Find the Best OCD Therapist Near Me
People living with obsessive-compulsive disorder feel exhausted and overwhelmed all the time. Their minds keep racing constantly without a break, thinking about petty little things. These repetitive behaviors and obsessive thoughts make life challenging for them.
OCD is a mental health condition involving intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. These unwanted thoughts, images, and mental acts lead to mental distress. This distress often causes the person to act according to those compulsions, leading to repeated behaviors in their daily life. These behaviors are not in the person’s control; they act on the impulse to reduce stress and calm the anxious mind.
Usually, OCD people suffer from anxiety disorders. OCD can occur in individuals of all ages. People experience obsessive thoughts in their daily activities. The tasks OCD individuals try to cover are daily chores, but for them, it’s not. Therefore, treatment for OCD is important.
In this blog, we will cover tips on how to find an OCD therapist. You don’t have to live your life in distress. Therapy Fleet offers online consultation and online OCD therapy to help you live your life fully.
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Symptoms of OCD?
OCD is a chronic illness. It comes in different forms and types. It can be categorized into four subtypes, each type having different behavior. Some common symptoms of OCD are;
Obsession Symptoms
- doubts whether you locked the doors
- fear of touching objects touched by others
- stressed when things are not in order
- excessive cleaning
Compulsive Behaviors
- handwashing over and over
- checking locks again and again
- silently murmuring a mantra
- counting in certain patterns
Who Is an OCD (Obsessive Compulsive Disorder) Therapist?
A therapist is an individual who works in the field of mental health. Their treatment focus is by offering therapy. Some therapists have doctoral degrees like PsyD, PhD, and EdD., or even master’s degrees, including MA, MS, or MSW in social work, psychology, marriage, counseling, and family therapy. These titles and backgrounds are usually for therapists in the United States. Depending on where you live, the titles may vary.
If you type OCD therapists near me on Google, you might come across many therapists with different education and training. All OCD therapists (even licensed clinical social workers), regardless of their degrees, are trained in this field and are well-qualified to help you.
Reasons for Delay in OCD Treatment
Some people with OCD symptoms delay their treatments, so trying to find an OCD therapist who understands them and values their insights is important. The reasons for delay can vary.
Lack of Public Awareness
Most often, people living with OCD do not realize they have a problem. They chose to live their life the way it is. And those who know what OCD is do not know that treatments are available.
Stigma
The other reason is stigma. We live in a society where talking about mental issues is taboo. This causes many individuals with OCD to hide their symptoms ( especially young adults) and not seek medical advice.
Lack of Training
Finding the right OCD therapist near me is important. If the initial diagnosis goes right, the whole treatment plan will take place smoothly. In contrast, many mental health professionals end up with the wrong diagnosis, complicating the complete treatment.
Unable to Find the Right Therapist
An OCD therapist should have the right training and skill set to treat OCD and other mental health disorders.
Lack of Resources
Finally, people do not have enough money to visit a therapist or afford therapy.
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Importance of OCD Treatment
Some people go about living with OCD. It’s time to take control back from OCD with the right treatment options. The first line treatment and most effective treatment that OCD therapists near me try for OCD is exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP).
Exposure therapy follows an evidence-based treatment approach that slowly introduces you to those intrusive thoughts and images that trigger the compulsive behavior. The prevention in ERP teaches the person to control that mental urge to perform the task. ERP combined with medications benefits about 70% of individuals with OCD.
Only an OCD therapist near me or medical professionals can teach you how to manage these intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. However, the journey of OCD therapy might sound daunting, but taking the first step, which includes finding the best OCD therapist near me, reduces half the workload.
Things to Consider- Finding an OCD Therapist Near Me
When you ask people about which are the best OCD therapists near you, you will get vast opinions and mixed reviews. The final decision on who you want to visit is yours. Remember, therapists won’t judge you, so don’t be shy moving forward. OCD therapists understand these thoughts are not you; they do not make you.
Secondly, whoever you choose to visit, who that is, you should feel comfortable with them. You should be able to open up and share your inner demons with others. Trusting your therapist is a game changer. This holds true for ERP therapists as they will be with you during the discomfort zone.
Thirdly, make sure the therapist has experience working with clients with similar identities as you. It could be in terms of religion, caste, race, sexual orientation, or mental health condition. These things are important so that you don’t feel left out while discussing your fears with them. The thing is, whoever you choose should be compatible with all the things we listed above. They must build a supportive environment for you.
Other Types of Therapy
Other than ERP, the therapists may try dialectical behavioral therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. In some cases, the therapist used ACT, acceptance, and commitment therapy.
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Questions to Ask An OCD Therapist
Let’s assume you think you have found your therapist. What next? How about asking them a few questions to determine if they are who you want to confide in?
1. Do you use ERP?
Evidence shows that ERP is effective in treating OCD. A therapist who does not use ERP is a reg flag
2. How much experience do you have treating OCD?
Different therapists are dealing with various mental conditions. Finding someone who has experience in treating OCD would be helpful.
