Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Washington, DC
Specializing in helping clients with OCD and anxiety disorders using evidence-based treatments like exposure therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I bring a strong background in clinical supervision and teaching, and I stay grounded in current research and best practice. In addition to specialized training in OCD and anxiety disorders, my 20 years of clinical expertise includes treatment for mood disorders through mindfulness-based therapies such as DBT. I offer individual, family and group therapy.
Specializing in helping clients with OCD and anxiety disorders using evidence-based treatments like exposure therapy, CBT, and mindfulness-based approaches.
I bring a strong background in clinical supervision and teaching, and I stay grounded in current research and best practice. In addition to specialized training in OCD and anxiety disorders, my 20 years of clinical expertise includes treatment for mood disorders through mindfulness-based therapies such as DBT. I offer individual, family and group therapy.
If you are suffering from an eating disorder, weight related concerns, OCD, or navigating the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain, illness, or insomnia, you likely feel disconnected from your own life and body.
As a health psychologist sensitive to multicultural psychology, I strive to understand the ways in which culture and identity may shape your well-being. My practice offers a warm, validating space for anyone seeking a therapist who inherently understands these nuances, as well as anyone needing specialized mind-body support.
If you are suffering from an eating disorder, weight related concerns, OCD, or navigating the physical and emotional toll of chronic pain, illness, or insomnia, you likely feel disconnected from your own life and body.
As a health psychologist sensitive to multicultural psychology, I strive to understand the ways in which culture and identity may shape your well-being. My practice offers a warm, validating space for anyone seeking a therapist who inherently understands these nuances, as well as anyone needing specialized mind-body support.
For 25 years, I have specialized in the cognitive-behavioral (CBT) treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ( OCD) as well as a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in late adolescents and adults.
Problem-focused, solution-focused CBT targets the thoughts, emotions, and behavioral responses that maintain anxiety and depressive disorders. In treating OCD, I gently use a combination of exposure and response prevention (ERP) and mindfulness-based tactics drawn from Eastern (Buddhist) philosophy. My approach is warm, compassionate, and highly interactive.
For 25 years, I have specialized in the cognitive-behavioral (CBT) treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder ( OCD) as well as a range of anxiety and depressive disorders in late adolescents and adults.
Problem-focused, solution-focused CBT targets the thoughts, emotions, and behavioral responses that maintain anxiety and depressive disorders. In treating OCD, I gently use a combination of exposure and response prevention (ERP) and mindfulness-based tactics drawn from Eastern (Buddhist) philosophy. My approach is warm, compassionate, and highly interactive.
You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
I use a narrative therapeutic lens to explore life experiences that have contributed to varying different issues and work together with you to help identify and challenge patterns that are no longer serving you. I also implement Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for practical coping skills to use in the day to day.
You do not need to have an eating disorder for us to work together, I also work with those struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, trauma, relationships, and identity.
I use a narrative therapeutic lens to explore life experiences that have contributed to varying different issues and work together with you to help identify and challenge patterns that are no longer serving you. I also implement Acceptance and Commitment Therapy and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for practical coping skills to use in the day to day.
Schwartz is a psychologist with many specialties including anxiety ( OCD, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety), depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Schwartz believes in the importance of providing evidence-based treatments that can be adapted to fit the individual goals and needs of each person. He was trained as a scientist practitioner and has worked as a clinician on several NIH-funded treatment studies for PTSD and eating disorders.
Schwartz is a psychologist with many specialties including anxiety ( OCD, GAD, Specific Phobias, Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety), depression, eating disorders, trauma and PTSD, insomnia, and substance use disorders.
Dr. Schwartz believes in the importance of providing evidence-based treatments that can be adapted to fit the individual goals and needs of each person. He was trained as a scientist practitioner and has worked as a clinician on several NIH-funded treatment studies for PTSD and eating disorders.
