OCD Intensives

What you can expect:

  • Comprehensive Assessment:
    A thorough evaluation of your OCD symptoms, related anxiety, and any co-occurring concerns to ensure a customized treatment approach.

  • Personalized Treatment Plan:
    Development of an individualized plan outlining your specific obsessions, compulsions, avoidance patterns, and goals for treatment.

  • Psychoeducation:
    In-depth education about OCD, how it works in the brain, why compulsions feel necessary, and how Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) leads to lasting change.

  • Response Prevention Skills Training:
    Coaching and practice in tools and strategies to resist compulsions and respond to intrusive thoughts more effectively.

  • Exposure Practice:
    Guided exposures targeting your core fears, conducted in the office and, when appropriate, in real-world community settings.

  • Skills for Daily Life:
    Practical techniques to help you manage urges, navigate triggers, and build confidence in your ability to handle uncertainty.

  • Progress Review and Planning:
    Regular check-ins throughout the day to track progress, adjust the approach as needed, and ensure you feel supported.

  • Next Steps and Continued Support:
    A clear roadmap for ongoing treatment recommendations, follow-up sessions, and resources to maintain momentum after your intensive.

Intensives Schedule

  • Morning: 9am-12pm

    We will begin by reviewing your goals and establishing expectations for the day, then complete a comprehensive assessment of your symptoms, history, and current impacts of your condition. Through various modalities, you will learn about and develop an understanding of OCD and anxiety cycles, as well as the gold standard of treatment utilized in intensives - Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP). Before we break for lunch, we will work collaboratively to identify core fears, triggers, avoidance behaviors, and compulsions to help us generate your personalized exposure hierarchy.

  • Lunch Break: 12pm-1pm

    A full hour lunch break to decompress and reflect, while taking in the vibe of the historic Haymarket district. There are dozens of restaurants, coffee shops, and boutiques to enjoy during your time.

  • Afternoon: 1pm-4pm

    Before we dive into exposure work, we will learn and practice the most important part of your day- response prevention. These tools and skills are key to long-lasting relief from OCD. A good part of the afternoon will be spent on guided exposure practice through the use of your previously constructed hierarchy. This includes real-time coaching and the opportunity to engage in both in-office and community-based exposures. Before we wrap up for the day, there will be ample time for processing and reflection, reinforcement of learning and practice, and development of your personal plan for continued practice and follow-up care.

FAQs

What exactly is an OCD Intensive?

It’s a full day dedicated to helping you face OCD head-on. Instead of spreading sessions out over weeks or months, we pack assessment, education, planning, and exposure work into one focused, productive day. It’s like giving your treatment a powerful jump-start.

Who would benefit from this type of treatment?

Intensives are designed for adults ages 18+ who:

  • Are ready to tackle OCD in a more focused way

  • Feel stuck or want to break through a plateau

  • Don’t have time for weekly therapy or want to make faster progress

What can I expect to get out an OCD Intensive?

You’ll walk away with:

  • A clear understanding of how your OCD shows up and keeps you stuck

  • A personalized plan, including a list of exposures to work on

  • Hands-on experience with exposures and response prevention

  • Tools you can start using right away to keep momentum going

Does this mean my OCD will be gone?

Nope—OCD recovery is a process. But this intensive will help you build confidence, gain skills, and see what’s possible. Many people find it’s a huge boost to their progress.

I’m nervous about doing exposures. What if I can’t handle it?

That’s normal! We go at a pace that works for you. You’ll never be forced into anything—you’ll be supported the whole way. The goal is to help you build courage, not overwhelm you.

Can I use insurance?

Unfortunately, OCD Intensives are not covered by insurance. Insurance companies often have strict criteria for reimbursable services and Intensives do not align with insurance policies designed for shorter, weekly sessions. The highly customized nature of Intensives can also pose challenges for insurance companies in standardizing reimbursement criteria. You may be able to use HSA, FSA, or MSA funds.

What is the cost of an OCD Intensive?

Friday Intensives are $1,200 while Saturday or Sunday intensives are $1,800. This breaks down to $200-$300/hour depending on your scheduled day. This cost includes preparation for your personalized Intensive, our clinical hours, as well as four 30-minute follow-up coaching sessions, scheduled at your convenience.

I’m sold! How do I schedule an appointment and what should I bring?

Use the Contact tab at the top of this page. We’ll start with a quick consultation call to see if an Intensive is the right fit for you. On the day of your Intensive, be sure to bring:

  • A journal or notebook solely dedicated to your Intensive. You will be personally documenting your journey throughout the day and engaging in a few creative tasks to reinforce the treatment process.

  • Water and snacks. I do have limited snacks on hand and small bottles of water. There is a drinking fountain available.

  • Notes about what’s been most challenging with your OCD or anything you might want me to know and don’t want to forget.

  • Comfortable clothes—you might be moving around or heading into the community for exposures