accept them without judgment. ACT for OCD involves radical self-acceptance of all feelings and understanding that each emotion serves a purpose.

Psychodynamic Therapy

The use of psychodynamic therapy with OCD is a controversial subject with limited evidence-based psychodynamic therapy options. More recently, experts pointed to a specific form of psychodynamic therapy called short-term psychodynamic therapy (STPP) as a helpful option. This form of therapy uses 12 modules of treatment to address OCD symptoms.10

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Treatment for OCD

NOCD: Online OCD Treatment Covered by Insurance – Regain your life from OCD. Do live video sessions with a licensed therapist specialized in treating OCD. Treatment from NOCD is covered by most major insurance plans. Learn how you can use your insurance benefits. Visit NOCD

Talkiatry: Is OCD Medication Right for You? Speak with a Doctor – Talkiatry can match you with a psychiatrist who takes your insurance and is accepting new patients. They’re in-network with major insurers and offer medication management with supportive therapy. Free Assessment

Medication for OCD

If necessary, your therapist will refer you or your loved one to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner who can prescribe appropriate OCD medications, typically SSRIs. People may make the decision to add medications due to continued struggles after several months of therapy with only moderate progress. Most people can self-refer to a PCP or psychiatrist to discuss medication. If not, your therapist or PCP can make a referral.

Medications that can be used to treat OCD include:6

  • Clomipramine (Anafranil)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
  • Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Citalopram (Celexa)

*This is not a comprehensive list. You should talk with your doctor or psychiatrist about any medications you are prescribed or interested in taking.

OCD Medication Side Effects

SSRIs have side effects, but they are generally more manageable than clomipramine. Although all SSRIs appear to be equally effective, some people may respond well to one and not another. In choosing among the SSRIs, the prescriber will consider the pros and cons, past treatment responses, and the presence of any other conditions.

OCD Medication for Children & Teens

The use of medication in children with OCD and adolescents with OCD is dependent upon the age of the child, the severity of their condition, and whether there are any comorbidities along with their OCD, such as depression, that require treatment with a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) as well. If the child or adolescent has no other conditions and is young, CBT is suggested as the first option prior to utilizing medication. Medication is only added after a trial of CBT has been attempted with less than desirable results.8

Additional Treatments for OCD

For the patients who do not respond to the more traditional therapeutic approaches, there are several less common methods, including repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation. Some of these approaches do not have as much evidence to support their success rates, but some people and their teams may find them helpful for more severe symptoms.

Other types of treatment plans for OCD include:5

  • TMS for OCD: A non-invasive type of deep brain stimulation that is used to treat OCD and depression.
  • Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT): A brief electrical stimulation of the brain while the patient is under anesthesia.
  • Deep brain stimulation: First used for Parkinson’s disease, deep brain stimulation (DBS) places electrodes in the brain that are controlled by a generator in the chest. The stimulation is constant with frequencies tailored to the individual.11
  • Cingulotomy: A type of brain surgery that is a last resort for those with OCD.12

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What is the best therapy for OCD?

Exposure And Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) – Do live video sessions with a therapist specialized in ERP, the gold standard treatment for OCD. Treatment from NOCD is covered by many insurance plans. Start With A Free 15 Minute Call

Learn More

Treatment for Severe OCD

Occasionally a patient will require more intensive outpatient or inpatient treatment due to the severity of their condition or the presence of unmanageable co-occurring disorders. Intensive outpatient treatment consists of up to 10 hours of care each week. Inpatient care is usually reserved for the most severe cases.3

Intensive Outpatient Care

In intensive outpatient care, people usually meet with therapists, psychiatrists, and medical providers such as medical doctors or nurse practitioners who monitor their medications and health status. They will also participate in several hours of group therapy each week with other patients who have OCD. This allows them to hear from others dealing with the same condition. Family members may also participate in either group meetings or therapy appointments to learn how to support their loved ones.

Inpatient Hospitalization

In an inpatient setting, someone receives care from medical professionals 24 hours a day, seven days a week. One example for when this is necessary would be for someone with OCD who is so afraid of germs and contamination that they refuse to eat and require medical intervention. OCD can also exacerbate conditions such as anxiety and depression to the point that a person may become suicidal. Other times, the condition may be interfering with functioning to the point that intensive treatment is needed to break the OCD cycle.

Can OCD Support Groups Help?

Support groups utilize aspects of socialization and fellowship to help a person manage a challenging issue. Although OCD support groups lack professional clinicians and guidance, they may foster a sense of community and understanding that reduces loneliness and isolation linked to OCD. Support groups will generally not help reduce OCD symptoms, but they can improve other aspects of life. Online OCD resources can be a great place to start when looking for a support group. Remember, it is not recommended that you treat OCD on your own, so support groups should simply be one aspect of a holistic treatment approach.

Can OCD be Cured?

