My current therapist doesn't seem to understand OCD. Where can I find a real specialist?

• Nashville OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center - Brentwood - 155 Franklin Rd Unit 135, Brentwood, TN 37027, United States
• Loran Kelly, PhD - 1410 17th Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
• Jessica Cameron, LCSW | Nashville Clinical Therapist - 2323 21st Ave S, Nashville, TN 37212, United States
• Ashley Pineda, PhD - Emerge Center - 104 E Park Dr Ste 208, Brentwood, TN 37027, United States
• Coneflower Counseling, LLC - 210 25th Ave N #700, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
• Psychobabble Therapy - 2935 Berry Hill Dr, Nashville, TN 37204, United States
• Hatfield Helen - 3601 Tvc, Nashville, TN 37232, United States
• Healing House Nashville - 402 Bna Dr Ste 109, Nashville, TN 37217, United States
• Therapie - Individual & Couples Therapy - 210 25th Ave N Ste 601, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
• Johansson Counseling - 4525 Harding Pike #200, Nashville, TN 37205, United States
• Like You Counseling Services - 4515 Harding Pike #101, Nashville, TN 37205, United States
• Paul Jamison Counseling LLC - 210 25th Ave N, Nashville, TN 37203, United States
• In Therapy - 4121 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, TN 37216, United States
• Third Gear Counseling, LLC - 4235 Hillsboro Pike #300, Nashville, TN 37215, United States
• Mallory Haney, LPC-MHSP | 615 Counseling - 2323 21st Ave S Ste 401, Nashville, TN 37212, United States

Yes. If your current therapist doesn’t really understand OCD, switching to someone who specifically treats OCD is a very reasonable move. OCD treatment is specialized, and the main evidence-based treatment is exposure and response prevention (ERP)—not simply general talk therapy or reassurance.

Since you’re in the Nashville area, you have some particularly good options:

Strong places to start

• Nashville OCD & Anxiety Treatment Center - Brentwood — This is probably the first place I'd investigate. It is a specialty clinic specifically devoted to OCD and related disorders, and its clinicians have specialized OCD training. The IOCDF lists the clinic as BTTI trained (Behavior Therapy Training Institute) and says it offers both in-person and virtual treatment.
• Loran Kelly, PhD — A Nashville clinical psychologist whose practice focuses heavily on OCD and related disorders; she reports that about 60% of her practice is OCD, with training in ERP, CBT and ACT. She also previously worked with OCD patients at Rogers Behavioral Health.
• Jessica Cameron, LCSW | Nashville Clinical Therapist — Nashville therapist listed by the IOCDF who specifically provides ERP, ACT and CBT for OCD and reports treating nearly 200 clients with OCD/anxiety or related disorders.
• Ashley Pineda, PhD - Emerge Center — Particularly worth considering if you have a specific OCD presentation such as contamination, checking, harm OCD, relationship OCD, "Pure O"/mental compulsions, or symmetry/"just right" OCD. She uses exposure-based approaches including ERP.
• Coneflower Counseling, LLC — Rachel Gunn is listed by the IOCDF as providing ERP and having specialized ERP training.

The best directory

I'd also use the iocdf.org rather than relying solely on Psychology Today. The IOCDF directory specifically lets you filter for OCD specialists and BTTI-trained providers, and it includes telehealth providers.

When you call a therapist, I'd ask this very directly:

"How much of your practice is OCD, and how do you use ERP to treat it? How do you handle mental compulsions, reassurance seeking, and avoidance?" A therapist who is genuinely experienced with OCD should be able to answer those questions comfortably. The IOCDF specifically recommends asking about the therapist's ERP experience and being cautious if they can't clearly describe their OCD treatment approach.

If you tell me what kind of OCD you're dealing with (e.g. contamination, intrusive/harm thoughts, relationship OCD, religious/moral OCD, health OCD, checking, Pure O/mental compulsions, etc.) and whether you need insurance or self-pay, I can narrow this down to 2–3 specialists I'd call first.

Finding a therapist who truly understands OCD is essential, as general talk therapy can sometimes inadvertently make OCD symptoms worse. You need a specialist trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) , which is the gold-standard psychological treatment for OCD.

