What Is OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) done to reduce distress. Common themes include contamination, harm, symmetry, and unwanted thoughts that go against a person’s values.
OCD is not simply being neat or particular. It is time-consuming, distressing, and interferes with life. It often occurs with anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Recognizing OCD: Symptoms and How It Shows Up
Obsessions can include fear of germs, doubts about safety, intrusive violent or taboo thoughts, or a need for things to feel just right. Compulsions can include washing, checking, counting, repeating, reassurance seeking, and mental review.
Many people with OCD feel shame and keep it secret. Symptoms can also cause avoidance, missed work, strained relationships, and exhaustion.
The Link Between OCD and Substance Use
Some people with OCD use alcohol or other substances to dull intrusive thoughts or the distress they cause. This can bring short-term relief but often worsens anxiety and can lead to dependence. Treating OCD and substance use together helps prevent each from fueling the other.
How FOY Approaches OCD
The most studied psychological treatment for OCD is cognitive behavioral therapy with exposure and response prevention (ERP). Other supports may include CBT, acceptance-based and mindfulness approaches, DBT skills for distress tolerance, and holistic practices such as breathwork and meditation.
Adults Living With OCD Who Need More Than Weekly Therapy
Our clients with OCD are often adults whose symptoms are taking up significant time or who have also begun to rely on alcohol or drugs. PHP and IOP provide structured time to learn and practice new skills with clinical support.
FAQs
What are the signs of OCD?
Signs include recurring unwanted thoughts or urges, repetitive behaviors or mental rituals done to ease distress, and symptoms that take up significant time or interfere with daily life.
Is OCD just being a perfectionist or very clean?
No. OCD is a distressing, time-consuming condition. Perfectionism and neatness do not cause the same level of distress or impairment.
What is ERP therapy?
Exposure and response prevention is a form of cognitive behavioral therapy in which a person gradually faces feared thoughts or situations without performing compulsions.
Can PHP or IOP help with OCD?
PHP and IOP can provide intensive, structured support, especially when OCD takes up many hours a day or occurs with anxiety, depression, or substance use.
Can OCD and substance use be treated together?
Yes. Integrated treatment addresses both at once.
Is medication part of OCD treatment?
Medication is sometimes used for OCD, and decisions are made by a prescriber.
Does insurance cover PHP or IOP for OCD?
Many plans cover PHP and IOP for OCD when medical necessity criteria are met, and federal parity law requires mental health and substance use benefits to be comparable to medical benefits. FOY is in-network with Blue Shield, Cigna, and TRICARE through TriWest, and we verify your benefits at no cost.
Does FOY accept out-of-network PPO insurance for OCD treatment?
Yes. FOY works with out-of-network PPO plans from Anthem, Aetna, Multiplan, HMC HealthWorks, and Blue Cross Blue Shield. Many PPO plans reimburse part of PHP and IOP costs after your out-of-network deductible is met. We explain your deductible, coinsurance, and out-of-pocket maximum before you decide, and we handle prior authorization paperwork.
How is PHP or IOP different from weekly therapy for OCD?
Weekly therapy may not offer enough practice time for OCD. PHP and IOP provide more sessions each week and daily skills work.
Start PHP and IOP Treatment in Agoura Hills, California
Talk with our admissions team, check your insurance for free, and find out which level of care fits. Admissions is available Monday to Friday. FOY welcomes adults from Agoura Hills, Calabasas, Westlake Village, Thousand Oaks, the San Fernando Valley, and across Los Angeles and Ventura Counties, as well as adults from across the United States who can travel to attend in person.
Confidential. No obligation. In a crisis, call or text 988, or call 911.
This page is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical or psychological advice.