Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Penn Hills, PA
I provide individualized and integrative care around depression, anxiety, and grief. I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional equipped to help clients manage loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other life changes.
I also specialize in supporting clients dealing with mental illness impacting their loved ones. This may include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia or other cognitive disorders. You may be experiencing psychological and physical distress due to an increase in caregiver responsibilities or can benefit from support and education related to their illness.
I provide individualized and integrative care around depression, anxiety, and grief. I am a Certified Grief Informed Professional equipped to help clients manage loss—whether it’s the death of a loved one, the end of a relationship, or other life changes.
I also specialize in supporting clients dealing with mental illness impacting their loved ones. This may include mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, dementia or other cognitive disorders. You may be experiencing psychological and physical distress due to an increase in caregiver responsibilities or can benefit from support and education related to their illness.
I believe I have the gift of assisting those in need by building a bridge of wholeness and compassion for people to live their best lives through actively listening and creating an atmosphere of change. By including the Pneuma Biopsychosocial model in navigating all aspects of Health and Wellness we will discover lasting growth and change and maybe even find joy and peace along the way.
I believe I have the gift of assisting those in need by building a bridge of wholeness and compassion for people to live their best lives through actively listening and creating an atmosphere of change. By including the Pneuma Biopsychosocial model in navigating all aspects of Health and Wellness we will discover lasting growth and change and maybe even find joy and peace along the way.
You may be feeling anxious, sad, depressed, overwhelmed, misunderstood, and lonely right now. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and I applaud you for reaching out. I am passionate about bringing healing to those who have been through traumatic and stressful experiences. I provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals dealing with issues related to anxiety, depression, stress, personality disorders, substance abuse, trauma, panic disorder, life transitions, etc. I will provide a thorough assessment to aid in identifying specific concerns and will modify my therapeutic approaches to match your individualized needs.
You may be feeling anxious, sad, depressed, overwhelmed, misunderstood, and lonely right now. It takes a lot of courage to ask for help, and I applaud you for reaching out. I am passionate about bringing healing to those who have been through traumatic and stressful experiences. I provide psychotherapy and counseling to individuals dealing with issues related to anxiety, depression, stress, personality disorders, substance abuse, trauma, panic disorder, life transitions, etc. I will provide a thorough assessment to aid in identifying specific concerns and will modify my therapeutic approaches to match your individualized needs.
I'm an experienced, licensed psychologist who helps people get "unstuck" from unhelpful behavior patterns. Whether you're facing a temporary, difficult life situation or struggling with more long-standing problems like depression or anxiety, I can help. My style is direct and active - I don't simply nod my head while you talk. I'll listen closely, we'll work together on the problem and I'll offer you supportive, non-judgmental and practical feedback that will help you to navigate through the issue as quickly and effectively as possible.
I'm an experienced, licensed psychologist who helps people get "unstuck" from unhelpful behavior patterns. Whether you're facing a temporary, difficult life situation or struggling with more long-standing problems like depression or anxiety, I can help. My style is direct and active - I don't simply nod my head while you talk. I'll listen closely, we'll work together on the problem and I'll offer you supportive, non-judgmental and practical feedback that will help you to navigate through the issue as quickly and effectively as possible.
Life challenges can be overwhelming and stressful. Individuals, families and couples can be effected by these issues . If you are feeling anxious, depressed or suffering from emotional or substance uses issues, experiencing family or relationship conflicts, let my years of experience working with children, adults, families and couples, assist. My approach for families and couples, is exploring patterns in relationship dynamics, providing insight and improving communication . I have worked with adults and children to develop coping skills to manage emotional issues. Therapy is client centered, strength based and the goal is to empower and reach full potential.
Life challenges can be overwhelming and stressful. Individuals, families and couples can be effected by these issues . If you are feeling anxious, depressed or suffering from emotional or substance uses issues, experiencing family or relationship conflicts, let my years of experience working with children, adults, families and couples, assist. My approach for families and couples, is exploring patterns in relationship dynamics, providing insight and improving communication . I have worked with adults and children to develop coping skills to manage emotional issues. Therapy is client centered, strength based and the goal is to empower and reach full potential.
I am doing Telehealth which I find to be effective. I have a great passion for working with my clients. Much of my current focus is working with individuals who have concerns related to: 1. building and sustaining stronger relationships (partner, work, family, etc.) 2. issues of anxiety, panic, and depression - including loss/grief. 3. Work and career challenges, including the high stress of balancing work and personal life. I've also been successful with clients who not only want to get out of the "rut" of the their lives, but who also want to explore their desire for genuine happiness, contentment, and peace of mind.
I am doing Telehealth which I find to be effective. I have a great passion for working with my clients. Much of my current focus is working with individuals who have concerns related to: 1. building and sustaining stronger relationships (partner, work, family, etc.) 2. issues of anxiety, panic, and depression - including loss/grief. 3. Work and career challenges, including the high stress of balancing work and personal life. I've also been successful with clients who not only want to get out of the "rut" of the their lives, but who also want to explore their desire for genuine happiness, contentment, and peace of mind.