Top directories and resources to find a qualified, evidence-based specialist include:

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Directory: Use the IOCDF Find Help Directory to search for licensed professionals, clinics, and support groups. You can filter results for providers who have completed the IOCDF's intensive Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI).
• IOCDF Resource Guide: Review the IOCDF Resource Directory Guide for tips on using advanced filters like insurance compatibility, demographic preferences, and specific sub-specialties (e.g., perinatal OCD, LGBTQIA+ affirming care).
• NOCD: If you are open to virtual therapy or need specialized care quickly, you can explore NOCD (Note: verify availability on their official NOCD Website ), which exclusively matches patients with licensed therapists specializing in ERP for OCD.
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT): Use the ABCT Find a CBT Therapist Directory to find practitioners who specialize in cognitive behavioral therapies, which include ERP.

If you'd like, let me know:

• Your general location or state/country
• Whether you prefer in-person or telehealth sessions
• If you have specific insurance requirements

I can help you narrow down what to look for or draft a few questions to ask potential new therapists during an initial consultation.

Finding out your current therapist doesn't understand OCD is frustrating, but recognizing it is a huge step. Traditional talk therapy or standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) can actually be unhelpful (or even harmful) for OCD if the therapist doesn't practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

To find a real specialist who is trained in evidence-based care for OCD, use these specialized directories and strategies:

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Resource Directory : The gold standard for finding qualified providers. You can search the IOCDF Find Help Directory and filter by location, telehealth availability, and specialties. Look for providers who have the BTTI (Behavior Therapy Training Institute) designation, which means they completed intensive, specialized training in ERP for OCD.
• NOCD (National Organization for OCD) : If you are looking for dedicated virtual care, NOCD specializes entirely in telehealth-based ERP delivered by licensed specialists trained explicitly in OCD. Most of their clinicians are IOCDF-trained and they coordinate with insurance.
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) Directory : ADAA members specialize in anxiety and related disorders like OCD. You can search and filter for local or telehealth providers using the ADAA Find a Therapist Directory.
• Questions to Ask Potential Therapists : When interviewing a prospective therapist, do not hesitate to ask direct vetting questions:
  1. What percentage of your current caseload is diagnosed with OCD?
  2. Do you specifically practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
  3. Have you completed formal, specialized training in OCD (like the IOCDF BTTI)?

To help narrow down your options, let me know:

• Do you prefer in-person sessions (and if so, what is your general city/zip code) or telehealth?
• Do you want help checking if a platform like NOCD or a local directory fits your insurance?

• Emma Nathanson, Ph.D. - 1373 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
• Kimberly Morrow - 1373 W 6th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
• Kristen Schenker - 1373 W 6th St, Erie, PA 165052503, United States
• Still Wave Therapy - 410 Cranberry St Ste 220, Erie, PA 16507, United States
• Forest Counseling LLC - 3800 W 12th St Ste 7, Erie, PA 16505, United States
• The OCD Treatment and Training Institute - 4075 William Penn Hwy, Murrysville, PA 15668, United States
• OCD Spectrum, Inc. - 606 Washington Ave, Bridgeville, PA 15017, United States
• Moore-Motily Susan - 3939 W Ridge Rd # B25, Erie, PA 16506, United States
• Kimberly Esper, MA, NCC, LPC - 1934B W 8th St, Erie, PA 16505, United States
• Dr. Kaleigh Bantum - 125 Emeryville Dr Ste 230, Cranberry Twp, PA 16066, United States
• Mike Parker, LCSW, LLC - 5840 Ellsworth Ave #100, Pittsburgh, PA 15232, United States
• Inner Strength - OCD and Anxiety Therapy - 363 Vanadium Rd Ste 203, Pittsburgh, PA 15243, United States
• The Center for OCD and Anxiety, LLC - 244 Center Rd #301, Monroeville, PA 15146, United States
• Dr. Aryeh J. Graber - 25200 Chagrin Blvd #101, Beachwood, OH 44122, United States
• OCD & Anxiety Center of Cleveland - 15644 Madison Ave, Ste 204, Lakewood, OH 44107
• Aspire Anxiety & OCD Solutions - 4960 Higbee Ave NW Ste 101, Canton, OH 44718, United States

If your therapist doesn’t seem to understand OCD, it can be worth looking specifically for someone who treats OCD with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) rather than someone who only lists “anxiety” or “CBT.” ERP is the best-supported behavioral treatment for OCD, and OCD specialists are usually very comfortable working with intrusive thoughts, reassurance-seeking, avoidance, mental compulsions, and “pure O” presentations.

