Photo of Margaret Christopher, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in California, PA
Margaret Christopher
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, PhD, LCSW, ACSW
Verified Verified
California, PA 15419
As a licensed clinical social worker with more than 40 years experience of working with families and individuals of all ages, I find that the most effective approach is one that is strengths-based with a strong emphasis on helping clients solve the problems that bring them to me for therapy and also on helping them develop powerful resiliency characteristics that allow for future problem-solving, conflict resolution, goal-attainment, wellness, and life satisfaction. My ideal client is one who likes to learn. Trauma survivors, in particular, do well with this approach.
As a licensed clinical social worker with more than 40 years experience of working with families and individuals of all ages, I find that the most effective approach is one that is strengths-based with a strong emphasis on helping clients solve the problems that bring them to me for therapy and also on helping them develop powerful resiliency characteristics that allow for future problem-solving, conflict resolution, goal-attainment, wellness, and life satisfaction. My ideal client is one who likes to learn. Trauma survivors, in particular, do well with this approach.
(724) 227-0660 View (724) 227-0660

Online Therapists

Photo of Kathleen Moore, Licensed Professional Counselor in California, PA
Kathleen Moore
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
Indiana, PA 15701
We could all benefit from a non-judgmental person who will listen to us, collaborate and empower us to make changes in our lives. I am a strength based, solution focused therapy. I encourage and support individuals, couples and families to achieve wellness by providing a safe environment for processing emotions mindfully and teaching coping skills. I focus on guiding individuals in cultivating a healthy balance in activities and relationships while learning to cope with life’s stressors. https://www.therapyportal.com/p/transforming15701/.
We could all benefit from a non-judgmental person who will listen to us, collaborate and empower us to make changes in our lives. I am a strength based, solution focused therapy. I encourage and support individuals, couples and families to achieve wellness by providing a safe environment for processing emotions mindfully and teaching coping skills. I focus on guiding individuals in cultivating a healthy balance in activities and relationships while learning to cope with life’s stressors. https://www.therapyportal.com/p/transforming15701/.
(412) 600-0863 View (412) 600-0863
Photo of Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh, Licensed Professional Counselor in California, PA
Counseling and Wellness Center of Pittsburgh
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC , PhD, LMFT, LCSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Greensburg, PA 15601
We provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families through Western Pennsylvania. Whether you are seeking treatment as an individual adult, a child, or teen, our multi-specialty approach will support your goals of resolving emotional, psychological, and relationship issues. For couples and families, our mental health specialists are experts in supporting your relationship as you gain greater friendship, intimacy, and communication barriers.
We provide counseling services to individuals, couples and families through Western Pennsylvania. Whether you are seeking treatment as an individual adult, a child, or teen, our multi-specialty approach will support your goals of resolving emotional, psychological, and relationship issues. For couples and families, our mental health specialists are experts in supporting your relationship as you gain greater friendship, intimacy, and communication barriers.
(878) 213-4810 View (878) 213-4810
Photo of Amy Schafer, Licensed Professional Counselor in California, PA
Amy Schafer
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15236
I strongly believe that all people have the ability to live their best life when given the opportunity and the right tools for them. Each journey is just as unique as the individual who embarks on it. The work I do with clients is person centered, motivationally driven, and tailored to meet the needs of each person no matter where they are on their therapeutic journey. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or have decided to try again, I would be honored to meet you where you are and guide you toward reaching your personal goals.
I strongly believe that all people have the ability to live their best life when given the opportunity and the right tools for them. Each journey is just as unique as the individual who embarks on it. The work I do with clients is person centered, motivationally driven, and tailored to meet the needs of each person no matter where they are on their therapeutic journey. Whether this is your first time seeking therapy, or have decided to try again, I would be honored to meet you where you are and guide you toward reaching your personal goals.
(412) 419-0927 View (412) 419-0927
Photo of Adam Bernstein, Licensed Professional Counselor in California, PA
Adam Bernstein
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15212  (Online Only)
Fulfilling our potential is a lifelong journey of becoming more at peace with ourselves, deepening the intimacy in our relationships, being more authentically human, and feeling more alive each day. Along the way, certain challenges arise to cause us distress or confusion. Such moments can make us feel held back, afraid, or unsure of where to go from here. But these moments can also be the points of growth and healing from which we renew ourselves in ways we did not think possible.
Fulfilling our potential is a lifelong journey of becoming more at peace with ourselves, deepening the intimacy in our relationships, being more authentically human, and feeling more alive each day. Along the way, certain challenges arise to cause us distress or confusion. Such moments can make us feel held back, afraid, or unsure of where to go from here. But these moments can also be the points of growth and healing from which we renew ourselves in ways we did not think possible.
(610) 601-3637 View (610) 601-3637
Photo of Jennifer Ruth Rozell-Whitaker, Licensed Professional Counselor in California, PA
Jennifer Ruth Rozell-Whitaker
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC, ATR-BC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15221
Choosing to start therapy takes courage. It's not easy to look within one's self and challenge yourself to change. In our work together, I will support you in your journey towards personal growth, discovery and change. As an Art Therapist, I believe that engaging in the art process has a powerful way of touching the deepest aspects of one's soul. Through creative approaches in therapy, you can connect authentically with yourself and thrive. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I can help each person use the process to grow.
Choosing to start therapy takes courage. It's not easy to look within one's self and challenge yourself to change. In our work together, I will support you in your journey towards personal growth, discovery and change. As an Art Therapist, I believe that engaging in the art process has a powerful way of touching the deepest aspects of one's soul. Through creative approaches in therapy, you can connect authentically with yourself and thrive. Regardless of what brings you to therapy, I can help each person use the process to grow.
(878) 768-7027 View (878) 768-7027
Photo of Mary Pollock, Licensed Professional Counselor in California, PA
Mary Pollock
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LPC, NCC
Verified Verified
Hermitage, PA 16148
In the current world of ongoing and chronic stress, life issues can interfere with anyone's ability to live their life to the fullest. Sometimes these issues are life crises like the death of a loved one, new life phases like parenting and adjusting to a new born, or downsizing when the last child leaves home. Sometimes these issues are related to efforts to manage what feels like overwhelming stress with things like the over use of alcohol, drugs, video games, gambling, eating, anger or other less productive behaviors. Depression, anxiety, sleep issues and worry can all result from the experience of daily life. Counseling can help.
In the current world of ongoing and chronic stress, life issues can interfere with anyone's ability to live their life to the fullest. Sometimes these issues are life crises like the death of a loved one, new life phases like parenting and adjusting to a new born, or downsizing when the last child leaves home. Sometimes these issues are related to efforts to manage what feels like overwhelming stress with things like the over use of alcohol, drugs, video games, gambling, eating, anger or other less productive behaviors. Depression, anxiety, sleep issues and worry can all result from the experience of daily life. Counseling can help.
(878) 201-4854 View (878) 201-4854

See more therapy options for California

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.