Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Encinitas, CA

Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help! Stella sees mental health challenges as injuries rather than disorders. Stella Mental Health San Diego, located in Encinitas, is led by Dr. John How, specializing in interventional treatments like Spravato (esketamine), TMS, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration therapy & more. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We have a new virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!
Are you experiencing symptoms from depression, anxiety, PTSD/PTSI, or Long COVID? We can help! Stella sees mental health challenges as injuries rather than disorders. Stella Mental Health San Diego, located in Encinitas, is led by Dr. John How, specializing in interventional treatments like Spravato (esketamine), TMS, ketamine-assisted therapy, stellate ganglion blocks (SGB), medication management, integration therapy & more. Get relief from symptoms like disrupted sleep, panic attacks, irritability, hypervigilance, difficulties concentrating, sexual dysfunction, and more. We have a new virtual Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)!
(760) 824-5376 View (760) 824-5376
Dr. Maria Meinerding
Psychologist, PhD
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with adults to help navigate a wide variety of life stressors and mental health concerns, drawing from my specialized training in treating trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, OCD, relationship and emotional distress.
As your therapist, I aim to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and understood as we navigate the hard stuff together. I will bring warmth and humor to our sessions, drawing from my training and my lived experiences as a queer woman raised in rural Ohio, a decade in New York City, and now a new mom in San Diego.
I work with adults to help navigate a wide variety of life stressors and mental health concerns, drawing from my specialized training in treating trauma, substance use disorders, anxiety, OCD, relationship and emotional distress.
As your therapist, I aim to create a space where you feel safe, seen, and understood as we navigate the hard stuff together. I will bring warmth and humor to our sessions, drawing from my training and my lived experiences as a queer woman raised in rural Ohio, a decade in New York City, and now a new mom in San Diego.
(858) 208-0047 View (858) 208-0047
Spenser Gabin
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
Waitlist for new clients
Anxiety and OCD are my specialties but I also have some training in alcohol and substance use issues, as I completed my practicum at Sharp McDonald Center and my associate hours at Bold Health.
The therapeutic relationship can be an invaluable opportunity to foster growth, take intelligent risks, and rewrite unhelpful narratives. Often the most important and difficult changes in life are internal. Moreover, the most critical changes can begin with the acceptance of a painful reality. Sometimes it is helpful to explore these realities with a supportive individual who has some distance from the situation. I find the most successful clients are curious about their own beliefs and feelings. While they want to be challenged, they also believe in the necessity of self-compassion.
Anxiety and OCD are my specialties but I also have some training in alcohol and substance use issues, as I completed my practicum at Sharp McDonald Center and my associate hours at Bold Health.
The therapeutic relationship can be an invaluable opportunity to foster growth, take intelligent risks, and rewrite unhelpful narratives. Often the most important and difficult changes in life are internal. Moreover, the most critical changes can begin with the acceptance of a painful reality. Sometimes it is helpful to explore these realities with a supportive individual who has some distance from the situation. I find the most successful clients are curious about their own beliefs and feelings. While they want to be challenged, they also believe in the necessity of self-compassion.
(760) 938-9839 View (760) 938-9839
Poorang Aurasteh
Marriage & Family Therapist, MA, LMFT
Online Only
Although, the Four Steps was originally created to treat OCD, my recent collaboration in the advancement of the Four Steps has shown that it is also successful for various circumstances including anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, and eating disorders.
My background in Neuroscience from UCLA combined with training in meditation, mindfulness and spirituality allows me to guide clients towards psycho-spiritual growth. I draw upon various therapeutic orientations especially from Depth Psychology, Object Relations and Jungian therapy. I provide treatment for clients in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.
Although, the Four Steps was originally created to treat OCD, my recent collaboration in the advancement of the Four Steps has shown that it is also successful for various circumstances including anxiety, depression, phobias, addiction, and eating disorders.
My background in Neuroscience from UCLA combined with training in meditation, mindfulness and spirituality allows me to guide clients towards psycho-spiritual growth. I draw upon various therapeutic orientations especially from Depth Psychology, Object Relations and Jungian therapy. I provide treatment for clients in a safe, secure and nurturing environment.
(760) 642-2804 View (760) 642-2804
Stacy Bonds
Psychologist, PhD
5 Endorsed
Online Only
I value working with clients facing all kinds of difficulties, but specialize in working with PTSD, anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship difficulties, sexuality, and gender issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has a warm and compassionate approach to therapy, which encourages active collaboration. I have a passion for walking alongside others in the midst of struggle. When you come to therapy, it’s like you are trying to climb a mountain; I am not at the top of your mountain but, rather, on another mountain, offering a different perspective, pointing out potential dangers, and helping you find the most effective path along your journey.
