Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Washington, DC
See all therapists in WashingtonNot accepting new clients

Lauren Kay Laich
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
My greatest reward is helping clients explore ways to change their lives, allowing them to feel hopeful about the future. I work from a person-centered perspective, allowing my clients to determine the pace & direction of therapy. I have extensive experience working with people struggling with various issues, such as depression, anxiety, trauma,
OCD
, addiction, & self-esteem. I use CBT, DBT, & Motivational Interviewing techniques, based on the needs of the individual. I believe that we all need someone to talk with who will really listen & accept us as we are, without judgment; this is my goal as a therapist.
Not accepting new clients

Dr. Gareth Harrison
Psychologist, PsyD, MBA
Verified
Verified
I endeavor to help clients better to understand the nature and nuances of their particular difficulties so that they can live a rich, meaningful life. I have experience helping people with a wide array of psychological difficulties, including
OCD
, anxiety, depression, anger, relational difficulties, and major life transitions. Before beginning my clinical psychology training I worked in business at multiple private-sector organizations - I leverage this distinctive combination of experience and expertise when working with all clients, and especially those who find their work lives impacted by their struggles.

Stephanie Woodrow
Counselor, LCPC, NCC
Verified
Verified
My areas of expertise are: Anxiety Disorders (Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, Generalized Anxiety, Illness Anxiety);
Obsessive
-Compulsive & Related Disorders (
OCD
, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding, Trichotillomania, Excoriation); and Tic Disorders (Tourette's, Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder).
Anxiety is a normal emotion. Without it, we wouldn't prepare for job interviews, study for tests, or move out of the way of an oncoming car. But for some, anxiety becomes overwhelming & interferes with daily living. When anxiety becomes maladaptive it can be distressing, scary & embarrassing. The good news is anxiety disorders are treatable. I work with individuals struggling with anxiety disorders,
obsessive
-compulsive disorder & related problems from a cognitive behavioral perspective. My goal is to work collaboratively with patients to help them achieve their individual goals, and live full & productive lives.

Lenka Glassman
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
My expertise lies in working with clients struggling with Anxiety,
OCD
, and Eating Disorders.
Choosing the right therapist is critical to achieving real results. I strive to create a compassionate and safe space where you can realize your strengths and full potential. At the same time, I use an honest and direct approach to help you achieve your goals. I work with children, teens, and adults in individual therapy and also offer parent coaching. My ultimate goal is for you to leave therapy feeling empowered, confident, and armed with the tools you need to create a life you love. I feel privileged in helping my clients on their journey to creating healthier relationships with themselves and others.
Not accepting new clients

Mindfulness Journey Inc
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW-C, LICSW
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I have personal experience with
OCD
, and I can tell you that ERP, when done correctly, can have a tremendously positive effect on your life.
Are your fears so intense that they are preventing you from living the quality of life that you want? Are the compulsions so strong that you feel you need to do certain physical and/or mental compulsions to feel better for the moment, only to have the fear come back just as intense? Do you have intrusive thoughts that are so disturbing that you are afraid to tell anyone for fear they won't understand? I am here to provide a safe and non-judgmental space for you to share your personal journeys.

Tishanna Hollins
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr. Hollins specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, body image concerns,
OCD
, panic disorder, anxiety disorders, PTSD/trauma, racial/ethnic/cultural-related concerns, and depression. Dr. Hollins combines evidence based treatments with a sense of compassion, collaboration, and a nonjudgemental approach.

Natalie Chaykin
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr. Natalie Chaykin specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia,
OCD
, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression. Dr. Chaykin is board-certified in biofeedback and practices therapy primarily from CBT/ACT and positive psychology perspectives through a health psychology lens to help patients manage stress, transition after an injury or disease, and cope with pain, loss, feeling “stuck,” anxiety, and depression.

Meme Rhee
Marriage & Family Therapist, PsyD, MFT
Verified
Verified
As a certified psychoanalyst, I specialize in treating teens and adults who struggle with depression; intense anxiety;
obsessive
-compulsive symptoms including invasive, disturbing thoughts; intolerable, painful emotions; high-conflict relationships; impulsive behaviors including suicidal and self-injurious behavior; substance and/or alcohol abuse; eating disorders, and post-traumatic stress symptoms. Our collaboration strives to help you find internal harmony. My method of investigation of the mind is designed to help you gain clarity in your thinking, achieve emotional containment and experience self-empowerment.

Lillian DePetrillo
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in trauma,
OCD
, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.

Sapna Doshi
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
20 Endorsed
Verified
20 Endorsed
Dr. Doshi specializes in the treating of eating disorders, body image concerns, behavioral weight management, pre & post bariatric counseling, insomnia,
OCD
, anxiety disorders, depression, and multicultural and identity-related concerns. She utilizes scientific, evidence-based approaches to inform her treatment with clients. She specializes in the use of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP).

