Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Pittsburgh, PA
I’m Sarah Israel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in mental health and social services. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, attachment, mood disorders, personality disorders, life transitions, and the complexities of adoption and foster care. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adults, and families in home, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings. I’ve also directed clinical teams, trained others in crisis intervention, and led classes focused on understanding the impacts of abuse, trauma, attachment, and parenting.
I’m Sarah Israel, a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with over 25 years of experience in mental health and social services. I specialize in treating anxiety, depression, grief and loss, trauma, attachment, mood disorders, personality disorders, life transitions, and the complexities of adoption and foster care. Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working with children, adults, and families in home, inpatient, outpatient, and school settings. I’ve also directed clinical teams, trained others in crisis intervention, and led classes focused on understanding the impacts of abuse, trauma, attachment, and parenting.
For over 15 years, I’ve specialized in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ( OCD) and anxiety-related conditions across the lifespan — including children, teens, and adults.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based methods and tailored to each individual’s needs.
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), ACT, and other approaches to help clients build lasting change and reduce compulsions over time.
For over 15 years, I’ve specialized in treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ( OCD) and anxiety-related conditions across the lifespan — including children, teens, and adults.
My approach is rooted in evidence-based methods and tailored to each individual’s needs.
I use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), Metacognitive Therapy (MCT), ACT, and other approaches to help clients build lasting change and reduce compulsions over time.
I specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, or depression through online therapy.
Are you experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and burnout? Is life feeling a bit too much for you right now and leading to depression, low energy, decreased productivity and interpersonal relationship problems? Would you like to take some time to get your life back from all of this? Better days are ahead, and I am here to help! I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience helping clients with a diverse set of concerns including depression, anxiety, career issues, stress management, substance abuse, work-life balance, and bereavement.
I specialize in treating anxiety, OCD, or depression through online therapy.
Are you experiencing high levels of stress, anxiety and burnout? Is life feeling a bit too much for you right now and leading to depression, low energy, decreased productivity and interpersonal relationship problems? Would you like to take some time to get your life back from all of this? Better days are ahead, and I am here to help! I am a professional counselor licensed in Pennsylvania with over 20 years of experience helping clients with a diverse set of concerns including depression, anxiety, career issues, stress management, substance abuse, work-life balance, and bereavement.
Maybe you’re consumed with anxious thoughts, the “what if” kind that never seem to leave your side. Maybe you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of overthinking, feeling like your brain just won’t shut off. Maybe you’re constantly trying to figure out why you just had that really uncomfortable thought again (yes, that one !)
Maybe you’re consumed with anxious thoughts, the “what if” kind that never seem to leave your side. Maybe you’re stuck in a never-ending loop of overthinking, feeling like your brain just won’t shut off. Maybe you’re constantly trying to figure out why you just had that really uncomfortable thought again (yes, that one !)
I work with adults who are navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, perfectionism, or mental rituals often connected to OCD, PTSD, or overlapping symptoms that don’t quite have a clear name yet.
I specialize in supporting adults with OCD, PTSD, and 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 who are navigating intrusive thoughts, anxiety, perfectionism, or mental rituals often connected to OCD, PTSD, or overlapping symptoms that don’t quite have a clear name yet.
I specialize in supporting adults with OCD, PTSD, and 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 teens and adults navigating OCD, anxiety, self-worth, identity development and life transitions.
I specialize in OCD and anxiety, using ERP as the gold standard for treatment, along with ACT, mindfulness, and somatic practices. I also support clients exploring self-worth and relationship security, helping you notice and shift patterns that no longer serve you while honoring your autonomy and values.
I work with teens and adults navigating OCD, anxiety, self-worth, identity development and life transitions.
I specialize in OCD and anxiety, using ERP as the gold standard for treatment, along with ACT, mindfulness, and somatic practices. I also support clients exploring self-worth and relationship security, helping you notice and shift patterns that no longer serve you while honoring your autonomy and values.
Our dedicated team of therapists serve individuals addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, post-partum issues, and more.