I value working with clients facing all kinds of difficulties, but specialize in working with PTSD, anxiety, OCD, depression, relationship difficulties, sexuality, and gender issues.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who has a warm and compassionate approach to therapy, which encourages active collaboration. I have a passion for walking alongside others in the midst of struggle. When you come to therapy, it’s like you are trying to climb a mountain; I am not at the top of your mountain but, rather, on another mountain, offering a different perspective, pointing out potential dangers, and helping you find the most effective path along your journey.
(858) 367-7274 View (858) 367-7274
Anya Greany
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, C-DBT
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in working with OCD, trauma, and LGBTQ+ clients, and I approach therapy with warmth, and curiosity.
I also know that trauma can shape the way you move through relationships, safety, identity, and your connection to yourself. Together, we work toward building a life that feels more grounded, flexible, and authentic, not one controlled by fear. My approach is collaborative and compassionate while still helping you move toward meaningful change.
I specialize in working with OCD, trauma, and LGBTQ+ clients, and I approach therapy with warmth, and curiosity.
I also know that trauma can shape the way you move through relationships, safety, identity, and your connection to yourself. Together, we work toward building a life that feels more grounded, flexible, and authentic, not one controlled by fear. My approach is collaborative and compassionate while still helping you move toward meaningful change.
(602) 962-8824 View (602) 962-8824
Dr. Becca Graham
Psychologist, EdM, PhD
3 Endorsed
Online Only
I specialize in OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as anxiety and trauma.
I believe you already carry the wisdom you need and that it is my role to support you and offer a space where your voice leads. My approach integrates relational cultural therapy with other modalities (self compassion, trauma informed, etc.).
I specialize in OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), as well as anxiety and trauma.
I believe you already carry the wisdom you need and that it is my role to support you and offer a space where your voice leads. My approach integrates relational cultural therapy with other modalities (self compassion, trauma informed, etc.).
(858) 771-0556 View (858) 771-0556
Dr. Anna Yam
Psychologist, PhD
3 Endorsed
Online Only
Painful sex. Pelvic pain no one can explain. A pregnancy or postpartum that feels nothing like you expected. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pelvic pain, vaginismus, and perinatal mental health, working with individuals and couples. With over 15 years in this field, I'll help you make sense of what's happening in your body and guide you through treatments that are proven to work, at a pace that feels safe, with support the whole way.
Painful sex. Pelvic pain no one can explain. A pregnancy or postpartum that feels nothing like you expected. I'm a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in pelvic pain, vaginismus, and perinatal mental health, working with individuals and couples. With over 15 years in this field, I'll help you make sense of what's happening in your body and guide you through treatments that are proven to work, at a pace that feels safe, with support the whole way.
(858) 430-8069 View (858) 430-8069
Sara Chamberlin
Psychologist, PhD
1 Endorsed
Encinitas, CA 92024
I work with first responders, military, law enforcement, corrections, and healthcare professionals carrying PTSD, complex trauma, nightmares, OCD, anxiety, and the weight of high-risk work.
I use the gold-standard treatments for trauma and anxiety: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares, and ERP for OCD. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and outcome-tracked. You'll know what we're doing, why, and how to measure whether it's working.
I work with first responders, military, law enforcement, corrections, and healthcare professionals carrying PTSD, complex trauma, nightmares, OCD, anxiety, and the weight of high-risk work.
I use the gold-standard treatments for trauma and anxiety: Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), Prolonged Exposure (PE), Imagery Rehearsal Therapy for nightmares, and ERP for OCD. Sessions are structured, collaborative, and outcome-tracked. You'll know what we're doing, why, and how to measure whether it's working.
(858) 208-3794 View (858) 208-3794
La Jolla Therapy Center
Clinical Social Work/Therapist
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
We have specialized training and experience treating anxiety/ OCD, depression, relationship conflict, and trauma.
We help kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety gain the confidence they need to put themselves out there and build healthy relationships. Our clients struggle just like you and your kids do. Despite being bright, academically high achieving, and able to seemingly balance it all, life is still hard. When they first come in, they are in a relentless cycle of never feeling “good enough” and are stuck comparing themselves to everyone else. They may start their day with reserved hope as they head to school, and come home a total wreck. You are doing your best, but you don’t always know the right thing to say.
We have specialized training and experience treating anxiety/ OCD, depression, relationship conflict, and trauma.
We help kids, teens, and young adults who struggle with anxiety gain the confidence they need to put themselves out there and build healthy relationships. Our clients struggle just like you and your kids do. Despite being bright, academically high achieving, and able to seemingly balance it all, life is still hard. When they first come in, they are in a relentless cycle of never feeling “good enough” and are stuck comparing themselves to everyone else. They may start their day with reserved hope as they head to school, and come home a total wreck. You are doing your best, but you don’t always know the right thing to say.