Sara Petrasso
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Prior to that, I worked extensively in treating
OCD
, phobias, and eating disorders at a practice in NYC.
I work with individuals who feel their lives are hindered by unwanted or distressing feelings, or self-defeating patterns of behavior, and who experience depression, anxiety, anger, low self esteem, compulsive or impulsive behaviors, or relationship difficulties. By establishing more effective coping skills and responses, positive changes can develop and lead to a greater sense of fulfillment. I approach each individual treatment collaboratively, exploring the foundation of the problem, identifying problematic patterns, and then developing treatment goals tailored to the unique needs of each individual client.
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Frances Rekrut
Psychologist, MA, PhD
Verified
13 Endorsed
Verified
13 Endorsed
Compassionate therapy has the power to help people reflect, grow, and change. Using a warm and engaging approach, I collaborate with clients to develop treatment strategies that work based on research-based techniques. I specialize in working with clients struggling with relationship issues,
OCD
, grief and loss, and difficult life transitions, including changes in roles or identity.

James J. Gray
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Among the techniques I frequently use are: Exposure and Response Prevention for
Obsessive
Compulsive Disorder (
OCD
), Behavioral Activation, the cognitive therapies of Ellis and Beck, and finally, Cognitive Processing.
In my practice, I combine a scientific approach to therapy in the context of compassion and empathy for my clients. I try to express the Rogerian triad: empathy, congruence, and unconditional, positive regard of my client. Using this foundation, I customize the treatment to the specific needs of the client which are unique. My techniques are drawn from a variety of theoretical positions, primarily Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) supplemented by insights from Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, Radically Open Dialectical Behavioral Therapy, and Acceptance Commitment Therapy.

Mind Body Health
Psychologist
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
At Mind Body Health, we have psychologists who specialize in the treatment of anxiety disorders,
OCD
, trauma, eating disorders, insomnia, weight management and depression. We also have dietitians who work with you to help you achieve optimal health. We have a strong understanding of how your physical health and diet affect your mental health and vice versa. We use approaches based in research and tailor our interventions to each individual.

Carey Schwartz
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
Dr. Schwartz is a psychologist with many specialties including anxiety (
OCD
, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety), depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and substance use disorders. He typically works with late adolescents and adults from a variety of backgrounds. Dr. Schwartz primarily uses Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) though he frequently incorporates Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) skills training and acceptance-based approaches into his treatment.
Not accepting new clients

Changes Psychological Services, PLLC
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
2 Endorsed
Verified
2 Endorsed
Changes Psychological Services, PLLC specializes in providing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for adults with anxiety,
obsessive
-compulsive and mood disorders, including perinatal mood and anxiety disorders. CBT is an evidence-based, solution-focused and goal-oriented treatment, which focuses primarily on the here-and-now.
Washington, DC 20006
Not accepting new clients

Renee L DeBoard-Lucas
Psychologist, PhD
Verified
Verified
Accepting PCIT referrals! Dr. Renee DeBoard-Lucas is a licensed psychologist with over 15 years of experience treating trauma and anxiety in children, teens, and adults. She is passionate about using evidence based treatments because these treatments work and instill hope that people can get better! She is certified in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT) and is trained in Prolonged Exposure therapy. Dr. DeBoard-Lucas provides Exposure and Response Prevention and Habit Reversal Training for
OCD
& Tic Disorders. Dr. DeBoard-Lucas currently has openings for PCIT, for children age 2-7 years with behavioral concerns.
Washington, DC 20015
& Online

Carrie Holl
Psychologist, MA, PsyD
Verified
1 Endorsed
Verified
1 Endorsed
I am an empathic and experienced Cognitive-Behavioral (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapist. I also teach at Georgetown Hospital and the George Washington University, as well as serve on the
OCD
Mid-Atlantic Affiliate Board. My treatment aims are as follows: 1) provide direct symptom relief, 2) engage clients in treatment in a way that interests them, 3) appeal to strengths, 4) encourage overall treatment compliance, and 5) explain the clinical process in easy to understand language. Empowerment occurs with the recognition that mental health symptoms have predictable patterns. Symptoms are relieved through changing these patterns. Interactive readings and assignments are encouraged.

Maryam Khatami
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LICSW
Verified
Verified
My areas of expertise are: Anxiety Disorders (Specific Phobia, Social Anxiety, Selective Mutism, Separation Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Agoraphobia, and Generalized Anxiety);
Obsessive
-Compulsive & Related Disorders (
OCD
, Body Dysmorphic Disorder, Hoarding, Trichotillomania, Excoriation); and Tic Disorders (Tourette's, Motor/Vocal Tic Disorder).
Anxiety is a normal emotion that we feel when we encounter a threat or stressful situation, because anxiety signals us to respond to danger or to prepare for important situations. However, when anxiety becomes all-consuming and hinders our ability to function, then we find that our life becomes smaller, darker, and more limiting. Without the resources and tools to manage anxiety, life can feel daunting, but what if we can gain control of our lives with treatment and support? I wholeheartedly believe that there is hope and possibility to thrive and live fully while living with an anxiety disorder.

Neha Pancholi Patel
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified
Verified
Dr. Patel specializes in treating eating disorders and
OCD
. She also treats adolescent behavioral issues, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, personality disorders, low self-esteem, and self-injury. Dr. Patel is specialized in working with adolescents to decrease their maladaptive behaviors, learn and implement adaptive coping skills and increase positive interactions between the adolescent and family members. Dr. Patel is trained in Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and utilizes evidence based approaches with her clients.
See more therapy options for
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists
How long does OCD treatment take?
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.