More Therapists Nearby
I work with adults navigating through intrusive thoughts, anxiety, perfectionism, or mental rituals often connected to OCD, PTSD, or overlapping symptoms that do not quite have a clear name yet.
I specialize in supporting adults with OCD, PTSD, and other co-occurring disorders. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, ERP, and CBT to help clients manage intrusive thoughts, process past experiences, and build coping skills. Together, we work toward lasting relief, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of balance in your life.
I work with adults navigating through intrusive thoughts, anxiety, perfectionism, or mental rituals often connected to OCD, PTSD, or overlapping symptoms that do not quite have a clear name yet.
I specialize in supporting adults with OCD, PTSD, and other co-occurring disorders. I use evidence-based approaches like EMDR, ERP, and CBT to help clients manage intrusive thoughts, process past experiences, and build coping skills. Together, we work toward lasting relief, greater confidence, and a stronger sense of balance in your life.
Whether you or a loved one are dealing with self-esteem, anxiety/ OCD, depression, ADHD, attachment issues, conflict resolution, anger, stress, substances, or grief, Emerson is here to help.
Emerson has dedicated much of his career to working with children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing individual support to adults. He takes a Solution-Focused approach, integrating CBT and Positive Psychology techniques. Additionally, Emerson is equipped with certifications in Brainspotting and Motivational Interviewing for specialized care.
Whether you or a loved one are dealing with self-esteem, anxiety/ OCD, depression, ADHD, attachment issues, conflict resolution, anger, stress, substances, or grief, Emerson is here to help.
Emerson has dedicated much of his career to working with children, adolescents, and families, as well as providing individual support to adults. He takes a Solution-Focused approach, integrating CBT and Positive Psychology techniques. Additionally, Emerson is equipped with certifications in Brainspotting and Motivational Interviewing for specialized care.
You want to be successful and self-assured, but your anxiety or depression has left you struggling with confidence and unsure of who you are. You may even feel confused as to what emotions you are experiencing or why you are feeling this way. This could be affecting your relationships, your work, or other areas of your life, and you're tired of pretending everything is fine when it's not. One thing is for certain: you're ready for relief. You're ready to feel good about yourself, to learn how to navigate these thoughts and feelings. You're ready to feel peace.
You want to be successful and self-assured, but your anxiety or depression has left you struggling with confidence and unsure of who you are. You may even feel confused as to what emotions you are experiencing or why you are feeling this way. This could be affecting your relationships, your work, or other areas of your life, and you're tired of pretending everything is fine when it's not. One thing is for certain: you're ready for relief. You're ready to feel good about yourself, to learn how to navigate these thoughts and feelings. You're ready to feel peace.
Carissa Atkinson
Licensed Professional Counselor, MS, LPC
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Waitlist for new clients
My clinical experience began in general private practice, and I later moved on to develop a more specialized treatment approach through an internship with The Center for OCD and Anxiety in August 2020.
My treatment approach involves 3 phases: building insight & awareness around delineating between OCD-related intrusive thoughts & your own logical thought processes; developing skills to properly manage & dismiss intrusive thoughts & compulsive urges; and structuring effective, yet manageable, exposures to build distress tolerance & desensitize to triggers.
My clinical experience began in general private practice, and I later moved on to develop a more specialized treatment approach through an internship with The Center for OCD and Anxiety in August 2020.
My treatment approach involves 3 phases: building insight & awareness around delineating between OCD-related intrusive thoughts & your own logical thought processes; developing skills to properly manage & dismiss intrusive thoughts & compulsive urges; and structuring effective, yet manageable, exposures to build distress tolerance & desensitize to triggers.
I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety and depression, trauma, OCD, and body image concerns.
In our work together, we will use a range of therapeutic tools, including reflection, skill building, mindfulness, and creative exploration when helpful, to support you in feeling more grounded and clear. We will work at your pace to identify patterns, strengthen coping strategies, and discover practical avenues for growth and meaningful change.
I work with teens and adults navigating anxiety and depression, trauma, OCD, and body image concerns.
In our work together, we will use a range of therapeutic tools, including reflection, skill building, mindfulness, and creative exploration when helpful, to support you in feeling more grounded and clear. We will work at your pace to identify patterns, strengthen coping strategies, and discover practical avenues for growth and meaningful change.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling with OCD, anxiety, and life transitions.
My approach is compassionate and collaborative. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you face fears in a gradual, supported way while building confidence. Therapy with me is goal-focused yet human, moving at a pace that’s challenging but manageable.
I specialize in working with individuals struggling with OCD, anxiety, and life transitions.
My approach is compassionate and collaborative. I draw from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help you face fears in a gradual, supported way while building confidence. Therapy with me is goal-focused yet human, moving at a pace that’s challenging but manageable.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, we'll work together to better understand what you're experiencing and identify meaningful ways to move forward.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, overthinking, or feeling stuck, therapy can help you gain a clearer understanding of what's getting in the way. Our work will focus on recognizing patterns, developing effective coping strategies, and building the skills needed to approach life's challenges with greater confidence and control.
Whether you're struggling with anxiety, OCD, depression, stress, life transitions, or simply feeling stuck, we'll work together to better understand what you're experiencing and identify meaningful ways to move forward.
