Treatment Approach

Treatment begins with a careful assessment of what you’re experiencing and how it’s interfering with the life you want to live. From there, we build a treatment plan together — a collaborative process where your insight and my expertise work hand in hand.

For OCD and phobias, the most effective approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and/or medication. More specifically, a form of CBT called Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) has the strongest research support. In some cases, a class of medications known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can also be helpful, ideally prescribed in coordination with therapy. For trauma-related concerns, I often use Prolonged Exposure or Written Exposure Therapy (WET).

ERP is typically provided in an outpatient setting — meeting once or a few times a week at a scheduled time. I also offer off-site sessions when practicing exposures in real-world settings would be most effective, as well as more intensive options of several hours up to three times per week, with email and text support included when appropriate.

When ERP and medication are combined, they are considered the first-line treatment for OCD, with about 70% of people benefiting. Still, treatment is never one-size-fits-all. You are the expert on your own life — and the goal is to create an approach that fits you.