OCD Treatment in Orange County, California
An estimated 2.3% of U.S. adults will meet the criteria for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) at some point in their lifetime.1 However, a review of over 10 million patient records found that only 0.51% of patients receive a formal OCD diagnosis.2
Every year, hundreds of thousands of people suffering from OCD never get the treatment they deserve. A Better Life Recovery offers an evidence-based treatment approach to OCD, particularly OCD that has occurred alongside a substance use disorder.
We are a Joint Commission-accredited facility based in San Juan Capistrano, and we serve adults throughout Orange County and Southern California. We treat OCD as part of our dual diagnosis and mental health programs.
Our OCD treatment program runs on exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and medication management.
Call us to discuss your obsessive-compulsive disorder treatment options today.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
OCD is a chronic mental health condition that causes two types of symptoms: Obsessions and compulsions.
Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts and urges in your brain that cause you distress. You may want to suppress these by performing a compulsion.
Compulsions are repetitive behaviors that you might feel driven to perform in response to an obsession. A compulsion provides you with temporary relief from an obsession, but it keeps the cycle going. Compulsions can be:
-
- Physical (e.g., washing your hands, checking locks, arranging objects)
- Mental (counting silently, repeating prayers, reviewing past events to find certainty).
OCD has been identified as the 10th leading cause of disability among all medical conditions in the industrialized world.3 Around 1.2% of Americans live with OCD in any given year.1
It’s important to note that, for a formal OCD diagnosis, symptoms must go beyond everyday preferences, such as liking a tidy home. To meet diagnostic criteria for OCD, a person must have obsessions, compulsions, or both, and those symptoms must take at least one hour of their day, every day. These symptoms must also feel hard (or impossible) to control and interfere with your daily functioning.4
Common OCD Themes
OCD symptoms have different themes, but a person does not need to have them all. Each of them leads to an obsession and compulsion cycle.
Severe Contamination OCD
Immediately, they feel a sense of relief when they wash their hands. However, this is temporary and is often shortly followed by another obsessive thought. As such, it is not unusual for people with contamination OCD to wash their hands fifty or more times per day.
Harm OCD
A person with harm OCD experiences intrusive thoughts about hurting themselves or someone they love. Compulsions in this theme include:
- Avoiding knives,
- Not driving to prevent an accident,
- Repeatedly checking that no harm occurred.
Checking OCD
Checking OCD leads to an inability to tolerate uncertainty about whether a catastrophe has been prevented. A person may leave their house and immediately doubt whether they turned off the stove.
They then have a compulsion to return and to check if they really did turn it off. At work, they will review emails dozens of times before sending, or re-read a document to ensure no errors slipped through.
Symmetry and Ordering OCD
Symmetry and ordering are also prevalent OCD themes. People with this theme have a feeling that things are not “just right” until they reposition objects around them in a pattern.
Religion-related OCD
Finally, OCD has religious themes in which a person obsesses over whether they committed a sin, blasphemed, thought an impure thought, failed to pray correctly, etc. They would repeat their prayers a number of times to ensure it was right.
Our OCD Treatment Approach
At A Better Life Recovery, we use many different evidence-based treatment approaches for OCD.
Exposure Therapy
ERP for OCD gradually exposes you to the situations, thoughts, or images that trigger your obsessions while making sure that you are able to resist the urge to perform a compulsion.
For every ERP session, our therapists will also be at your side to coach you during exposures and encourage you to gradually take more and more challenging steps. However, it’s important to know that every exposure at our center is collaborative – you will never be forced into it until you are ready to tolerate the exposure.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
- Overestimate danger (e.g., “Something bad will definitely happen if I don’t do this.”)
- Make you feel overly responsible (e.g., “If I don’t prevent this, it will be my fault.”)
- Sound a lot like facts (e.g., “If I think something bad, it will happen.”)
Thought-action fusion (TAF) is one of the most distressing cognitive errors in OCD. It is the belief that having an unacceptable thought is morally equivalent to carrying out an action.8
During your CBT sessions, you will be taught to test these beliefs against reality. CBT also builds skills for responding to intrusive thoughts, which reduces their power over your behavior.
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy
ACT is a mindfulness-based approach that changes your relationship with intrusive thoughts (rather than eliminating them like in CBT). It is focused on the fact that the harder you fight an unwanted thought, the harder it becomes to avoid it. So, you’ll learn to observe these thoughts without acting on a compulsion that follows them.
In one study of 413 people, those who received ACT saw noticeable improvements in their OCD symptoms, measured using a standard clinical scale called the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS)9
ACT works particularly well as a complement to ERP. It helps you build the psychological flexibility to move through difficult moments.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy
It also builds distress tolerance skills so that you are able to manage obsession-related anxiety.
Research on DBT in patients with OCD found that clinical signs decrease after treatment. However, it is not a standalone treatment for OCD.10 At A Better Life Recovery, it is used to build the emotional capacity you need to fully engage with ERP and CBT.
