OCD Therapy Baltimore
Introduction to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that affects millions of people worldwide—and if you're reading this, there's a good chance it's touched your life or someone close to you. Picture this: persistent, intrusive thoughts—what we call obsessions—that feel like they're hijacking your brain, paired with repetitive behaviors or mental rituals—those are compulsions—that you feel driven to perform (even when you know they don't really make logical sense). These OCD symptoms can create a real psychological tug-of-war, causing significant distress and interfering with daily life in ways that make it tough to focus on work, relationships, or personal goals—basically, the stuff that matters most to us. Here's the thing though: treating OCD often requires a comprehensive treatment plan that may include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments (think of it as building your personal toolkit for managing the condition). Organizations like the International OCD Foundation offer valuable resources and support for those living with obsessive compulsive disorder, helping individuals and families better understand what's happening in their minds and find effective treatment that actually works. With the right approach—and yes, it takes some experimenting to find what clicks for you—it is possible to manage symptoms and regain a sense of control and well-being, even when OCD tries to steer the ship.
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Understanding OCD Symptoms
OCD symptoms—the obsessions and compulsions that can hijack daily life—look different from person to person, but they generally involve a combination that feels like a psychological tug-of-war. Picture this: common obsessions might include fears of contamination, causing harm, or needing things to be perfectly symmetrical (the kind of intrusive thoughts that feel personal and urgent). Common compulsions often show up as repetitive behaviors—excessive cleaning, checking locks or appliances, counting rituals—that promise relief but deliver more anxiety. These symptoms can feel persistent and overwhelming, often steering the ship toward significant distress and disruption in daily life (imagine trying to focus on work when your brain insists the stove might be on). Many people with OCD also experience anxiety disorders or depression—a double-edged challenge that can make symptoms worse and complicate the treatment process. Here's the key: an accurate diagnosis from a mental health professional is essential to distinguish OCD from other conditions with similar symptoms and to develop an effective treatment plan tailored to the individual's needs(because cookie-cutter approaches rarely work when it comes to the mind's complexities).
OCD Diagnosis and Treatment
Getting an accurate diagnosis of OCD starts with a thorough evaluation by a mental health professional who will assess your symptoms, medical history, and overall mental health—think of it as mapping the landscape of your mind to understand what's really going on beneath the surface. Once diagnosed, the most effective treatments for OCD typically include a combination of therapy and medication that's tailored specifically to you. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is considered the gold standard—and for good reason—helping you gradually face those fears while resisting the compulsive behaviors that have been hijacking your daily life. Medications such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are often prescribed to help reduce symptoms, giving your brain the chemical support it needs to break free from those loops. For severe OCD that doesn't respond to standard treatments, other options like Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) or Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) may be considered—think of these as more intensive tools in the toolkit when the usual approaches aren't cutting it. Your treatment plan should be personalized to your unique situation, ensuring the best possible outcomes for managing OCD symptoms and improving your quality of life—because you deserve to feel steady and grounded, not constantly walking that exhausting tightrope of anxiety and compulsion.
What is OCD Therapy?
OCD therapy or OCD treatment is a specialized form of treatment designed to help individuals break free from the cycle of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that trigger intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. The goal of therapy for OCD is to help individuals understand these patterns, resist the urge to perform compulsions, and learn that anxiety naturally decreases without rituals. An OCD specialist will work closely with you to create a safe and supportive therapeutic relationship, which is essential for effective treatment and recovery. By addressing OCD with evidence-based approaches in a compassionate environment, therapy aims to restore a sense of control and freedom in daily life. The potential benefits of emerging or advanced OCD therapies are promising, though these benefits are still being researched and are not yet guaranteed.
Benefits of OCD Therapy for Mental Health
Engaging in OCD therapy can offer numerous benefits for your mental health. Some of the key advantages include:
Reduced frequency and intensity of obsessions: Experience fewer intrusive thoughts and less distress when they occur.
Decreased compulsive behaviors: Gain freedom from time-consuming rituals that interfere with daily life.
Improved emotional regulation: Better manage the anxiety that drives OCD symptoms.
Enhanced quality of life: Reclaim time and energy previously consumed by OCD.
Increased sense of control: Feel more empowered and less controlled by obsessive thoughts.
Improved relationships and social connections: Strengthen bonds without OCD interfering.
Reduced symptoms of depression and anxiety: Alleviate co-occurring emotional difficulties.
Greater flexibility in thinking: Break free from rigid thought patterns and rules.
We Provide Evidence-Based OCD Treatment
At Baltimore Therapy Group, our OCD specialists use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD supported by decades of research. ERP is a specialized form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) that helps individuals become gradually exposed to their fears without performing compulsions. Our therapists understand that OCD can feel isolating and exhausting—many people struggle for years before finding effective treatment. We emphasize collaboration, compassion, and evidence-based practice in the therapeutic relationship.
OCD can manifest in many forms including contamination fears, harm obsessions, sexual or religious intrusive thoughts, need for symmetry or order, and relationship OCD. Therapy helps address these obsessions and compulsions while also working on co-occurring issues such as anxiety, depression, and avoidance behaviors. We know—and research supports us in this—that with proper treatment, most people with OCD see significant improvement in their symptoms and quality of life. We’d like to help you find that freedom.