OCD cannot be cured. While OCD is likely genetic in origin, currently, we are not able to treat OCD at the genetic level to cure it.7 Consequently, the best option is therapy and/or medication for effectively managing the symptoms and achieving OCD recovery and symptom management. OCD is a chronic condition, which means that without intervention the condition will not likely go away on its own. The severity of OCD varies greatly, yet with professional intervention, treatment outcomes are positive in most cases.8

Although OCD can lead to increased distress and anxiety, some OCD traits can be helpful and result in people achieving higher than average levels of success, as evidenced by several famous people with OCD.

OCD Workbook

OCD Workbook

Our workbook includes our best OCD worksheets to help you understand OCD, challenge intrusive thoughts, and effectively care for yourself.

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In My Experience

Kerry Heath, LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S Kerry Heath, LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S
While OCD is a chronic disorder, there are many effective treatments. If you or someone you love is dealing with OCD, talk to a therapist who specializes in the treatment of OCD and is trained in ERP. Remember, you are not alone, and there are resources available to assist you and your family. Consider using an online therapist directory to find the right therapist for you.

OCD Treatment Infographics

How Is OCD Diagnosed? OCD Therapy Medication for OCD

Additional Resources

To help our readers take the next step in their mental health journey, ChoosingTherapy.com has partnered with leaders in mental health and wellness. ChoosingTherapy.com 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 Newsletter

A free newsletter from the experts at ChoosingTherapy.com for those impacted by OCD. Get helpful tips and the latest information. Sign-Up

Best OCD Therapy Online

Best OCD Therapy Online

To find the best online OCD therapy, our team reviewed over 50 providers. Many of these options accept insurance, prescribe medication, and provide peer- or therapist-led OCD support. The best, NOCD, offers evidence-based treatment from specialists, providing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy for OCD and its many subtypes.

Read more
Best Online OCD Resources Therapy, Apps, & Support Groups

Best Online OCD Resources

We evaluated numerous online OCD resources and treatment options to bring you our top recommendations. These platforms, apps, and podcasts provide trustworthy information and support, whether through peer communities or expert guidance. Whether you’re looking for therapeutic options, medication management, or education, this list – compiled by a clinical psychologist – will meet your needs.

Read more

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Sources Update History

ChoosingTherapy.com 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.

  • ADAA. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). (2020). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA

  • Burchi, E., Hollander, E., Pallanti, S. From Treatment Response to Recovery: A Realistic Goal in OCD, International Journal of Neuropsychopharmacology, 2018; 21(11): 1007-1003. https://doi.org/10.1093/ijnp/pyy079

  • Koran, L.M., Simpson, H.B.  Guideline Watch (2013) Practice Guideline for the treatment of patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. https://psychiatryonline.org/pb/assets/raw/sitewide/practice_guidelines/guidelines/ocd.pdf 

  • OCD Center of Los Angeles. (2019). OCD symptoms and treatment. https://ocdla.com/whatisocd

  • National Institute of Mental Health. (June 2016). Brain Stimulation Therapies. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/brain-stimulation-therapies/brain-stimulation-therapies

  • International OCD Foundation. (2021). Medications for OCD. https://iocdf.org/about-ocd/ocd-treatment/meds/

  • National Institute of Mental Health. Obsessive-compulsive disorder. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/

  • Wegner, A.P. (2006). What to do when your child has obsessive-compulsive disorder: Strategies and solutions. USA: Lighthouse Press.

  • Lee, M.T., Mpavaenda, D.N. and Fineberg, N.A. (2019, April 24). Habit Reversal Therapy in Obsessive Compulsive Related Disorders: A Systematic Review of the Evidence and CONSORT Evaluation of Randomized Controlled Trials. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6491945/

  • Leichsenring, F. and Steinert. C. (2016, September 22). Psychodynamic Therapy of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Principles of a Manual-Guided Approach. World Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5032496/

  • Alonso P, Cuadras D, Gabriëls L, Denys D, Goodman W, et al. (2015) Deep Brain Stimulation for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Meta-Analysis of Treatment Outcome and Predictors of Response. PLOS ONE 10(7): e0133591. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0133591

  • Lopes AC, Greenberg BD, Canteras MM, et al. Gamma Ventral Capsulotomy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Psychiatry. 2014;71(9):1066–1076. doi:10.1001/jamapsychiatry.2014.1193

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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.

May 13, 2025
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Added OCD Workbook with six worksheets.
July 13, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Added “How Is OCD Diagnosed?”, “Why Is OCD Often Misdiagnosed?”, and
“Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)”. New material written by Silvi Saxena, MBA, MSW, LSW, CCTP, OSW-C and reviewed by Kristen Fuller, MD.
February 21, 2023
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary Changes: Updated for readability and clarity. Reviewed and added relevant resources. Revised “OCD Therapy”. Added “Can OCD Support Groups Help?” and “Can OCD be Cured?”. New material written by Eric Patterson, LPC and reviewed by Dena Westphalen, PharmD.
May 27, 2021
Author: Kerry Heath, LPC-S, NCC, CEDS-S
Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, PharmD
Show more Click here to open the article update history container.

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