Whether you're dealing with anxiety, stress, overthinking, or feeling stuck, therapy can help you gain a clearer understanding of what's getting in the way. Our work will focus on recognizing patterns, developing effective coping strategies, and building the skills needed to approach life's challenges with greater confidence and control.
For the past five years, I have worked with people facing OCD, trauma, anxiety, phobias, and high stress.
I specialize in OCD, trauma, phobias, and supporting neurodivergent clients, including those seeking gender-affirming care or navigating the impact of institutional trauma. If you are carrying too much and do not know where to start, that is okay. We will start with one conversation. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
For the past five years, I have worked with people facing OCD, trauma, anxiety, phobias, and high stress.
I specialize in OCD, trauma, phobias, and supporting neurodivergent clients, including those seeking gender-affirming care or navigating the impact of institutional trauma. If you are carrying too much and do not know where to start, that is okay. We will start with one conversation. I offer a free 15-minute consultation to see if we are a good fit.
My approach is primarily cognitive behavioral and I have over thirty years of experience. I work mostly with adults with depression and anxiety disorders. OCD is a special interest, and I use exposure and response prevention. I believe that with patience, a positive outlook and good rapport, much is possible.
My approach is primarily cognitive behavioral and I have over thirty years of experience. I work mostly with adults with depression and anxiety disorders. OCD is a special interest, and I use exposure and response prevention. I believe that with patience, a positive outlook and good rapport, much is possible.
I have experience working with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including OCD, phobias, panic disorder, and other anxiety disorders.
I am committed to helping my clients align with their deepest values in order to build fulfillment and self-trust. I particularly love continuing education and use a wide array of therapy modalities: ERP, i-CBT, Flash Technique, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic interventions, and CBT.
I have experience working with a wide variety of mental health concerns, including OCD, phobias, panic disorder, and other anxiety disorders.
I am committed to helping my clients align with their deepest values in order to build fulfillment and self-trust. I particularly love continuing education and use a wide array of therapy modalities: ERP, i-CBT, Flash Technique, Internal Family Systems (IFS), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), somatic interventions, and CBT.
I approach treating OCD by being educational and validating.
When you start with NOCD, you’ll either work with me or be paired with one of my colleagues, depending on your preferences. We’ll work to get to know you and create a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. Plus, we offer support between sessions through direct messaging and a community of peers with OCD, ensuring you never feel alone.
I approach treating OCD by being educational and validating.
When you start with NOCD, you’ll either work with me or be paired with one of my colleagues, depending on your preferences. We’ll work to get to know you and create a treatment plan to help you achieve your goals. Plus, we offer support between sessions through direct messaging and a community of peers with OCD, ensuring you never feel alone.
My approach to therapy is compassionate and warm, creating a safe and supportive space where we work together to understand your challenges and move toward meaningful change. I use evidence-based techniques such as ACT, CBT, and ERP to help you feel empowered and understood. Starting therapy can feel both courageous and scary, and even taking the time to read my profile is an important first step. When you’re ready for the next one, I’ll be here to walk alongside you.
My approach to therapy is compassionate and warm, creating a safe and supportive space where we work together to understand your challenges and move toward meaningful change. I use evidence-based techniques such as ACT, CBT, and ERP to help you feel empowered and understood. Starting therapy can feel both courageous and scary, and even taking the time to read my profile is an important first step. When you’re ready for the next one, I’ll be here to walk alongside you.
My ideal client is an adult navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, perfectionism, or mental rituals—often with a diagnosis like OCD or ADHD, or overlapping symptoms that haven’t been clearly named yet.
I specialize in treating OCD and co-occurring disorders using ERP, ACT, and person-centered care. I also provide LGBTQ+ affirming support around anxiety, identity, and relationships. My approach is structured, collaborative, and tailored—focused on helping clients build clarity, confidence, and meaningful change.
My ideal client is an adult navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, perfectionism, or mental rituals—often with a diagnosis like OCD or ADHD, or overlapping symptoms that haven’t been clearly named yet.
I specialize in treating OCD and co-occurring disorders using ERP, ACT, and person-centered care. I also provide LGBTQ+ affirming support around anxiety, identity, and relationships. My approach is structured, collaborative, and tailored—focused on helping clients build clarity, confidence, and meaningful change.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating individuals with symptoms related to perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, anxiety, grief, ADHD, and depression.
Using a client-centered framework, we will collaborate on an integrated approach that works best for you. Evidence-based modalities I use in the treatment process include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-focused therapy (SFT).
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor who specializes in treating individuals with symptoms related to perinatal and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, trauma, anxiety, grief, ADHD, and depression.
Using a client-centered framework, we will collaborate on an integrated approach that works best for you. Evidence-based modalities I use in the treatment process include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Motivational Interviewing (MI), and Solution-focused therapy (SFT).
See more therapy options for Penn Hills
Nearby Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists Searches for Penn Hills
- Aspinwall
- Cheswick
- East Liberty
- Fox Chapel
- Homestead
- Millvale
- Monroeville
- Plum
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Swissvale
- Trafford
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.