We find it important that you are in the drivers seat of your therapy sessions. No one knows you better than yourself. We are here to help guide you along your path of growth and healing. We're also proud to offer specialized treatment options, including EMDR and ERP. These evidence-based approaches can help individuals heal from trauma and OCD symptoms.
Our dedicated team of therapists serve individuals addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, OCD, mood disorders, substance use, trauma, post-partum issues, and more.
We find it important that you are in the drivers seat of your therapy sessions. No one knows you better than yourself. We are here to help guide you along your path of growth and healing. We're also proud to offer specialized treatment options, including EMDR and ERP. These evidence-based approaches can help individuals heal from trauma and OCD symptoms.
Dr. Caleb P. Thompson
Licensed Professional Counselor, PhD, LPC, NCC
2 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15212
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with 13+ years of experience providing mental health treatment. I offer research-informed empirically validated approaches to the professional counseling process and enjoy infusing them with humor, warmth, and empathy.
I am a Licensed Professional Counselor in Pennsylvania with 13+ years of experience providing mental health treatment. I offer research-informed empirically validated approaches to the professional counseling process and enjoy infusing them with humor, warmth, and empathy.
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
With 10 years of experience specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders, I bring expertise in clinical practice and education.
As a therapist and trainer, I prioritize comprehensive evaluations, empowerment through education, humor, and the cultivation of a strong rapport to unearth the essence of who you are. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, I am dedicated to helping you reclaim power and control from OCD and anxiety, by utilizing a mix of evidence-based modalities.
With 10 years of experience specializing in OCD and anxiety disorders, I bring expertise in clinical practice and education.
As a therapist and trainer, I prioritize comprehensive evaluations, empowerment through education, humor, and the cultivation of a strong rapport to unearth the essence of who you are. Rejecting a one-size-fits-all approach, I am dedicated to helping you reclaim power and control from OCD and anxiety, by utilizing a mix of evidence-based modalities.
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.
I'm Rachael Heiser, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 5 years of experience working with families, couples, and clients of all ages to cope with concerns related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, family conflict, abuse, trauma, grief, loss, mood disorders, adoption-related issues, infidelity, and more.
I'm Rachael Heiser, a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT) with over 5 years of experience working with families, couples, and clients of all ages to cope with concerns related to ADHD, anxiety, depression, family conflict, abuse, trauma, grief, loss, mood disorders, adoption-related issues, infidelity, and more.
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.
Do obsessive thoughts and compulsions get in the way of you living your best life?
I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, which is the gold-standard treatment for OCD and is extremely helpful for anxiety, phobias, facing uncertainty, and other fears. Motivational Interviewing strategies will guide you in making desired improvements in your life in areas such as physical health, relationships, resilience, and substance use.
Do obsessive thoughts and compulsions get in the way of you living your best life?
I utilize Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy, which is the gold-standard treatment for OCD and is extremely helpful for anxiety, phobias, facing uncertainty, and other fears. Motivational Interviewing strategies will guide you in making desired improvements in your life in areas such as physical health, relationships, resilience, and substance use.
Joani Terek
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15206
Waitlist for new clients
Specific areas of specialization: Trauma, Anxiety, Obsessive compulsive thoughts ( OCD), and Grief .
I work both in person and online to help those struggling with insecurity, self-doubt, isolation, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and managing relationships. My approach is holistic and compassionate.
Specific areas of specialization: Trauma, Anxiety, Obsessive compulsive thoughts ( OCD), and Grief .
I work both in person and online to help those struggling with insecurity, self-doubt, isolation, anxiety, depression, poor sleep, and managing relationships. My approach is holistic and compassionate.
I also love working with folks who are pregnant or postpartum; parents of kids of all ages; clients who experience acute anxiety and panic; and clients who have OCD.
My practice is based on the belief in the strength and resilience within all people, even in life's most trying times. Right now you may be feeling overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected from what is meaningful to you. As a therapist, my role is in reconnecting my clients with what they value, and building a life that aligns with those values. My approach integrates self-compassion, mindfulness, and attachment-oriented approaches, among others. I guide my clients in cultivating a compassionate inner voice and reducing shame and self-criticism. I provide a space that allows my clients to share what might seem scary or vulnerable.