3. What themes of OCD have you treated?
OCD has four subtypes. Make sure the OCD therapist near me has treated your subtype so that they know how to proceed with ease. This does not mean you should not visit a therapist who has not treated your subtype.
Note- Empathy and connection are the two things your OCD therapist should have. Without that connection, you won’t open up completely.
4. Do you treat conditions that co-occur with OCD?
OCD sometimes co-occurs with other mental health conditions like anxiety disorders and depression. An OCD therapist near me should be able to treat other conditions as well.
5. Do you have experience working with my specific identities?
Special identities include gender, religion, race, sexual orientation, and much more. People with similar identities ( in this case, you and your therapist) share similar thoughts, making the whole treatment smoother.
Note- a sign of good OCD therapy is patience. Someone who gets irritated when you ask them these personal questions is a queue for you to keep your search on OCD therapists near me.
Signs of a Good OCD Therapist
There are certain signs you should look out for in your therapist.
- Ask them if they are a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
- Or a member of the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT)
- Or, have they attended any specialized workshops on OCD
- Or, have they ever attended the Annual OCD Conference
Medications for OCD
Like ERP therapy, medications alone do not offer effective results. The final treatment plan depends on the seriousness of your OCD and the presence of any co-occurring mental health conditions like depression, etc. Most people do not need medications; ERP alone delivers exceptional results. But, at times, adding medications along with ERP helps people who are struggling with therapy alone. Plus, medications help keep the anxiety and distress levels minimal.
Different Types Of Medications for OCD
OCD medications can be among any of the following;
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
This is the most common class of medications used for people with OCD. SSRIs increase the levels of serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is responsible for regulating mood and behaviors.
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for anxiety and depression. It takes around two to four weeks to show visible results for that. In contrast, if your OCD therapist near me recommended SSRIs for OCD, then the results could take around 6 to 12 weeks to start working.
Sometimes, SSRIs do not show results even after this period. In that case, the OCD therapist will either increase the dosage or prescribe another drug.
Some common SSRIs are;
- Zoloft (sertraline) for adults and children > 7 years of age
- Lexapro (escitalopram) for adults and children > 12 years of age
- Prozac (Fluoxetine) for adults and children over seven years of age.
Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs)
TCAs are antidepressants that improve the communication of neurons in the brain. The first TCA was invented in 1964, named Clomopramine, and was initially used for depression. But now, researchers say it is also effective for OCD. Clomopramine slows the reabsorption of norepinephrine and serotonin in the brain. Over several weeks, the communications between cells get stronger, improving mood, focus, and depression, plus reducing the frequency and intensity of obsessions and compulsions in individuals with OCD.
Atypical Antipsychotics
These medications were approved for bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, but the versatility of these drugs led them to be used for OCD and MDD as well. Atypical antipsychotics modulate certain neurotransmitters responsible for stabilizing mood. An example is Abilify, which can be used for adults and children over six years of age.
Note: The FDA still has not approved Abilify for OCD; it is still used off-label in the USA.
The Bottom Line
You will come across a lot of OCD therapists in your area, but finding the right one who respects your values and identity is important to start your local search for OCD therapists near Google. An understanding OCD therapist will make your treatment successful while offering your support, which is the key to making it work. If you’re looking for Therapy or even searching for a therapist, that’s a big step. Be proud of yourself. It’s not easy to start this journey, but this is always the first step, the most important one.
Break free from the vicious cycle of OCD today. The good news is treatments are available, and almost 70% of people feel better with ERP. The therapists will teach you exposure response prevention. Find the best therapist who can plan the best treatment for you.
Medical Disclaimer:
At Therapy Fleet, we strive to enhance the quality of life for those dealing with mental health issues. Our licensed medical professionals meticulously research, edit, and review all content before publication. Nonetheless, this information should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. For medical guidance, please consult your physician or reach out to Therapy Fleet’s qualified staff.
People facing mental health challenges show incredible resilience daily; understanding and compassion can make a world of difference in their journey.
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FAQs
1. Who should I consult for OCD?
To start your OCT journey, visit your primary care team. Depending on the seriousness of the condition, they may prefer a mental health professional such as a psychiatrist or a therapist. They think behavioral behavioral therapy is what you need.
2. What is the first choice for OCD?
The first choice for the treatment of OCD is always behavior therapy. Behavioral therapy involves the use of exposure and response prevention and combining it with anti-depression medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
3. How do I find an OCD therapist near me?
To find a local therapist in your area, it’s always best to ask around. They might be someone in your family, neighbors, or friends who might have come across someone who made who they refer to you. Please provide references and testimonials to help you find the best OCD therapist.
4. Is there one best medication for OCD?
No medication works equally for all. So, telling which medication is best for OCD is not possible. A little time and patience are all you need for your OCD therapist to find a medication that works perfectly for you.
5. Is there a cure for OCD?
No, OCD does not have a cure but treatment options are available.
Additional Resources
Zoloft Vs Lexapro-Which Is More Effective?
Sources
- https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6935308/
