OCD Treatment
Convenient In-Person & Online Therapy For OCD
Take control of your thoughts and get your life back on track with evidence-based OCD & Anxiety treatment. We offer in-person sessions in Baltimore and convenient online OCD therapy across Maryland. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
Introduction to OCD
What Is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is an anxiety-related mental health condition that involves unwanted, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions).
- Obsessions are unwanted and intrusive thoughts, worries, doubts, urges, or images that can cause significant distress.
- Compulsions are behaviors, rituals, or mental acts performed in response to obsessions in an attempt to control, stop, or prevent anxiety and intrusive thoughts. These may include repetition, checking, ruminating, or seeking reassurance.
OCD can have a significant impact on daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Who We Help
Is OCD Therapy Right For You?
At Behavioral Health Direct, we provide specialized therapy for OCD. We work with motivated, high-functioning individuals experiencing OCD symptoms such as:
1. Distressing Intrusive Thoughts (Obsessions):
- Persistent, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that are intrusive and anxiety-inducing.
- Fear of harm, contamination, or violating moral or ethical standards.
- Difficulty distinguishing between “normal” worries and obsessive thoughts.
2. Compulsive Behaviors:
- Time-consuming rituals.
- Feeling trapped in repetitive behaviors.
- Disruption of daily routines and responsibilities.
3. Emotional Distress:
- Chronic anxiety, fear, or guilt.
- Shame or embarrassment about symptoms or compulsive behaviors.
- Frustration and exhaustion from managing symptoms.
4. Relationship & Social Challenges:
- Strained relationships due to the time and energy spent on compulsions.
- Difficulty explaining symptoms to loved ones or receiving adequate support and validation.
- Feeling isolated or misunderstood.
5. Interference with Daily Life:
- Reduced productivity at work or school due to obsessions and compulsions.
- Avoidance behaviors to manage triggers, leading to missed opportunities or social withdrawal.
- Difficulty focusing or enjoying activities.
6. Self-Doubt and Reassurance Seeking:
- Constant need for reassurance.
- Doubting one’s own memory, actions, or intentions.
OCD Treatment That Works
What Our Clients Are Saying
Our Location & Service Area
At Behavioral Health Direct, we provide specialized OCD treatment and therapy services to individuals across Maryland and Florida. We understand how challenging OCD can be, and we’re here to help you every step of the way, whether in person or online.
In Person OCD Treatment In Baltimore, Maryland
Our Baltimore office is conveniently located for those seeking in-person OCD therapy in Baltimore and surrounding areas. Additionally, we often work with individuals from areas closer to Washington, D.C., and offer the flexibility of starting with in-person sessions and transitioning to virtual therapy after the first few visits.
Online Therapy For OCD in Maryland & Florida
For individuals in Maryland and Florida, we offer online teletherapy to make effective OCD treatment more accessible. Online therapy provides enhanced flexibility and convenience, allowing you to prioritize your comfort and privacy. It ensures you can attend sessions from the location of your choice, making therapy more adaptable to your lifestyle and schedule.
OCD Therapy and Treatment
Common OCD Subtypes & Themes
Effective OCD treatment works across all forms of OCD. While OCD affects everyone differently, here are some common subtypes. If your experience doesn’t fit into these categories, that’s okay – we can still help.
Relationships & Intimacy (ROCD)
People who suffer from ROCD experience high levels of anxiety and doubt about dating and romantic relationships, and engage in compulsive checking, rumination, confession, and reassurance seeking.
Learn More about Relationship OCD.
Religion & Morality (Scrupulosity)
Scrupulosity involves anxiety and doubt about religious observance or moral beliefs. Individuals often engage in compulsive behaviors like reassurance, checking, confession, rumination, and repeating rituals.
Learn More About Scrupulosity OCD.
Symmetry & Perfection
Symmetry and perfection obsessions involve an overwhelming need for balance or exactness, often causing significant distress and leading to repetitive arranging or adjusting until things feel ‘right.’
Learn More About Symmetry & Perfection OCD.
Harm OCD
Individuals with Harm OCD worry about causing harm to others, themselves, or losing control. These thoughts usually cause significant pain and distress, and often lead to rituals and avoidance.
Learn More About Harm OCD And Obssessions.
Contamination
Contamination OCD isn’t just about germs, getting sick, or feeling dirty and unclean. Individuals may worry about being contaminated by abstract concepts or ideas, leading to avoidance and compulsive rituals.
Learn More About Contamination OCD.
Sexuality
OCD themed around sexuality involves inappropriate sexual thoughts and images, obsessions about staring at others, and intense doubt and discomfort about one’s sexual orientation.
Learn More About HOCD, SO-OCD, & POCD.
Therapist & Owner
Yisrael Z. Schwartz, LCPC
I am a Maryland Licensed Professional Counselor and owner of Behavioral Health Direct, specializing in treating Anxiety Disorders and OCD. My passion is for helping individuals navigate and overcome difficult thoughts and feelings and build a life of meaning and purpose. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental space where clients feel understood, valued, and empowered. Integrity and authenticity guide my practice, allowing me to form genuine connections and provide evidence-based practical strategies to each individual I work with.
I look forward to hearing from you. Book a free consultation below.
Evidence Based Therapy For OCD
Effective OCD Treatment Without Medication
At Behavioral Health Direct, we specialize in evidence-based psychological treatments that empower individuals to manage and reduce the impact of OCD. While medication ia a valid and effective option, it is not without potential side effects, and many people struggle to find the right medication or dosage that works for them. Psychological therapy provides an alternative that is effective, side-effect-free, and designed to address the root causes of OCD symptoms.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is a well-researched therapy for OCD that looks at how thoughts and behaviors affect emotions. ERP, a key part of CBT, is highly effective for OCD as it directly targets compulsions. Another approach, Inference-Based CBT (I-CBT), addresses mistaken inferences and reasoning errors common in OCD. However, some aspects of CBT, like focusing too much on thoughts, can sometimes increase rumination or compulsive behaviors. By working intentionally, we ensure therapy reduces symptoms without reinforcing unhelpful cycles.
Exposure Therapy (ERP)
A cornerstone of OCD treatment and an essential part of CBT for OCD, ERP involves gradually exposing individuals to feared thoughts or situations while guiding them to resist compulsive behaviors. This process helps reduce the anxiety associated with obsessions and breaks the cycle of compulsions.
Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT)
ACT complements traditional approaches by emphasizing psychological flexibility. OCD often involves struggling with intrusive thoughts, with compulsions aimed at neutralizing them. ACT teaches individuals to be open to these thoughts and experiences, reducing the impact they have on daily life. It encourages taking the mind less seriously and focusing on living a values-driven life instead of fighting difficult emotions or thoughts.
At Behavioral Health Direct, we don’t believe one size fits all when it comes to OCD treatment. We don’t rigidly stick to hierarchical exposures exclusively and are not tied to any single treatment approach. Therapy is collaborative and intentional—we work with you to find what works best for your unique needs. Our goal is to provide supportive, personalized care that fits your circumstances and preferences.
ready to get started with Therapy For OCD?
Book a free consultation, schedule an appointment, or contact us for more information. We look forward to hearing from you and will be in touch shortly.