OCD Treatment via Telehealth in Oregon and Washington

What Is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) that you feel driven to perform. OCD is not about being "neat" or "organized" — it's a condition that can consume hours of your day and cause significant distress.

You might be experiencing:

• Intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing, unwanted, or impossible to control
• Repetitive behaviors (checking, counting, washing, arranging) that temporarily relieve anxiety
• Spending significant time each day on obsessions or compulsions
• Knowing the thoughts or behaviors are excessive but feeling unable to stop

Learn more: NIMH — OCD

How Is OCD Treated with Medication?

Medication can significantly reduce the intensity of OCD symptoms. Common approaches include:

• SSRIs — the first-line medication treatment for OCD, often at higher doses than used for depression
• Clomipramine — a tricyclic antidepressant with strong evidence for OCD
• Augmentation strategies — additional medications may be added if SSRIs alone aren't sufficient

OCD medication often takes 8–12 weeks to reach full effect — longer than for depression or anxiety. I'll set clear expectations and monitor your progress closely. Medication is most effective when combined with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy.

What Does OCD Treatment Look Like via Telehealth?

• Initial evaluation (60 min): Comprehensive assessment of OCD symptoms, severity, and impact on daily life
• Treatment plan: Medication recommendations and discussion of ERP therapy referral
• Follow-up (15–30 min): Regular monitoring — OCD medication may need gradual dose increases over several weeks
• Coordination: I can work with your therapist or help connect you with an OCD/ERP specialist