I specialize in treating OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
Do intrusive thoughts get stuck in your mind and feel impossible to shake? Thoughts like, “What if I have cancer?”, “What if I don’t actually love my spouse?”, or "What if I hit someone with my car and didn't notice?" These thoughts can feel so threatening that you may end up spending hours googling symptoms, checking things repeatedly, replaying conversations, or seeking reassurance, but the relief never lasts. It can be exhausting, confusing, and scary to live this way. You’re not alone, and effective treatment is available.
I specialize in treating OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD.
Do intrusive thoughts get stuck in your mind and feel impossible to shake? Thoughts like, “What if I have cancer?”, “What if I don’t actually love my spouse?”, or "What if I hit someone with my car and didn't notice?" These thoughts can feel so threatening that you may end up spending hours googling symptoms, checking things repeatedly, replaying conversations, or seeking reassurance, but the relief never lasts. It can be exhausting, confusing, and scary to live this way. You’re not alone, and effective treatment is available.
My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression, exposure therapy for OCD and trauma, and targeted work with perfectionism.
You're good at keeping it together across every part of your life, professionally, personally, outwardly. But privately, something isn't working anymore. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, or the weight of past trauma, you've reached a point where pushing through on your own isn't enough. You want to understand what's actually driving your struggles and build something more lasting than another coping strategy. I'm a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with high-functioning adults and older teens (16+) whose inner lives don't match the competence they show the world.
My approach is collaborative and evidence-based, drawing on cognitive behavioral therapy for anxiety and depression, exposure therapy for OCD and trauma, and targeted work with perfectionism.
You're good at keeping it together across every part of your life, professionally, personally, outwardly. But privately, something isn't working anymore. Whether you're dealing with anxiety, depression, intrusive thoughts, or the weight of past trauma, you've reached a point where pushing through on your own isn't enough. You want to understand what's actually driving your struggles and build something more lasting than another coping strategy. I'm a clinical psychologist who specializes in working with high-functioning adults and older teens (16+) whose inner lives don't match the competence they show the world.
As a therapist specializing in Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I am here to support you in learning to detach from those patterns to be able to move towards a free and values-driven life.
I received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and am licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. I am trained in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including ACT, DBT, CBT, ERP, I-CBT, Grief and Trauma Interventions, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
As a therapist specializing in Anxiety and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, I am here to support you in learning to detach from those patterns to be able to move towards a free and values-driven life.
I received a Bachelor’s degree from the University of Virginia in Psychology and a Master of Social Work from the University of Michigan and am licensed in DC, Maryland, and Virginia. I am trained in several evidence-based therapeutic modalities, including ACT, DBT, CBT, ERP, I-CBT, Grief and Trauma Interventions, and Solution-Focused Therapy.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, relationship issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD), social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, trichotillomania, substance use disorders, insomnia, and personality disorders.
Welcome! I am a CBT expert: Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, author of a widely-used text on empirically-supported treatments, former Director of Capital Institute for Cognitive Therapy, a Washingtonian Magazine Top Therapist, over 35 years clinical experience.
My approach to therapy is warm, personal and compassionate. I want to get to know you-your strengths, your struggles, your goals. Together we develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates research-proven techniques. I bring to therapy a life-time of experience. I've seen what works for people and what doesn't.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) has been shown to be effective for a number of problems, including: depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, relationship issues, obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD), social anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), phobias, trichotillomania, substance use disorders, insomnia, and personality disorders.
Welcome! I am a CBT expert: Founding Fellow of the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, author of a widely-used text on empirically-supported treatments, former Director of Capital Institute for Cognitive Therapy, a Washingtonian Magazine Top Therapist, over 35 years clinical experience.
My approach to therapy is warm, personal and compassionate. I want to get to know you-your strengths, your struggles, your goals. Together we develop a personalized treatment plan that incorporates research-proven techniques. I bring to therapy a life-time of experience. I've seen what works for people and what doesn't.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, phobias, OCD, and other life challenges.
I completed my Master's in Counseling from Norfolk State University. With my experience, I am equipped to help individuals with a wide range of issues. I provide a person-centered approach to assist people in addressing their unique challenges.
I specialize in anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship issues, phobias, OCD, and other life challenges.
I completed my Master's in Counseling from Norfolk State University. With my experience, I am equipped to help individuals with a wide range of issues. I provide a person-centered approach to assist people in addressing their unique challenges.
I work with patients who have been diagnosed with OCD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders, as well as those who are struggling with issues such as avoidance/procrastination, perfectionism, self-criticism, or feeling generally overwhelmed.
I provide empirically-supported CBT for patients seeking treatment for a variety of conditions. I specialize in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders by utilizing exposure and response prevention (E/RP). I also enjoy working with individuals who struggle with perfectionism, using a CBT approach to promote more flexibility and self-compassion.
I work with patients who have been diagnosed with OCD, anxiety disorders, and mood disorders, as well as those who are struggling with issues such as avoidance/procrastination, perfectionism, self-criticism, or feeling generally overwhelmed.
I provide empirically-supported CBT for patients seeking treatment for a variety of conditions. I specialize in treating OCD and other anxiety disorders by utilizing exposure and response prevention (E/RP). I also enjoy working with individuals who struggle with perfectionism, using a CBT approach to promote more flexibility and self-compassion.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in depression, general anxiety, trauma, OCD, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.
I am a licensed clinical psychologist who sees adolescent and adult clients for individual and couples therapy. I take an integrative CBT approach utilizing empirically supported treatments and focus on mood and anxiety disorders with specific clinical and research interests in depression, general anxiety, trauma, OCD, and mindfulness meditation. I specialize in treating eating disorders, body image, and self-esteem concerns. Therapy is a collaborative approach- with kindness and compassion we build trust and work together as a team to relieve symptoms and meet your goals for therapy.
I understand the specific suffering of the professional who tries to “outwork” anxiety, perfectionism, and/or OCD.
I specialize in the "High-Achieving Mind," treating the root causes of burnout, anxiety, and OCD. Whether you need the High-Performance Track (for professionals/students) or the Parenthood Track (for perinatal/IVF care), I provide evidence-based, doctoral-level care to help you navigate the pressure without sacrificing your well-being.
I understand the specific suffering of the professional who tries to “outwork” anxiety, perfectionism, and/or OCD.
I specialize in the "High-Achieving Mind," treating the root causes of burnout, anxiety, and OCD. Whether you need the High-Performance Track (for professionals/students) or the Parenthood Track (for perinatal/IVF care), I provide evidence-based, doctoral-level care to help you navigate the pressure without sacrificing your well-being.
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, OCD, grief and loss, and difficult life transitions, including changes in roles or identity.
I tailor therapy to each individual or couple's needs, be that by exploring issues in relationships, teaching concrete skills to better cope with challenging emotions, behaviors, and thoughts, or simply providing a safe, empathetic space to process the events and experiences of life.
I specialize in working with clients struggling with anxiety, relationship issues, OCD, grief and loss, and difficult life transitions, including changes in roles or identity.
I tailor therapy to each individual or couple's needs, be that by exploring issues in relationships, teaching concrete skills to better cope with challenging emotions, behaviors, and thoughts, or simply providing a safe, empathetic space to process the events and experiences of life.
Whether you are feeling paralyzed by OCD, struggling to manage the relentless mental load of ADHD, or quietly carrying the weight of career burnout, you do not have to white-knuckle your way through life.
Therapy should be an active, collaborative process. I utilize evidence-based tools—specifically ACT and CBT—to help you build practical skills and quiet intrusive thoughts. I also love going deep with my clients, providing a straightforward, constructive space to explore the root of your stressors, heal past wounds, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
Whether you are feeling paralyzed by OCD, struggling to manage the relentless mental load of ADHD, or quietly carrying the weight of career burnout, you do not have to white-knuckle your way through life.