What to Expect in Therapy:
A safe and supportive environment where you can discuss even your most distressing obsessions without judgment.
Evidence-based techniques like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) to help you break free from OCD patterns.
Therapy addresses not just OCD symptoms but also emotional difficulties such as anxiety, depression, and relationship issues.
Gradual, collaborative approach where you maintain control over the pace of treatment.
What to Expect in Therapy for OCD
When you begin OCD therapy, you can expect to work with a trained therapist who specializes in treating obsessive-compulsive disorder. Your therapist will create a safe and supportive environment for you to explore and challenge your OCD patterns. During therapy, you will use evidence-based techniques, primarily Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), along with cognitive strategies to help you manage your symptoms and reclaim your life. During therapy, you will:
Develop a trusting relationship with your therapist: This foundation is crucial for discussing intrusive thoughts openly.
Learn about how OCD works: Understanding the cycle of obsessions and compulsions helps you recognize patterns.
Create an exposure hierarchy: Work with your therapist to identify fears and rank them from least to most anxiety-provoking.
Practice exposures gradually: Face feared situations, thoughts, or images while resisting the urge to perform compulsions.
Gain a greater understanding of yourself: Learn what triggers your OCD and develop insight into underlying patterns.
Improve your relationships and daily functioning: Strengthen your ability to engage in life without OCD interfering.
Meet the Baltimore Therapy Group’s
OCD Therapy Experts
Jennifer McMillan, LCPC
OCD Specialist
Licensed counselor in Baltimore
Jen specializes in treating OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the evidence-based approach proven most effective for obsessive-compulsive disorder. She understands how isolating and exhausting OCD can feel—how intrusive thoughts can feel shameful to share, and how compulsions can consume hours of your day. Jen creates a nonjudgmental space where clients can discuss even their most distressing obsessions while learning to resist compulsions and reclaim their lives. She brings a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach to her work, recognizing that many people with OCD also struggle with anxiety, depression, and life transitions. Before joining Baltimore Therapy Group, Jen held positions with Brown University’s Medical School and Keypoint Health Services.
Rachel Greenberg Larson, LCPC
OCD Specialist
Licensed Counselor in Baltimore
Rachel works with individuals across the developmental spectrum—from children to teens to adults—on OCD and anxiety disorders. She uses evidence-based approaches including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to help clients break free from the grip of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors. Rachel understands how OCD can develop during critical life transitions, particularly in adolescence and young adulthood, and she specializes in helping individuals navigate these challenging periods. She takes a strengths-based approach while providing the structured, evidence-based treatment that OCD requires. Rachel also helps clients build emotion regulation skills and address co-occurring issues like substance use, depression, and behavioral problems. Rachel works with clients online and in-person in our Towson office.
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder
Obsessive Compulsive Personality Disorder (OCPD) is a completely separate mental health condition from OCD—though those similar names can definitely trip people up. Picture someone who's intensely focused on getting everything "just right"—that's the hallmark of OCPD, which shows up as a pervasive pattern of perfectionism, rigidity, and an almost overwhelming need to stay in control (often at the expense of being flexible or open to new ideas). People navigating OCPD might find themselves excessively fixated on orderliness, following rules to the letter, and obsessing over details—and this laser focus can really strain relationships and make daily life feel like walking a tightrope. Here's the key difference: unlike OCD, OCPD typically doesn't involve those intrusive thoughts or compulsive rituals that many people associate with obsessive-compulsive conditions, but rather shows up as a chronic, deeply-rooted pattern of thinking and behaving that feels "normal" to the person experiencing it. When it comes to treatment, cognitive therapy often takes center stage—helping people recognize and reframe those rigid thought patterns that keep them stuck—while medication might come into play to manage any related symptoms that crop up along the way. That being said, other forms of treatment such as psychodynamic psychotherapy have also been effective in treating personality disorders. The bottom line? A mental health professional can help craft a personalized treatment plan that supports greater flexibility and opens the door to a richer, more balanced quality of life.
Preparing for Therapy and OCD Treatment
Taking those first steps toward OCD treatment can feel like walking a tightrope—overwhelming, sure, but the right preparation can make the whole journey steadier and more effective. Picture yourself starting by seeking out a qualified mental health professional who really gets OCD treatment and can guide you through your options, like ERP therapy and medication—think of them as your navigator through what might otherwise feel like uncharted territory. Educating yourself about OCD symptoms and available treatment options? That's not just homework—it's empowering yourself to make informed decisions that truly fit your needs, giving you the tools to stay in the driver's seat of your own care. Building a support network—family members, friends, support groups—creates a safety net that can provide encouragement and understanding when the treatment waters get rough. Your care team, which might include a therapist, doctor, and other healthcare professionals, will work alongside you to develop a personalized treatment plan that actually makes sense for your life. By staying engaged in therapy, sticking with your treatment plan, and practicing real self-care, you can manage OCD symptoms and enhance your overall quality of life—not just getting by, but actually thriving.