Evidence-Based Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
If you’re struggling with intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or relentless anxiety, you’re not alone. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is highly treatable with the right approach. Clear Mind Counseling’s San Diego therapy team provides specialized OCD therapy, grounded in evidence-based methods that help clients regain control and reduce distress.
We work with adults, teens, and individuals experiencing mild to severe OCD symptoms.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by:
Obsessions – persistent, intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause anxiety or distress
Compulsions – repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce anxiety or prevent feared outcomes
Common OCD themes include:
Fear of contamination or illness
Excessive checking (locks, appliances, safety)
Intrusive sexual, violent, or religious thoughts
Need for symmetry, order, or exactness
Reassurance-seeking or mental rituals
OCD is not a personality trait or a preference for cleanliness. It is a clinically recognized disorder that can significantly interfere with daily life, relationships, work, and emotional well-being.
An estimated 1–2% of people experience OCD at some point in their lives, and symptoms can appear in childhood, adolescence, or adulthood.
How OCD Affects Daily Life
Without treatment, OCD can:
Consume hours each day with rituals or mental checking
Increase avoidance of people, places, or responsibilities
Create intense guilt, shame, or fear
Strain relationships and family dynamics
Reduce work or academic performance
Many people with OCD recognize that their fears are irrational, yet still feel unable to stop the cycle. This is where specialized therapy is essential.
Evidence-Based OCD Therapy at Clear Mind Counseling San Diego
We specialize in research-supported treatment for OCD, tailored to each client’s symptoms and goals.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is the gold-standard treatment for OCD and a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
ERP works by:
Gradually exposing you to feared thoughts, images, or situations
Helping you resist compulsive behaviors or mental rituals
Teaching your brain that anxiety decreases on its own without compulsions
Over time, this reduces the intensity, frequency, and control of obsessions and compulsions.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps clients:
Understand how thoughts, emotions, and behaviors interact
Challenge distorted beliefs that maintain OCD
Develop healthier responses to anxiety and uncertainty
Mindfulness-Based Strategies
Mindfulness techniques can help you:
Observe intrusive thoughts without reacting to them
Reduce emotional reactivity and rumination
Increase tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort
Medication & Collaborative Care
Some individuals benefit from medication, such as SSRIs, as part of OCD treatment.
While Clear Mind Counseling San Diego does not prescribe medication, we collaborate closely with trusted psychiatrists in San Diego and can provide referrals when appropriate.
Therapy combined with medication often leads to the best outcomes.
OCD Therapy for Adults and Teens in San Diego
We treat:
Adult OCD
Adolescent and teen OCD
Mild, moderate, and severe OCD
OCD with anxiety or depression
OCD affecting relationships or family systems
Treatment is always personalized, practical, and paced to your readiness.
Why Choose Clear Mind Counseling San Diego?
Specialized training in OCD and ERP
Evidence-based, structured treatment
Compassionate, non-judgmental approach
Offices in UTC / La Jolla and Mission Valley
Experienced therapists who understand intrusive thoughts
You don’t need to “figure this out on your own.” Effective help is available.
Get Started With OCD Therapy in San Diego
If OCD is interfering with your life, early treatment can make a significant difference.
We’ll help you determine whether OCD therapy is the right fit and connect you with a therapist experienced in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder.