Medically reviewed by Gabriela Asturias, MD on May 23, 2025You’re in the right place to find Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) support in Columbus. Explore trusted therapists, programs, and resources to manage obsessive-compulsive disorder. We make it easy to compare options nearby and start care that fits your needs, preferences, and budget.
Psychologist
218 North Lee Street, Alexandria, Virginia 22314
DESIREE PEARSON is a Psychologist in Alexandria, Virginia and has been in practice for 20 years. They treat OCD, Intimacy Concerns, Gender Identity.
*IMMEDIATE OPENINGS AVAILABLE. I know college can be a time of transition and struggle. I welcome and affirm patients of all backgrounds and identities.
Psychologist
1709 Legion Road, Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27517
Benjamin Andrews is a Psychologist in Chapel Hill, North Carolina and has been in practice for 11 years. They treat OCD, Perfectionism, Anxiety.
Experienced therapist providing compassionate, evidence-based help for people to find their whole selves, reduce their suffering, and achieve their goals
Psychotherapist, Psychologist
255 South 17th Street, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania 19103
Hider Shaaban is a Psychotherapist in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. They treat OCD, Intimacy Concerns, Racial/Cultural Oppression or Trauma.
Your emotional wellbeing is our priority. We will work together to not just get you unstuck, but help you thrive and flourish.
Psychologist
Remote only
Kathleen Trainor is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 30 years. They treat OCD, Social Anxiety, Phobia.
I specialize in anxiety, OCD, Tourette (tics), phobias, BDD and other anxiety related difficulties.
Neuropsychologist, Psychologist
6845 Elm Street, Mclean, Virginia 22101
Dr. Debra Brosius is a Neuropsychologist in Mclean, Virginia and has been in practice for 23 years. They treat OCD, Life Transitions, Suicidal Ideation.
With over 20 years of expereince, Dr. Brosius welcomes you to her practice and specializes in working with neurodiverse individuals.
Psychologist
Remote only
Michelle Litwer is a Psychologist in undefined, undefined and has been in practice for 8 years. They treat OCD, Suicidal Ideation, Athletic Performance.
My main objective is to help clients manage their emotions, make decisions that are line with their values, and to live fulfilling and meaningful lives.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition where unwanted thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) create anxiety, and repetitive actions or mental rituals (compulsions) are used to feel safer or “just right.” It’s not simply liking things tidy; it’s feeling driven to check, clean, count, or seek reassurance even when you know it’s getting in the way. These patterns can take up a lot of time, make daily tasks harder, and leave people feeling exhausted or ashamed. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can affect anyone, including children, teens, and adults in Columbus, and it often shows up in many forms beyond cleanliness.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) matters because the sooner people recognize it, the sooner they can get effective help. Awareness reduces stigma, encourages honest conversations with loved ones, and helps friends, family, and coworkers offer support instead of judgment. It also points people toward evidence-based care, like therapy and skills that reduce symptoms and restore confidence. If you’re in Columbus, knowing the signs can connect you to local resources and a community that understands what you’re going through.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can affect anyone, regardless of age, gender, culture, or background. It often begins in childhood or adolescence, and some groups—such as women in adulthood, people in the perinatal period, and those with a family history or co-occurring anxiety—may experience it more often. Experiencing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is not your fault, and you’re not alone. Support and effective treatments are available, and seeking help is a sign of strength.
If you’ve been noticing certain patterns that feel hard to control, you’re not alone—many people in Columbus experience similar challenges. Paying attention to these signs can be a helpful first step toward feeling better and finding support.
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel repetitive or upsetting
- Feeling driven to perform rituals or routines to ease anxiety (like checking or counting)
- Strong need for things to feel “just right,” symmetrical, or in a specific order
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing due to fear of germs or contamination
- Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, or tasks even when you know they’re done
- Spending a lot of time on these thoughts or behaviors, impacting daily life
- Feeling distressed or anxious when you try to resist these thoughts or rituals
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is complex and not your fault. Many factors can play a role, and understanding them can make the path to help feel more manageable.
- Biological
- Family history or genetics
- Differences in brain circuits and chemistry (like serotonin)
- Imbalance in stress-response systems
- Psychological
- Perfectionism or high need for control
- Intolerance of uncertainty or strong responsibility for preventing harm
- Past anxiety or depressive symptoms
- Environmental
- Stressful life changes or chronic stress
- Trauma or difficult experiences
- Illnesses or infections that may trigger symptoms in some people
Living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can touch many parts of daily life. If you’re in Columbus and noticing these challenges, you’re not alone—many neighbors experience similar struggles, and support is available.
- Work and career: Trouble starting tasks, repeating checks before leaving the office, or avoiding projects due to fear of mistakes.
- School and studying: Re-reading notes over and over, arriving late to class after rituals, or avoiding group work because of contamination or perfectionism worries.
- Relationships and family: Seeking constant reassurance, conflict over routines at home, or withdrawing from friends to hide symptoms.
- Daily routines and errands: Long bathroom or handwashing rituals, repeated door-lock checks before leaving your Columbus home, or anxiety using public spaces like libraries or grocery stores.
- Commuting and community life: Delays getting to work on COTA or to campus due to checking rituals, avoiding crowded events or favorite Columbus spots because of triggers.
- Physical health: Skin irritation from frequent washing, sleep loss from late-night rituals, or exhaustion from ongoing anxiety.
- Emotional well-being: Shame, guilt, or loneliness; feeling “stuck” despite strong efforts; heightened stress that makes symptoms feel bigger.
Recovery from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is real. With the right support, you can retrain your brain and reclaim your life. Here are proven paths to recovery you can explore:
- Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Gradually face fears while resisting rituals, teaching your brain that anxiety fades without compulsions.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Learn skills to challenge unhelpful thoughts and reduce the urge to do compulsions; often paired with ERP for best results.
- Medications (SSRIs or clomipramine): Reduce obsessive thoughts and anxiety so therapy is easier; prescribed and monitored by a medical provider.
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT): Build willingness to have uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while moving toward your values, lowering Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)’s grip.
- Group ERP or support groups: Practice skills with guidance, share strategies, and feel less alone through peer support.
- Lifestyle supports (sleep, exercise, mindfulness): Steady routines, physical activity, and mindful breathing help calm the nervous system and boost resilience.
Beginning your journey often starts by recognizing that persistent obsessions and compulsions are disrupting daily life, then deciding to get support. Use the MiResource directory to search Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)-specialized therapists, filtering by therapy approach (e.g., ERP/CBT), your insurance, real-time availability, preferred language, and Columbus neighborhood. Create a short list, compare bios, credentials, and telehealth vs. in-person options, and note practical fit like sliding scale or evening hours. When you’re ready, book a first session directly through the provider’s listing or contact them to confirm insurance and what an initial assessment will cover.
Plan logistics so therapy fits your routine: choose locations near your commute along I‑70/I‑71 or SR‑315, near OSU/University District, Downtown, Short North, German Village, Clintonville, Grandview Heights, Bexley, Olde Towne East, or Franklinton. Consider COTA routes (including frequent lines), CoGo bikeshare, and typical 15–25 minute drives inside the I‑270 Outerbelt; check parking or bus stops near the office. Before session one, jot down goals and questions; after, set a follow-up cadence with your therapist, schedule recurring appointments, and use MiResource to adjust filters if you need different availability or a closer neighborhood.
Columbus offers a strong network of community-based supports for people living with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)—complementing MiResource’s therapist directory with local education, advocacy, peer connection, and evidence-based care across neighborhoods from the Short North and German Village to campus near The Ohio State University. Whether you’re seeking a support group, a nonprofit advocate, or a clinic experienced in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), these trusted options can help you find your footing close to home.
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Central & South Ohio (IOCDF affiliate) — Peer and family support groups, education, and advocacy; often hosts meetings near the OSU campus area.
- NAMI Franklin County — Free classes and peer-led support groups for individuals and families affected by mental health conditions, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD); programs held across downtown and neighborhood sites.
- Ohio State Wexner Medical Center/Harding Hospital — Specialty Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and anxiety services with ERP and CBT near the Ohio State campus.
- Nationwide Children’s Hospital Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Program — Pediatric and adolescent OCD assessment and ERP-based treatment in the Livingston Park/Near East Side medical campus.