Medication Management
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are used in OCD to treat co-occurring depression symptoms. The FDA has approved four SSRIs for OCD in adults in the United States:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac),
- Sertraline (Zoloft),
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox), and
- Paroxetine (Paxil).
SSRIs work best when combined with psychotherapy. A review of 21 scientific studies with 1,113 patients found that ERP combined with medication was significantly more effective than medication alone.12
OCD medication treatment at A Better Life Recovery is prescribed and managed by board-certified psychiatrists.
OCD and Co-occurring Conditions
In their lifetime, 90% of people with OCD meet criteria for at least one other psychiatric diagnosis.13
OCD and Anxiety
Research shows that rates of anxiety disorders in people with OCD are between:
- 5% to 31% for generalized anxiety,
- 8% to 25% for social phobia, and
- 6% to 26% for panic disorder.
OCD is fundamentally an anxiety-driven condition.14 If this is the case for you, OCD anxiety treatment may be most helpful.
OCD and Depression
Depression is the single most common co-occurring condition in OCD. In fact, around 50.5% of people with OCD will experience depression at some point in their lives. When OCD and depression occur together, they can dramatically increase the risk of feeling hopeless or struggling with thoughts of suicide.15
Fortunately, effective treatment can help you manage both and start to feel more yourself again.
If you need immediate support, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or go to your nearest emergency room.
OCD and Substance Misuse
A lot of people with OCD tend to suppress their nervous system with substance misuse. Lifetime substance use disorder rates in individuals treated at OCD specialty clinics range from 10% to 16%.16
In these instances, OCD and addiction treatment may be offered in tandem.
OCD and Trauma
OCD and trauma also appear to be related. In the National Comorbidity Survey Replication, those with a current diagnosis of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were 3.62 times more likely to also have OCD.
A systematic investigation of OCD symptoms in adults with combat-related PTSD found that more than half of the sample developed OCD symptoms following traumatic exposure.17
A Better Life Recovery is a specialty clinic that treats OCD and all the mental health conditions that come with it within a single, integrated program. Every condition is targeted with evidence-based care under one roof in Orange County.
Our Treatment Team
All treatment teams at A Better Life Recovery are led by board-certified psychiatrists who oversee each client’s clinical care from intake through discharge.
Under the psychiatrist’s leadership, our therapists deliver evidence-based therapeutic work. Our clinical staff includes:
- Licensed clinical social workers (LCSWs)
- Licensed marriage and family therapists (LMFTs)
- Licensed professional counselors (LPCs)
Nursing staff support is present throughout every hour of the day at our facility. We maintain a 1:2.5 staff-to-client ratio across our program to ensure your therapist knows your treatment in detail and your progress is closely tracked.
What to Expect in OCD Treatment Orange County
When you arrive at A Better Life Recovery, you will go through a clinical assessment so we can understand the themes of OCD you struggle with and how long your symptoms have been present.
We will discuss whether you’ve previously tried any treatments. You will also be assessed for any co-occurring mental health conditions that need to be addressed alongside your OCD.
Our clinical team develops an individualized treatment plan specific to your presentation.
During treatment, you will participate in both individual therapy sessions and group therapy throughout each day. Psychiatric care runs in parallel throughout your stay. If you need medication management, a psychiatrist will evaluate all the available options and decide your dosage requirements.
Before you are discharged, we will develop an aftercare plan to recommend the care you require after stepping down from residential stay.
Insurance and Admissions
OCD treatment is covered under the Paul Wellstone and Pete Domenici Mental Health Parity and Addiction Equity Act (MHPAEA).18 The law requires that insurance coverage for mental health conditions be no more restrictive than coverage for other medical conditions.
We offer free, confidential insurance verification for every client. Our admissions team will contact your insurer to confirm what your plan covers and then walk you through any out-of-pocket costs.
We are in-network with these insurance carriers, among many others:
- Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield , First Health, Humana, HMC Healthworks, ComPych, HealthNet, Coventry Healthcare of Dela
A Better Life Recovery is based in San Juan Capistrano and serves adults throughout Orange County and Southern California.
Get Mental Health Help Today
Break free from mental health struggles today. Your journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life starts here. Contact us online or through our 24/7 admissions helpline at (866) 710-9128 to arrange a free, confidential consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions About Anxiety Treatment
What Therapies Do You Use for OCD?
A Better Life Recovery offers exposure therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy, and dialectical behavioral therapy for those with OCD. Our psychiatrist also provides medication management with SSRIs that can reduce your symptoms.
Is OCD Curable?
Yes! Despite being a chronic condition, OCD is highly treatable. OCD symptoms are reduced in most people after they begin treatment, and many achieve a point where they can easily manage their symptoms without them interfering with daily life.
Do I Need Residential Treatment for OCD?
You may need OCD residential treatment only if:
- Your OCD symptoms are severe enough to prevent basic daily functioning.
- Outpatient treatment has not worked for you previously.
- You have a co-occurring substance use disorder.
- Your OCD has escalated to the point that you are experiencing suicidal ideation.
Our program addresses OCD as part of comprehensive OCD dual diagnosis treatment.