(858) 828-4936 View (858) 828-4936
Demet Çek
Psychologist, PhD
Online Only
I specialize in treating individuals with anxiety, OCD, addiction, and psychosis.
Remember the last time that you felt fulfilled. What did it take? Chances are that it was not the result of staying in your comfort zone. Opening up your inner world can feel vulnerable. Doing the work that it takes to reach your goals may not feel comfortable. And that’s the thing. Comfortable does not lead to growth. What can lead to growth is taking on new challenges with the guidance and support of a compassionate and experienced therapist. I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship that my clients may use for their growth, whether that means gaining insight, connecting with others, or managing distressing symptoms.
I specialize in treating individuals with anxiety, OCD, addiction, and psychosis.
Remember the last time that you felt fulfilled. What did it take? Chances are that it was not the result of staying in your comfort zone. Opening up your inner world can feel vulnerable. Doing the work that it takes to reach your goals may not feel comfortable. And that’s the thing. Comfortable does not lead to growth. What can lead to growth is taking on new challenges with the guidance and support of a compassionate and experienced therapist. I strive to provide a therapeutic relationship that my clients may use for their growth, whether that means gaining insight, connecting with others, or managing distressing symptoms.
(619) 554-0992 View (619) 554-0992
Allyson Ford Eating Disorder & OCD Therapist
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPCC
7 Endorsed
Serves Area
Has it become obsessive?
As an Eating Disorder therapist with lived experience, I know how daunting the recovery process can feel. While no two journeys are the same, my experience gives me deep empathy for anyone struggling. I take a psychodynamic, feminist and relational approach to help you find meaningful recovery. Above all, your self determination is a top priority to me.
Has it become obsessive?
As an Eating Disorder therapist with lived experience, I know how daunting the recovery process can feel. While no two journeys are the same, my experience gives me deep empathy for anyone struggling. I take a psychodynamic, feminist and relational approach to help you find meaningful recovery. Above all, your self determination is a top priority to me.
(619) 273-0636 View (619) 273-0636
ADR Wellness
Marriage & Family Therapist Associate, AMFT
2 Endorsed
Serves Area
I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and attachment-related wounds.
I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of theories and techniques to best meet each client’s unique needs. My goal is to use the methods that you respond to most effectively, ensuring that our work together feels personalized and supportive.
I work with individuals who are struggling with anxiety, OCD, and attachment-related wounds.
I take an integrative approach to therapy, drawing from a variety of theories and techniques to best meet each client’s unique needs. My goal is to use the methods that you respond to most effectively, ensuring that our work together feels personalized and supportive.
(442) 233-6648 View (442) 233-6648
Anxiety, OCD & Couples Therapy
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
I specialize in working with individuals facing high anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD), using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a gold-standard treatment that works.
Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, navigating relationship challenges, or just need a place to sort through life’s stressors, I’m here to help. You'll leave sessions with a clear understanding of why your brain is getting stuck and practical exercises to help you respond differently during the week
I specialize in working with individuals facing high anxiety and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD), using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a gold-standard treatment that works.
Whether you're seeking relief from anxiety, navigating relationship challenges, or just need a place to sort through life’s stressors, I’m here to help. You'll leave sessions with a clear understanding of why your brain is getting stuck and practical exercises to help you respond differently during the week
(831) 291-4360 View (831) 291-4360
Chelsie Giambrone
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW, MA, BCD, LCSW, LISW-S, LICDC
Serves Area
Waitlist for new clients
This includes generalized anxiety/worry, OCD, phobias, panic, social anxiety, perfectionism/high achiever issues, PTSD, phase of life adjustment, acute/chronic stress, medical/dental anxiety and avoidance, health anxiety, BDD, ARFID, Anorexia and eating/food fears.
Beyond standard sessions, we offer Exposure Intensives. Intensives are 3 hour Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) sessions for phobias, panic, OCD or PTSD. Intensive sessions accelerate treatment and provide more immediate symptom relief. Home and community sessions are available.
This includes generalized anxiety/worry, OCD, phobias, panic, social anxiety, perfectionism/high achiever issues, PTSD, phase of life adjustment, acute/chronic stress, medical/dental anxiety and avoidance, health anxiety, BDD, ARFID, Anorexia and eating/food fears.
Beyond standard sessions, we offer Exposure Intensives. Intensives are 3 hour Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP) or Prolonged Exposure (PE) sessions for phobias, panic, OCD or PTSD. Intensive sessions accelerate treatment and provide more immediate symptom relief. Home and community sessions are available.