- Center for Cognitive and Behavioral Therapy (CCBT) — Community clinic offering ERP-focused treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with locations serving Greater Columbus, including suburbs just north of the Short North.
If obsessive thoughts or compulsions feel overwhelming, you are not alone and help is available in Columbus right now—reach out, let someone know what you’re experiencing, and use the options below to get calm, professional support to stay safe.
- If you’re in immediate danger or feel unable to stay safe: call 911. You can also request a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) officer in Columbus.
- For urgent emotional support or suicidal thoughts: call or text 988 (24/7). Local hotlines: Franklin County/North Central Mental Health Services 614-221-5445 (24/7); youth/families can call Nationwide Children’s Behavioral Health Crisis Line at 614-722-1800.
- Go to the nearest emergency department: OSU Wexner Medical Center ED, 410 W 10th Ave, 614-293-8000; OhioHealth Grant Medical Center ED, 111 S Grant Ave, 614-566-9000; Mount Carmel East ED, 6001 E Broad St, 614-234-6000.
- For on-site help without lights-and-sirens: call Columbus Police non-emergency at 614-645-4545 and ask for a Mobile Crisis Response/CIT officer to come to you.
Spending time in nature can offer calming structure and sensory grounding that supports people managing Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Gentle movement, fresh air, and natural sounds can ease stress and make space for mindful breathing or simple, repeatable routines. Even brief, planned visits outdoors can boost mood and reduce mental fatigue. Start small, notice what feels soothing, and build on what works for you.
- Walk the Scioto Mile and riverfront greenways; pause at overlooks to watch the water and practice slow, steady breaths.
- Take a short loop at Highbanks Metro Park; focus on footsteps, birdsong, and the feel of the trail to anchor attention.
- Visit Whetstone Park’s Park of Roses; sit among the gardens and use sights and scents for gentle sensory grounding.
- Explore Scioto Audubon Metro Park; try the boardwalks and wetlands for quiet views and a restorative, unhurried pace.
1. How do I know if I need professional help for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
If obsessions or compulsions are making it hard to focus at work or school, disrupting your routine, or taking up a lot of time, it’s a sign that professional help could make a difference. You might notice you’re withdrawing from friends or family, worrying persistently even when you try to stop, or needing to repeat behaviors to feel “just right.” Changes in sleep or appetite, feeling exhausted from rituals, or avoiding places and tasks because of fear also point to Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) getting in the way of daily life. You don’t have to manage this alone—reaching out to a therapist or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) specialist can help you regain control and feel better.
2. What’s the first session of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) therapy like?
Your first session is a simple, friendly conversation where you and the therapist get to know each other and talk about what brings you in. You’ll share some personal history and describe current concerns, including the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms or patterns—like obsessions, compulsions, triggers, and avoidance—that affect your daily life. The therapist may ask about how these symptoms show up at home, work, or school to understand their impact. Together, you’ll set clear goals for treatment and discuss next steps so you know what to expect moving forward.
3. Are there lifestyle changes that can help with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Yes—many people find that regular exercise lowers overall anxiety and stress, making it easier to resist compulsions. Prioritizing consistent, high-quality sleep helps with mood regulation, attention, and impulse control, which supports sticking to exposure and response prevention (ERP) goals. Eating balanced meals and staying hydrated can stabilize energy and blood sugar, reducing irritability and stress reactivity that can amplify Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) symptoms. Mindfulness and breathing practices train you to notice obsessions and urges without engaging in rituals, and these self-care habits work best alongside professional therapy.
4. Can Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) affect physical health too?
Yes—while Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition, its anxiety and compulsions can show up physically as headaches, muscle tension, fatigue, stomach or bowel issues, sleep problems, and even skin irritation or pain from repeated rituals like washing. Chronic stress from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) activates the body’s stress response, which can strain the nervous, digestive, and immune systems—illustrating the mind-body connection. The good news is that effective treatments like CBT/ERP and stress-management skills can reduce both obsessive-compulsive symptoms and many related physical complaints. As Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) improves, people often notice better sleep, more energy, and overall physical well-being.
Recovery is possible. With early intervention, a supportive community, and the right professional care, you can overcome challenges and build a fulfilling life. We’re here to help you find the support you need.
