Specialized OCD Therapy at The LiveWell Collective

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a complex and often misunderstood mental health condition. About 1 in 100 adults currently have OCD and 1 in 200 children/adolescents have the disorder. According to the International OCD Foundation, kids often live with OCD symptoms for over 2 years before receiving help, while adults report waiting 14–17 years to find effective treatment. At The LiveWell Collective, we offer targeted, evidence-based treatment for OCD rooted in the gold standard approach: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

We understand how disruptive OCD can be to everyday life. Whether it’s intrusive thoughts, time-consuming rituals, or overwhelming doubt, you don’t have to face it alone.

CBT & ERP Services

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CBT & ERP Services *

What is OCD?

Our Approach: CBT with Exposure and Response Prevention(ERP)

We offer treatment using ERP, the most effective therapeutic approach for OCD. ERP involves gradually facing feared situations or thoughts (exposure) while resisting the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors (response prevention). This helps retrain the brain’s response to anxiety and reduces the need for rituals over time.

Key elements of our treatment approach:

  • Collaborative treatment planning tailored to each individual’s needs

  • Clear, structured ERP exercises both in and outside of session

  • Support with tolerating uncertainty and reducing compulsions in real-life situations

  • Parent and family involvement when appropriate

ERP is typically conducted in a weekly outpatient setting, with between-session practice to help reinforce learning and progress.

OCD is a mental health disorder that affects individuals across all ages, backgrounds, and walks of life. It involves two primary components:

  • Obsessions: Recurrent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that are distressing and feel outside of the person’s control. They are disturbing, unwanted, and feel outside of one’s control and can be time consuming.

  • Compulsions: Repetitive behaviors or mental acts that are performed in response to obsessions in an effort to reduce an unpleasant feeling, such as anxiety, or prevent a feared outcome.

Common obsessions include:

  • Worry about dirt, germs, or other contaminants

  • Perfectionism or fear of things not being “just right”

  • Fear of causing harm to oneself or others

  • Unwanted or intrusive sexual thoughts or images

  • Excessive concerns with religious sins or morality (scrupulosity)

  • Need for things to be ordered, symmetrical, or in a certain way

  • Pervasive doubt about actions or decisions

Common compulsions include:

  • Excessive washing or cleaning self or objects

  • Repeated checking (locks, appliances, health status)

  • Counting, praying, or mentally reviewing

  • Avoiding people, places, or activities that might trigger obsessions

  • Seeking frequent reassurance

  • Touching/tapping objects, often in a specific pattern or a certain number of times

  • Rumination or overthinking on past events, thoughts, or decisions

Left untreated, OCD can interfere with school, work, relationships, and overall day-to-day functioning, but effective therapy can make a significant difference.

Not all mental health professionals are equipped with the specialized training required to effectively treat OCD. Choosing a therapist with advanced expertise in ERP and OCD specific care can make a significant difference in long-term outcomes and symptom reduction.

Finding the right OCD specialist

It’s important to work with a provider who understands the nuances of OCD and is trained in ERP. When considering a therapist, ask:

  • ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. A qualified provider will confidently describe how they use ERP to help clients face intrusive thoughts and resist compulsions in a gradual, supportive way. If they mention “talk therapy” alone, they may not specialize in OCD.

  • You want someone who sees OCD clients regularly, not just occasionally. OCD is a complex condition, and experience matters. Therapists who work with OCD frequently or exclusively will understand the nuances of intrusive thoughts, reassurance-seeking, symptom accommodations, and subtle compulsions.

  • A well-trained ERP therapist won't shy away from themes like harm, sexual, or religious obsessions. If a therapist hesitates or tries to reframe these as something else, they may not be the right fit.

  • With kids and teens especially, family involvement is critical. A strong OCD therapist will offer psychoeducation to caregivers, coach families on reducing accommodations, and support them through the process of ERP as well.

  • ERP should be collaborative and paced to each client’s readiness. Look for answers that reflect flexibility, creativity, and a commitment to keeping clients engaged, even when it’s hard.

  • Therapists with advanced training from trusted organizations, such as the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) or other nationally recognized programs, are more likely to use evidence-based practices like ERP effectively. Look for mentions of formal training, certification programs, or ongoing education focused specifically on OCD treatment.

Ready to Get Started?

We’d be honored to be part of your support system. Whether you're ready to get started or just have a few questions, don’t hesitate to reach out. We're here to help you take the next step with confidence and care.