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Dr. Nina Petit de Mange
Psychologist, PsyD
1 Endorsed
Serves Area
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and OCD using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Your mind never seems to stop. You replay conversations, question whether you made the right decision, worry about making mistakes, or feel trapped in cycles of overthinking. Maybe you're dealing with intrusive thoughts that don't match your values, panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere, or perfectionism that's making work and relationships exhausting. The very qualities that helped you succeed may now be keeping you stuck. Many of my clients are high-functioning adults and ambitious kids. They don't need help becoming more successful - they need help managing the anxiety that gets in the way.
I specialize in treating anxiety disorders and OCD using Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).
Your mind never seems to stop. You replay conversations, question whether you made the right decision, worry about making mistakes, or feel trapped in cycles of overthinking. Maybe you're dealing with intrusive thoughts that don't match your values, panic attacks that seem to come out of nowhere, or perfectionism that's making work and relationships exhausting. The very qualities that helped you succeed may now be keeping you stuck. Many of my clients are high-functioning adults and ambitious kids. They don't need help becoming more successful - they need help managing the anxiety that gets in the way.
(760) 437-1498 View (760) 437-1498
Sally Del Vecchio
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, MS, CA, NV, ADHDCCP
7 Endorsed
Online Only
I have experience working with clients who have ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, OCD, PTSD, Self-Esteem issues, Social Anxiety, Trauma, Relationship Issues, and family of origin issues.
I believe that together in a therapeutic setting, you can learn to embrace and explore many different parts of your life that can be uncomfortable or cause distress. By leaning into these often uncomfortable areas, you also open yourself up to new solutions, new ideas, and a fuller, more alive experience.
I have experience working with clients who have ADHD, Anxiety, Bipolar, Depression, OCD, PTSD, Self-Esteem issues, Social Anxiety, Trauma, Relationship Issues, and family of origin issues.
I believe that together in a therapeutic setting, you can learn to embrace and explore many different parts of your life that can be uncomfortable or cause distress. By leaning into these often uncomfortable areas, you also open yourself up to new solutions, new ideas, and a fuller, more alive experience.
(805) 243-3529 View (805) 243-3529
Robert Miller
Psychologist, PhD
Serves Area
If you're suffering from depression, traumatic memories, anxiety, or OCD, Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT) can restore your effectiveness in the world and the balance in your life.
For behavioral addictions (e.g., sex, gambling, shopping), and substance addictions, ImTT eliminates both the positive fixated memories and the emotional avoidance dynamics that create addictive behaviors. For behavioral addictions, successful treatment means a return to normal, healthy behavior -- i.e., gamblers can gamble, sex addicts have sex, etc.
If you're suffering from depression, traumatic memories, anxiety, or OCD, Image Transformation Therapy (ImTT) can restore your effectiveness in the world and the balance in your life.
For behavioral addictions (e.g., sex, gambling, shopping), and substance addictions, ImTT eliminates both the positive fixated memories and the emotional avoidance dynamics that create addictive behaviors. For behavioral addictions, successful treatment means a return to normal, healthy behavior -- i.e., gamblers can gamble, sex addicts have sex, etc.
(626) 465-3163 View (626) 465-3163
Hanna Tannenbaum
Psychologist, PsyD
3 Endorsed
Serves Area
Hanna is passionate about supporting teens and adults struggling with OCD, life transitions, relationships, anxiety, and depression, as well as performance anxiety, transitions after injury, and identity.
Dr. Hanna integrates psychodynamic and behavioral therapy, helping clients understand how early experiences and internalized expectations shape present patterns. She takes a whole-person approach, addressing emotional well-being, physical stress, relationships, and meaning — not just symptoms.
Hanna is passionate about supporting teens and adults struggling with OCD, life transitions, relationships, anxiety, and depression, as well as performance anxiety, transitions after injury, and identity.
Dr. Hanna integrates psychodynamic and behavioral therapy, helping clients understand how early experiences and internalized expectations shape present patterns. She takes a whole-person approach, addressing emotional well-being, physical stress, relationships, and meaning — not just symptoms.
(760) 417-6056 View (760) 417-6056
Teresa Peterson
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor, MA, LPCC
2 Endorsed
Online Only
I primarily work with adults struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, disordered eating, and relationship challenges of all kinds.
I am an OCD and trauma therapist with an integrative approach to mental health. This means, we look at all the determinants of your health (occupation, body, relational, emotional, spiritual, environment) in making plans for what practices will best serve your needs and goals in therapy.
I primarily work with adults struggling with obsessive compulsive disorder, trauma, disordered eating, and relationship challenges of all kinds.
I am an OCD and trauma therapist with an integrative approach to mental health. This means, we look at all the determinants of your health (occupation, body, relational, emotional, spiritual, environment) in making plans for what practices will best serve your needs and goals in therapy.
(858) 365-9111 View (858) 365-9111

See more therapy options for Encinitas

Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists
How long does OCD treatment take?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?
Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?
Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?
Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.