Therapy should be an active, collaborative process. I utilize evidence-based tools—specifically ACT and CBT—to help you build practical skills and quiet intrusive thoughts. I also love going deep with my clients, providing a straightforward, constructive space to explore the root of your stressors, heal past wounds, and achieve meaningful personal growth.
I specialize in treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD).
Some of the fears that I help clients manage are: fear of contamination and illness, fear of harming family members and friends, fear of committing crimes, fear of making mistakes and being fired from work, and fear of making moral transgressions.
I specialize in treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD).
Some of the fears that I help clients manage are: fear of contamination and illness, fear of harming family members and friends, fear of committing crimes, fear of making mistakes and being fired from work, and fear of making moral transgressions.
My clinical areas of focus include OCD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, body focused repetitive behaviors, and suicidality.
I am a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi and University of Washington. I completed my residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. I then completed my two-year post-doctoral fellowship at the Capital Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have ten years of experience teaching DBT skills in various settings.
My clinical areas of focus include OCD, mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, body focused repetitive behaviors, and suicidality.
I am a graduate of University of Southern Mississippi and University of Washington. I completed my residency at the University of Texas Health Science Center San Antonio. I then completed my two-year post-doctoral fellowship at the Capital Institute of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and have ten years of experience teaching DBT skills in various settings.
Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression.
Dr. Pierce provides education about stress physiology, how stress and emotions interact with chronic pain, and how biofeedback and specific relaxation techniques can help. She also guides clients in various self-regulation and relaxation strategies to manage mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
Natalie Pierce specializes in the treatment of chronic pain/illnesses, insomnia, OCD, anxiety disorders, eating disorders, body image concerns, life transitions, and depression.
Dr. Pierce provides education about stress physiology, how stress and emotions interact with chronic pain, and how biofeedback and specific relaxation techniques can help. She also guides clients in various self-regulation and relaxation strategies to manage mental, emotional, and physical well-being.
My areas of clinical focus include depression, anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias), relationship challenges, spirituality, life transitions, OCD, multicultural counseling, cultural adjustments and education/career concerns.
You have the power to heal, grow, and thrive; & I can help! As a clinical therapist, it’s my privilege to hold space for clients as they unpack areas of concern, increase self-awareness, restore balance, and identify strengths they can cultivate to create sustainable change. My clientele come from diverse walks of life. Many are working professionals who are struggling to keep up with the busy demands of life and now feel ready to explore areas they are stuck.
My areas of clinical focus include depression, anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, phobias), relationship challenges, spirituality, life transitions, OCD, multicultural counseling, cultural adjustments and education/career concerns.
You have the power to heal, grow, and thrive; & I can help! As a clinical therapist, it’s my privilege to hold space for clients as they unpack areas of concern, increase self-awareness, restore balance, and identify strengths they can cultivate to create sustainable change. My clientele come from diverse walks of life. Many are working professionals who are struggling to keep up with the busy demands of life and now feel ready to explore areas they are stuck.
I am Dr. Patrick Fisher, please call me Patrick. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor with a doctorate in psychology and nearly 20 years of clinical experience, I help adults and adolescents quiet their anxiety, recover from burnout, and steady themselves under life's unnerving pressures. I am privileged to be on this journey with you. Just bring your courage, and I'll bring the roadmap.
I am Dr. Patrick Fisher, please call me Patrick. As a Licensed Professional Counselor and Nationally Certified Counselor with a doctorate in psychology and nearly 20 years of clinical experience, I help adults and adolescents quiet their anxiety, recover from burnout, and steady themselves under life's unnerving pressures. I am privileged to be on this journey with you. Just bring your courage, and I'll bring the roadmap.
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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists
How long does OCD treatment take?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.
What happens if OCD is not treated?
Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.
Are there medications for OCD?
Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.
Can OCD come back after treatment?
Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.