I also love working with folks who are pregnant or postpartum; parents of kids of all ages; clients who experience acute anxiety and panic; and clients who have OCD.
My practice is based on the belief in the strength and resilience within all people, even in life's most trying times. Right now you may be feeling overwhelmed, lost, or disconnected from what is meaningful to you. As a therapist, my role is in reconnecting my clients with what they value, and building a life that aligns with those values. My approach integrates self-compassion, mindfulness, and attachment-oriented approaches, among others. I guide my clients in cultivating a compassionate inner voice and reducing shame and self-criticism. I provide a space that allows my clients to share what might seem scary or vulnerable.
They might be someone who struggles with anxiety, OCD, depression, familial problems, or problems in their relationships.
I specialize in treating OCD through Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, I prefer to use a blend of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy in my work with individuals, couples, and families.
They might be someone who struggles with anxiety, OCD, depression, familial problems, or problems in their relationships.
I specialize in treating OCD through Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy. I don't believe in a one-size-fits-all approach to therapy. Instead, I prefer to use a blend of Dialectical Behavior Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Acceptance Commitment Therapy, and Emotionally Focused Therapy in my work with individuals, couples, and families.
I work best with those who’ve experienced Trauma, OCD, BFRBs, Panic, and all other Anxiety disorders.
Having been in the mental health realm for 12+ years now, I have learned that in life there can be great hurt, loss, and suffering but there is also great healing, hope, and joy. We all have a story we were made to tell. We were all made to heal and thrive in relationships. Each person's story is different but each person's story is full of strength, and courage. I'd like to walk with people on their road to healing and better health. I aim to help find resources of comfort, coping, and support. I hope to bring warmth, humor, and practical skills to help clients on their way, and help you lighten whatever burden you are carrying.
I work best with those who’ve experienced Trauma, OCD, BFRBs, Panic, and all other Anxiety disorders.
Having been in the mental health realm for 12+ years now, I have learned that in life there can be great hurt, loss, and suffering but there is also great healing, hope, and joy. We all have a story we were made to tell. We were all made to heal and thrive in relationships. Each person's story is different but each person's story is full of strength, and courage. I'd like to walk with people on their road to healing and better health. I aim to help find resources of comfort, coping, and support. I hope to bring warmth, humor, and practical skills to help clients on their way, and help you lighten whatever burden you are carrying.
I provide therapy services to teens and adults who experience stressors relating to anxiety, OCD, life transitions, self-esteem, burnout and relationships with self and others.
I am passionate about empowering and encouraging my clients through a collaborative approach. My approach is Person-Centered. I utilize an individualized, eclectic approach that is tailored to each clients’ unique needs and goals.
I provide therapy services to teens and adults who experience stressors relating to anxiety, OCD, life transitions, self-esteem, burnout and relationships with self and others.
I am passionate about empowering and encouraging my clients through a collaborative approach. My approach is Person-Centered. I utilize an individualized, eclectic approach that is tailored to each clients’ unique needs and goals.
Mackenzie
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
1 Endorsed
Pittsburgh, PA 15238
Waitlist for new clients
I tailor my approach to your unique needs, drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based CBT for OCD to support your treatment goals.
I specialize in working with teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, substance use disorders, life transitions, suicidality, and self-harm. Whether you’re struggling with something specific, want to understand yourself better, or simply want a supportive place to process your experiences, I'm here to help.
I tailor my approach to your unique needs, drawing from Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based CBT for OCD to support your treatment goals.
I specialize in working with teens and adults who struggle with depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, substance use disorders, life transitions, suicidality, and self-harm. Whether you’re struggling with something specific, want to understand yourself better, or simply want a supportive place to process your experiences, I'm here to help.
See more therapy options for Pittsburgh
Nearby Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists Searches for Pittsburgh
- Aspinwall
- Brentwood
- Carnegie
- Crafton
- East Liberty
- Homestead
- McKees Rocks
- Mount Lebanon
- Shadyside
- Squirrel Hill
- Swissvale
- West Mifflin
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.


