OCD Therapy in NYC and Online

The thought shows up out of nowhere. It's the worst possible thing you could think, about someone you love, about who you are. So you check. You google. You ask for reassurance, one more time. It helps for about ten minutes.

If that loop sounds familiar, you're not losing your mind and you're not a bad person. You might have OCD, and OCD is very treatable.

Book a free 15-minute consultation

OCD isn't about being neat

Most people with OCD never see themselves in the TV version. OCD is a cycle: an intrusive thought creates intense anxiety or doubt, and a compulsion (seen or unseen) brings brief relief. The relief teaches your brain the thought was dangerous, so it comes back louder.

Compulsions aren't always visible. Many of our clients do theirs entirely in their heads: reviewing, analyzing, praying, mentally checking, arguing with the thought. That's sometimes called "Pure O," though there's almost always a compulsion hiding in there somewhere.

The forms of OCD we treat

Relationship OCD. Constant doubt about whether you love your partner enough, or whether they're "the one," no matter how good things are.
Moral OCD and scrupulosity. Fear that you've done something wrong, lied, sinned or hurt someone, and an urge to confess or seek reassurance.
Harm OCD. Unwanted thoughts of hurting someone, especially people you'd never want to harm.
Contamination. Fear of germs, illness or "contaminating" others, with washing or avoidance.
Checking and "just right" OCD. Locks, stoves, emails, or a feeling that things have to be done until they feel right.
Health anxiety and intrusive sexual thoughts. Common, rarely talked about, and treatable.
Body-focused repetitive behaviors. Hair pulling (trichotillomania) and skin picking.

If your version isn't on this list, it's still OCD. The theme changes. The cycle doesn't.

How we treat OCD

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is at the center of how we treat OCD. You learn to catch the cycle as it starts, understand what keeps it going, and practice responding differently, one step at a time.

Nothing is forced. You set the pace and you're part of every decision about what comes next.

Alongside that, we use:

ACT (acceptance and commitment therapy) to change your relationship with intrusive thoughts, so they lose their weight.
CBT to spot the beliefs OCD feeds on, like "thinking it means I want it" or "I have to be 100 percent sure."
Family and partner involvement when it helps. Loved ones often get pulled into reassurance without meaning to.

If you're also considering medication, we're glad to coordinate with your psychiatrist. Many people do best with both.

Therapists who treat OCD

Alexis Sturnick, LCSW, PMH-C

Founder. Online in NY, FL, NJ, CT, MA, PA and more. Anxiety and OCD are the core of her clinical work.

Kristine DiLorenzo, LMHC, NCC

Online in NY, FL, NJ and PA. Experienced with OCD, trichotillomania and perfectionism, using CBT and ACT.

Vilija Paulius, MA, LMHC

Online. DBT-certified, for adults with anxiety, OCD or trauma who want practical skills.

Dr. Lauren Hoffman, LCSW, PhD

In person in Port Washington. DBT-certified with specific training in OCD.

Emily Stern, Rebecca Snyder and David Rachman also work with OCD alongside their main focus, and all three see clients in person in Midtown Manhattan.

Why people with OCD choose us

We don't hand you reassurance. It's the one thing that feels kind and keeps OCD going. We'll be warm and we'll be honest.
We work with high-functioning OCD. Many clients have kept it hidden for years at demanding jobs. We get how exhausting that is.
Here in New York, and online beyond it. Meet in person in Manhattan or Port Washington, or online from anywhere in New York State. OCD specialists are hard to find outside major cities, so we also see clients online in Florida, New Jersey and Pennsylvania.

OCD therapy FAQ

What is the most effective therapy for OCD?

CBT-based therapy has the strongest research support for OCD. Our therapists use CBT and ACT, and many people do best combining therapy with medication. If a dedicated exposure and response prevention (ERP) program would serve you better, we'll tell you and help you find one.

What is relationship OCD?

Relationship OCD is a form of OCD where intrusive doubts focus on your partner or relationship: whether you love them, whether they're right for you, whether you're attracted to them. It responds to the same CBT-based treatment as other forms of OCD.

What is moral OCD or scrupulosity?

Scrupulosity is OCD focused on morality or religion: fear of having sinned, lied or caused harm, with compulsions like confessing, praying or mentally reviewing. It responds well to CBT and ACT that respect your values and faith.

Can OCD be cured?

Most people with OCD improve significantly with treatment, and many reach a point where OCD no longer runs their life. Intrusive thoughts may still pop up, but they stop sticking.

Does online therapy work for OCD?

Yes. Research shows CBT for OCD works well by video, and since OCD often shows up at home, it can be easier to work on it right where it happens.

Do I need a diagnosis to start?

No. Many people come in unsure. Your therapist will assess what's going on in the first sessions.

Can I use my insurance?

Many of our clients use out-of-network benefits, and we provide monthly superbills to make reimbursement easier. We're in network with Northwell Direct, and some of our therapists are in network with other plans. We'll help you figure out your options during your free consultation. See cost and insurance details.

You don't have to keep checking alone

Book a free 15-minute consultation and we'll match you with a therapist who understands OCD.