Can Medication Alone Treat OCD?
Medication can reduce OCD symptoms, but it alone can not treat OCD. Research shows that combining medication with therapy produces better outcomes than medication alone.
Does Insurance Cover OCD Treatment?
Yes. Every insurance provider is mandated by the Mental Health Parity Act to cover your OCD treatment, similar to any physical condition. You can call us for a free insurance verification to discuss the benefits of your insurance plan.
References
- National Institute of Mental Health. (n.d.). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Www.nimh.nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/statistics/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd
- National Findings on the Failure of Effective OCD Treatment to Reach Patients America’s OCD Care Crisis. (2025). https://iocdf.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/Full-Report-Americas-OCD-Care-Crisis-12-9-2025.pdf
- Eisen, J. L., Mancebo, M. A., Pinto, A., Coles, M. E., Pagano, M. E., Stout, R., & Rasmussen, S. A. (2006). Impact of obsessive-compulsive disorder on quality of life. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 47(4), 270–275. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2005.11.006
- Brock, H., Hany, M., & Rizvi, A. (2024). Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK553162/
- Jalal, B., Chamberlain, S. R., Robbins, T. W., & Sahakian, B. J. (2020). Obsessive–compulsive disorder—contamination fears, features, and treatment: novel smartphone therapies in light of global mental health and pandemics (COVID-19). CNS Spectrums, 27(2), 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1017/s1092852920001947
- Law, C., & Boisseau, C. L. (2019). Exposure and response prevention in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder: Current perspectives. Psychology Research and Behavior Management, 12(12), 1167–1174. https://doi.org/10.2147/prbm.s211117
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). (2025, May 16). International OCD Foundation. https://iocdf.org/ocd-treatment-guide/erp/
- Foa, E. (2010). Cognitive behavioral therapy of obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders, 12(2), 199–207. https://doi.org/10.31887/dcns.2010.12.2/efoa
- Soondrum, T., Wang, X., Gao, F., Liu, Q., Fan, J., & Zhu, X. (2022). The Applicability of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Brain Sciences, 12(5), 656. https://doi.org/10.3390/brainsci12050656
- Ahovan, M., Balali, S., Abedi Shargh, N., & Doostian, Y. (2016). Efficacy of dialectical behavior therapy on clinical signs and emotion regulation in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Mediterranean Journal of Social Sciences, 7(4). https://doi.org/10.5901/mjss.2016.v7n4p412
- Pittenger, C., & Bloch, M. H. (2014). Pharmacological Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatric Clinics of North America, 37(3), 375–391. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.psc.2014.05.006
- Mao, L., Hu, M., Luo, L., Wu, Y., Lu, Z., & Zou, J. (2022). The effectiveness of exposure and response prevention combined with pharmacotherapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder: A systematic review and meta-analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13(1), 973838. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.973838
- Stein, D. J., Costa, D. L. C., Lochner, C., Miguel, E. C., Reddy, Y. C. J., Shavitt, R. G., van den Heuvel, O. A., & Simpson, H. B. (2019). Obsessive–compulsive disorder. Nature Reviews Disease Primers, 5(1), 52. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41572-019-0102-3
- Sharma, E., Sharma, L. P., Balachander, S., Lin, B., Manohar, H., Khanna, P., Lu, C., Garg, K., Thomas, T. L., Au, A. C. L., Selles, R. R., Højgaard, D. R. M. A., Skarphedinsson, G., & Stewart, S. E. (2021). Comorbidities in Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Across the Lifespan: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 12(12). https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2021.703701
- Brakoulias, V., Starcevic, V., Belloch, A., Brown, C., Ferrao, Y. A., Fontenelle, L. F., Lochner, C., Marazziti, D., Matsunaga, H., Miguel, E. C., Reddy, Y. C. J., do Rosario, M. C., Shavitt, R. G., Shyam Sundar, A., Stein, D. J., Torres, A. R., & Viswasam, K. (2017). Comorbidity, age of onset and suicidality in obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD): An international collaboration. Comprehensive Psychiatry, 76, 79–86. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.comppsych.2017.04.002
- Mancebo, M. C., Grant, J. E., Pinto, A., Eisen, J. L., & Rasmussen, S. A. (2009). Substance Use Disorders in an Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Clinical Sample. Journal of Anxiety Disorders, 23(4), 429–435. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.janxdis.2008.08.008
- Wadsworth, L. P., Van Kirk, N., August, M., Kelly, J. M., Jackson, F., Nelson, J., & Luehrs, R. (2021). Understanding the overlap between OCD and trauma: development of the OCD trauma timeline interview (OTTI) for clinical settings. Current Psychology, 42. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12144-021-02118-3
- Mulvaney-Day, N., Gibbons, B. J., Alikhan, S., & Karakus, M. (2020). Mental health parity and addiction equity act and the use of outpatient behavioral health services in the united states, 2005–2016. American Journal of Public Health, 109(S3), S190–S196. https://doi.org/10.2105/ajph.2019.305023
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