Finding the Best OCD Therapist in San Francisco for You
Finding the right therapist can feel like an overwhelming task. If you’re seeking online therapy in California, you’ll have access to many great therapists in San Francisco, Los Angeles, and throughout the entire state. So how do you know which one to go with? If you’re dealing with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), it’s important to understand that not all therapists are equipped to treat OCD effectively.
Below are some important factors to consider when looking for an online OCD therapist that suits your needs.
OCD specialization and training
While there are some great therapists out there, not all are trained to diagnose and treat OCD. Many clinicians are skilled at treating common diagnoses like depression and anxiety, but OCD requires specialized training and experience. There are many nuances to OCD, and this condition is commonly overlooked and misdiagnosed. This can cause delays in care or improper treatment to be applied, which can sometimes worsen symptoms.
What you can do: If not stated on a therapist’s website, ask prospective therapists about their training, experience treating OCD, and how they keep up with their specialization. Many OCD therapists stay up to date with best practices by attending continuing education, clinical consultations, conferences, and other ongoing learning opportunities.
Professional affiliation with organizations like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) is another way of showing commitment to OCD work. You can even check out their provider directory during your search for an OCD therapist!
There are many reasons why seeking specialized care with an OCD therapist is beneficial and I go over some of those in 4 Reasons Why You Should Consider an OCD Specialist.
Treatment approaches offered
It’s best to find an OCD therapist who uses evidence-based treatments as their primary approach. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a type of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and the most widely researched and commonly used treatment for OCD. Many therapists are trained in CBT, so be sure to ask specifically about ERP for OCD. OCD therapists may also combine ERP with other modalities like Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), mindfulness skills, etc.
Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT) is another stand-alone treatment option gaining more attention within the OCD community and backed by research.
What you can do: Ask prospective therapists what treatment options they offer for OCD. Anyone who calls themselves an OCD therapist should at minimum have an understanding of ERP and include it as a treatment option.
Your comfort with the clinician
Like any relationship, comfort level and trust are important foundations. You can have a therapist who knows their stuff, but if you don’t feel like you are connecting well together, that can affect treatment. Research indicates that the therapeutic relationship is an important factor in treatment and that a strong alliance can lead to more positive treatment outcomes.
It’s important to feel safe with your therapist. Talking about your OCD symptoms can be hard. OCD obsessions can be scary to say out loud for many reasons. Some individuals experience taboo obsessions, which can bring on an added layer of shame. OCD treatment itself can also feel challenging. Some clients thrive with a warm and gentle approach in therapy, whereas others find that they do better with more directive and firm. Someone who can be by your side, supporting you through your journey in the way YOU need is important.
What you can do: Many OCD therapists will provide the opportunity for a short consultation call before committing to an initial appointment. Take advantage of that! It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and get a feel for that prospective therapist’s personality and approach.
Not every therapist will be the right fit for you, and that’s perfectly ok. It happens all the time. You can make that determination at the consultation or any point in the process (even after you’ve started working with a particular provider.)
Credentials
During your search, you’ll want to look for either a Master-level or Doctoral-level clinician with a background in mental health work. This can include a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT), Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor (LPCC), or Clinical Psychologist (PhD or PsyD). Professionals with these credentials have met graduate training requirements, clinical hour requirements, and passed licensure exams with their respective boards. Anyone with these credentials who has also undergone specialized OCD training could be a good therapist option.
There is also the option of working with an Associate, a clinician who has completed their graduate training and is accumulating their clinical hours for full licensure. This can be a suitable option if the Associate is working under the supervision of an OCD therapist who is training them in this specialization.
A Psychiatrist (MD) can also provide therapy. However, most tend to focus primarily on the medication management part of treatment and refer their patients out for therapy services. Many clients who opt for combination treatment generally have a psychiatrist and a therapist. Likewise, it is best to have a psychiatrist who specializes in OCD and is familiar with the medications and dosing that work best (i.e., certain medications are more effective at higher doses for OCD than for other conditions.)
What you can do: Many clinicians will have their credentials listed somewhere- on their website, on a directory, on their business card, etc. The Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) is one of California’s licensing agencies that ensures that standards are met for certain licensed professionals. Anyone in the public can perform a search to verify the licensure status (and check for any disciplinary actions) of a licensed professional through their specific licensing board. And of course, you can always ask prospective providers about their credentials in the consult call.
Logistics
When looking for an OCD therapist, it’s important to consider practical details like availability, cost, and location (if seeking in-person therapy.) Treatment works best when it is consistent, so finding someone who aligns with your personal needs on a logistical level is important in minimizing interruptions in care. In large cities like San Francisco and Los Angeles, therapy rates can vary widely, and not all therapists accept insurance.
What you can do: Consider your lifestyle and how you plan to accommodate consistent therapy sessions. If you have a hybrid work setup, scheduling therapy on your WFH days might ensure greater privacy and flexibility. If you work at an office, taking your session in your car before/after work or during your lunch break might work for you. If you travel often between states, you might consider looking for a therapist licensed in the states where you spend most of your time. If you have a variable schedule, you might need a therapist who can accommodate week-to-week scheduling. Finding someone who can match your scheduling needs will help you stay committed to treatment with minimal interruptions and barriers.
If you are looking for a private pay provider, figure out your budget and ask your prospective provider about their fees. If you will be using health insurance, whether that is in-network (INN) or out-of-network (OON) benefits, it would be best to verify coverage before your search. OON benefits could widen your therapist options, so be sure to explore all insurance options. Ask prospective therapists if they provide superbills so that you can seek reimbursement. Navigating our healthcare system could be overwhelming and doing this ahead of time will save you unexpected expenses.
Finding an OCD therapist in San Francisco may take time and effort. But it’s worth it when you find the right person to help you manage your OCD symptoms and live a more fulfilling life.
Interested in meeting with an OCD Therapist in San Francisco and throughout CA?
