OCD Therapist
Brooklyn, New york

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can feel like an unending battle, but it doesn’t have to be. At Interborough, located in the heart of Brooklyn, we specialize in providing effective, personalized OCD therapy. Our expert therapists understand the intricate nature of OCD and are dedicated to helping you regain control of your thoughts and actions.

Using a combination of proven techniques like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), we tailor our approach to meet your specific needs. Our therapy sessions are more than just treatment; they are a journey towards freedom and self-empowerment. We are committed to providing a supportive, confidential environment where you can work through your challenges and learn to manage your OCD effectively.

TL;DR

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves distressing obsessions—such as intrusive thoughts, fears of disorder, or avoidance behaviors—and compulsions like excessive cleaning, checking, counting, or repeating routines to relieve anxiety. At IDCC, treatment focuses on psychotherapy first, especially Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, which helps individuals face triggers without resorting to rituals. Medication may be used when necessary, with careful monitoring. Services include personalized evaluations, medication management, and evidence-based care delivered by trained mental health professionals in Brooklyn.

Symptoms of obsessions include:

Fear of contamination or dirt
Needing things orderly and symmetrical
Aggressive or horrific thoughts about harming yourself or others
Unwanted thoughts, including aggression, or sexual or religious subjects
Fear of touching objects others have touched
Doubts that you’ve locked the door or turned off the stove
Intense stress when objects aren’t orderly or facing a certain way
Images of hurting yourself or someone else that are unwanted and make you uncomfortable
Thoughts about shouting obscenities or acting inappropriately that are unwanted and make you uncomfortable
Avoidance of situations that can trigger obsessions, such as shaking hands

Symptoms of compulsions include:

Compulsions are repetitive, ritualized behaviors that a person feels driven to perform to alleviate the anxiety or discomfort created by the obsessions. The symptoms are:

WHY IDCC?

At IDCC, we provide evidence-based treatment for OCD. Treatment includes exposure and response prevention, as well as strategies to enhance emotion regulation and adaptive coping which help people manage their personal stressors.

During an initial evaluation, we aim to assess symptom presentation, treatment goals, and the level of treatment appropriate for each person. Our clinicians also offer medication consultation and management to ensure the medication is the correct dosage and taken responsibly.

TREATMENT OPTIONS

Consistent with IDCC’s approach to treating mental illness, we first consider a form of psychotherapy, not medication. The most trusted psychotherapy option for OCD is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.

ERP exposes individuals to the thoughts, images and objects that trigger anxiety in order to give them the tools they need to prevent responding to anxiety with compulsions and rituals. This therapy is conducted in a controlled environment and is always facilitated by mental health professionals who have been trained in ERP therapy.

If deemed necessary, medication is an option that has seen success in treating OCD. A series of trials on different medications is not uncommon to ensure adverse effects, if any, are kept to a minimum.

Key Takeaways

Obsessive Symptoms
- Distress from disorganized or misaligned objects.
- Intrusive, unwanted images of self-harm or harming others.
- Unwanted inappropriate thoughts (e.g., shouting obscenities).
- Avoidance of triggers, such as handshakes.
Compulsive Symptoms
- Excessive cleaning and hand-washing (to the point of raw skin).
- Repetitive checking of doors, stoves, or locks.
- Following rigid routines and demanding reassurance.
- Counting patterns or silent repetition of prayers/phrases.
- Arranging objects in specific, orderly ways.
IDCC’s Treatment Approach
- Evidence-based care centered on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.
- ERP gradually exposes individuals to triggers while preventing compulsive responses, teaching coping strategies in a controlled environment.
- Focus on psychotherapy as a first-line treatment before considering medication.
- Medication may be used when necessary, with careful monitoring and adjustments to minimize side effects.
Supportive Care
- Comprehensive evaluation to assess symptoms, goals, and treatment needs.
- Medication consultation and management available.
- Holistic support that emphasizes emotional regulation and adaptive coping strategies.
Additional Services
- Local access to specialized therapy for OCD, Bipolar Disorder, and Depression in Brooklyn, delivered with a personalized approach.

Specialized Mental Health Care in Your Community

We offer expert therapy for Bipolar Disorder and comprehensive Depression Treatment, right here in Brooklyn. Our local specialists are committed to providing personalized and effective care for your specific mental health needs.

OCD Therapist Brooklyn, New york