How to Pick an OCD Therapist: A Step-by-Step Guide
If you or a loved one is struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), reaching out for help is a huge first step. But taking that step can quickly feel overwhelming when you realize just how many therapists are out there.
Here is the truth: not all therapy is created equal when it comes to OCD. General talk therapy, where you just vent about your week, often does not work for OCD. In fact, it can sometimes make it worse by accidentally validating the obsessions. To get better, you need a specific type of treatment and a therapist trained to deliver it.
Here is exactly how to find the right OCD therapist for you.
The TLDR: What to Look For
If you only take one thing away from this post, let it be this: You need a therapist who specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is the gold standard for treating OCD. If a therapist does not mention ERP, they are likely not the right fit for treating this specific disorder.
What is ERP Therapy?
Before you start interviewing therapists, it helps to know what you are looking for.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). It involves facing the thoughts, images, or situations that make you anxious (the exposure) without doing your usual compulsions to feel better (the response prevention). You can read more about it in my recent post: What is ERP Therapy? How to Turn Down the "Brain Noise" of OCD and Intrusive Thoughts
Over time, your brain learns that you do not need to perform compulsions to stay safe. A good OCD therapist acts like a coach, guiding you through this process at a pace you can handle.
Questions to Ask a Potential Therapist
Whether you are sending an email to see if a therapist is accepting new clients, or you are sitting down for your very first session, treat the process like a job interview. You are hiring them to help you, so do not be afraid to ask direct questions. You can also check their website or FAQ page to see if they answer these upfront.
Here are some good questions to ask your therapist:
What percentage of your practice is made up of OCD patients? (Look for someone where OCD makes up at least 25% to 50% of their workload).
What specific type of therapy do you use to treat OCD? (Listen closely for "ERP" or "Exposure and Response Prevention").
Where did you get your training for treating OCD? (A weekend seminar is not enough; look for specialized, ongoing training).
What does a typical session look like with you? (They should mention specific strategies such as doing active exposure exercises with you, not just talking).
Therapist Green Flags vs. Red Flags
When evaluating a therapist's website or talking to them on the phone, keep an eye out for these specific signs.
🟢 Green Flags (Good Signs)
Explicitly talks about ERP as their first choice treatment for OCD.
Explains that therapy involves doing active exercises (exposures).
Helps you sit with uncertainty and anxiety.
Mentions terms like ACT (Acceptance and Commitment Therapy) or CBT (Cognitive Behavioural Therapy).
🔴 Red Flags (Warning Signs)
Claims to treat dozens of unrelated disorders equally well.
Focuses mostly on your childhood or finding the "root cause" of the obsession.
Constantly reassures you that your fears will not happen.
Tells you to simply "stop thinking" about the bad thoughts.
Where to Actually Find an OCD Therapist
Searching Google for "therapist near me" will give you thousands of results, which is exhausting. Instead, use specialized directories that specifically list trained OCD professionals.
The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): They have a fantastic, searchable directory of therapists who specialize in OCD on their website.
Psychology Today: You can use their "Find a Therapist" tool, but make sure to filter the results specifically for "OCD" and double-check their profile for mentions of ERP.
Taking the Next Step
Living with OCD is exhausting, but it is highly treatable. You do not have to live with the constant cycle of obsessions and compulsions forever.
If you are ready to take your life back and start ERP therapy, I can help. My practice is dedicated to treating OCD for adults living in Calgary, Edmonton, or anywhere in Alberta.
Click here to book your first appointment and get the process started today.