Sometimes, a thought comes to your mind that you just can’t shake. Even worse, it’s an ugly one, like something that pushes against your morals or beliefs. It may be taboo. You don’t want to think this, but the thought invades your mind regardless.

This is called an intrusive thought. Everyone has fleeting intrusive thoughts from time to time. Persistent, frequent and overwhelming intrusive thoughts are hallmarks of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). A licensed clinical therapist experienced in OCD may help.

You may also have an urge to do something to make the thought go away, and it might not make sense to others — or to you. The urge may also be a response to an emotion. You might feel compelled to do something to prevent a bad event. This is a compulsion.

Someone with OCD may have thoughts like:

• “I have to perform this task perfectly or someone I care about will be hurt.”
• “I need to wash my hands a certain number of times or I will get sick.”
• “I must recite a prayer or mantra in my head or something bad will happen.”

Most people with OCD have compulsions, but some do not. These people may have purely obsessional OCD, which is also called “pure O,” though that’s not a clinical term. If you have symptoms of OCD or pure O, you can find support from a Lightfully professional.

What should you look for in a therapist?

Meeting a therapist whom you feel comfortable with is an important first step. Over time, you can work through intrusive thoughts or compulsions, perhaps through a method like exposure therapy or cognitive behavioral therapy. When you’re thinking about taking the first step, look for:

• Professional training

A therapist, counselor, psychologist or psychiatrist is trained to provide mental health care. Make sure that your treatment provider is an educated professional so that you receive evidence-based, comprehensive treatment. If you seek treatment with Lightfully, we have licensed clinical therapists who can help. If you participate in our Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP), you may also work with an experienced psychiatrist.

• Experience in OCD treatment

A mental health professional may treat a wide variety of conditions, like a primary care physician, or have special expertise in one area, like a cardiologist or rheumatologist. Look for one who treats OCD regularly or specializes in working with people managing OCD.

• Accessibility

Treatment should be within reach, without common barriers like a long distance, inconvenient hours or a lack of insurance coverage. A Lightfully professional can provide treatment online with flexible scheduling. We accept many types of insurance.

Find out about our Virtual Partial Hospitalization Program (vPHP)

You deserve to feel better, without these thoughts or compulsions disrupting your peace of mind. A Lightfully therapist can provide supportive care through our vPHP. In this program, you can expect 20 hours of weekly programming: Engage in more than just the occasional appointment, without leaving home or participating in inpatient care. You can meet with us virtually anywhere in the state of California.

While in this level of care, you’ll meet with a therapist every week. You can rely on a supportive professional for evidence-based treatment driven by some of the latest data in psychology research.

If you may need psychiatric care, you can work with a psychiatrist weekly. You do not have to be taking medication to participate in the vPHP; however, if you are taking medication for a mental health condition, you’ll get an expert’s management of your current medication use.

Several medications used to treat OCD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine and sertraline. Another medication, clomipramine, is a tricyclic antidepressant. These medications can ease anxiety and allow you to make progress in therapy more easily.

Therapeutic techniques include cognitive behavioral therapy and therapy that revolves around exposure to triggers. Exposure is planned, consensual and arranged at a pace that works for you. It may begin with imaginal exposure, so you don’t have to encounter the trigger in real life right away. You can learn more about treatment here.

You can also participate in group sessions for four hours per day. By connecting with other clients going through similar challenges, you can share your experiences, feelings, thoughts and ideas.

You can use the opportunity to meet loved ones for family therapy every two weeks. You’ll get a therapist’s guidance while you work through relationship issues or help your family understand OCD and treatment.

Change is possible. When you’re ready to take the first step, reach out to our Admissions Concierge Team. We’ll take the next steps together, toward the fullest, brightest version of you.