OCD in New York City
Break out of repetitive, ritualistic behaviors and soothe obsessive thoughts and fears.
What is obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)?
OCD is a mental health condition characterized by a chronic cycle of uncontrollable, intrusive thoughts that cause you distress. In order to manage the anxiety caused by these thoughts, you may perform repetitive behaviors intended to provide relief.
Obsessions are repeated, unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety. An obsessive thought can appear out of thin air, and once it does, it’s hard to ignore. Common themes are germs, making a mistake, harming oneself or others, blurting out something hurtful, or being misunderstood.
A compulsion is a behavior that is performed in response to an obsession. A compulsion temporarily relieves the anxiety associated with the obsession but does not provide lasting relief. Common compulsive behaviors are cleaning or hand washing, arranging things, counting, seeking reassurance, or avoiding certain places, people, or activities.
Our treatment approach.
A combination of evidence-based therapeutic approaches and medication is most effective for treating OCD. Our psychiatrists specialize in OCD treatment and can provide integrated care to get you relief.
Psychotherapy
Using modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP may help you recognize behaviors of OCD that you wish to change. These therapeutic approaches challenge the negative thoughts and actions directly, empowering you to create new meaning and refrain from compulsive behaviors. Additionally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be useful in helping you accept unwanted thoughts, tolerating the distress they may bring, and developing self-compassion to act according to your deeper values rather than anxieties.
Medication
In some cases, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also necessary to support your psychotherapy sessions. The medication can help reduce the intensity and frequency of obsessions and compulsions, while therapy offers you tools to manage your symptoms as well as a safe place to process your experience. Our psychiatrists offer medication management services to ensure you use your medications correctly.
Frequently asked questions.
Our skilled team of therapists and psychiatrists can help you accurately diagnose whether or not you have OCD. If you find you’re experiencing intrusive thoughts, feeling increased worries about contamination or harm, or taking repetitive actions that feel outside of your full control, reach out to our office for a free consultation.
Yes, and no. We all have thoughts that occasionally enter our mind unexpectedly, but they are rare and fleeting. In the context of OCD, intrusive thoughts feel unwanted, persistent, and often cause you great fear, alarm, or distress.
Yes–our clinical director Dr. Travis Meadows is particularly skilled at providing transformational care for clients struggling with OCD or OCPD.
