What is OCD – My OCD Clinic

One of the most misunderstood — and most treatable — mental health conditions.

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition defined by two core features: obsessions (persistent, unwanted intrusive thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress those thoughts cause).

OCD affects approximately 1 in 40 adults in the United States. The World Health Organization ranks it among the top 10 most debilitating conditions worldwide. Despite its prevalence, the average person with OCD waits 14 to 17 years from symptom onset to receiving effective, evidence-based treatment — often because OCD is misdiagnosed as general anxiety or depression.

At My OCD Clinic, our group practice exists to close that gap. With proper diagnosis and treatment using ERP and medication, the vast majority of people with OCD experience significant, lasting improvement.

Common OCD Subtypes

Contamination OCD

Fear of germs, illness, or contaminating others. Compulsions: handwashing, cleaning, avoidance of surfaces.

Harm OCD

Intrusive thoughts about accidentally or intentionally causing harm, despite no desire to do so.

Scrupulosity OCD

Obsessions around morality, sin, or blasphemy. Compulsions: confession, prayer rituals, seeking reassurance.

Relationship OCD (ROCD)

Persistent doubts about romantic relationships or one’s own feelings. Frequently mistaken for relationship problems.

Pure-O

Primarily mental obsessions with internal compulsions such as mental reviewing, analyzing, or reassurance-seeking.

Symmetry / Perfectionism

Need for things to feel ‘just right.’ Compulsions: arranging, ordering, repeating until things feel correct.

Obsessions vs. Compulsions

Compulsions

Unwanted intrusive thoughts or mental images

Repetitive checking behaviors

Fear of contamination or spreading illness

Excessive handwashing or cleaning

Doubt about having made an error

Counting, tapping, or repeating actions

Intrusive violent or sexual thoughts

Seeking reassurance from others repeatedly

Fear of saying something offensive

Mental reviewing or replaying events

Need for symmetry or exactness

Arranging objects until they feel right

Patient Stories

Think You Might Have OCD?

Proper diagnosis is the essential first step. Our team is ready.