Since you appear to be in the Erie, Pennsylvania area, here are some places to start:

OCD-focused options near Erie

• Emma Nathanson, Ph.D. — A licensed psychologist whose practice focuses on anxiety and OCD-related concerns and uses evidence-based approaches including ERP and I-CBT.
• Kimberly Morrow — Listed as focusing on anxiety and OCD treatment with ERP and ACT approaches.
• Kristen Schenker — Offers OCD/anxiety treatment and lists ERP among approaches.
• Still Wave Therapy — Lists OCD work and ERP among treatment approaches.
• Forest Counseling LLC — Provides OCD treatment among its listed services and uses CBT-based approaches.

If you’re open to telehealth in Pennsylvania

Specialized OCD practices can sometimes be a better fit than a general therapist:

• The OCD Treatment and Training Institute — OCD-focused practice offering ERP-oriented care, primarily through telehealth.
• OCD Spectrum, Inc. — OCD specialty clinic offering ERP and teletherapy options for Pennsylvania residents.

Questions to ask before booking

A true OCD specialist will usually be able to answer “yes” to questions like:

• “Do you regularly treat OCD, not just general anxiety?”
• “Do you use ERP? How often do you use it?”
• “How do you handle mental compulsions like rumination, analyzing, or seeking certainty?”
• “Do you use exposure exercises and between-session practice?”

A possible warning sign is a therapist who mainly focuses on talking through the content of obsessions, repeatedly reassuring you, or helping you “prove” fears are unlikely—those approaches can accidentally feed OCD cycles.

If you tell me whether you want in-person only vs telehealth, your insurance (if any), and whether this is for an adult, teen, or child, I can narrow the list further.

It is completely valid to feel frustrated when a therapist does not grasp the mechanics of OCD; general talk therapy can actually make OCD symptoms worse by accidentally reinforcing loops of reassurance . You can find a vetted, legitimate OCD specialist through dedicated national directories like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Find Help Directory or specialized telehealth networks like NOCD.

Specialized Directories & Networks

• IOCDF Provider Directory : Use the IOCDF Find Help Tool to find local clinicians who specifically endorse certified OCD training.
• NOCD : Search the NOCD Platform for specialized teletherapy covered by many major insurance plans.
• ADAA Directory : Filter by anxiety and OCD specialists using the Anxiety & Depression Association of America Finder.
• Psychology Today : Browse Psychology Today , filter explicitly by "Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)", and vet their bio closely.

Essential Interview Questions

Many general therapists list OCD on their profiles without true training. Treat your first phone call like an interview and ask these exact questions:

• "Do you use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?" ERP is the absolute gold standard for OCD. If they say they use general talk therapy, look elsewhere.
• "What is your specific training in OCD?" Look for training from the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) or reputable specialized clinics.
• "How do you handle reassurance seeking?" A true specialist knows not to give reassurance, as it feeds the OCD cycle.

Evidence-Based Modalities to Look For

• ERP : Exposure and Response Prevention.
• I-CBT : Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
• ACT : Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

To help narrow this down, are you looking for in-person or virtual therapy, and do you need someone who takes a specific insurance provider?

Yes. If your therapist “doesn’t really understand OCD,” that’s a legitimate reason to look for someone who specifically treats OCD with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) rather than relying on general talk therapy. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) specifically recommends asking about formal ERP training and actual OCD caseload. iocdf.org 

Since you appear to be in the Columbus area, I found several genuinely promising options:

Strongest local options

• Columbus OCD and Anxiety Clinic — This would be my first place to investigate. It is a specialty outpatient clinic specifically focused on OCD/anxiety, with multiple clinicians trained in ERP. The IOCDF lists Matthew Free, Justin Braun, Lawrence Needleman, Keri Willard, Chris Palcsak, Michael Bayda, and Angeline Cirino as OCD specialists there.

• Proven Pathways Psychotherapy — Columbus practice offering ERP specifically for OCD, with an emphasis on structured, evidence-based treatment.

• BrainSpace Anxiety & OCD Therapy — Worthington practice focused specifically on OCD and anxiety, including ERP.

• Ember & Oak Counseling LLC — Bethany Johnson is listed by the IOCDF as providing CBT and ERP, with roughly half of her practice consisting of people diagnosed with OCD.

• Cheryl H. Colvin, PHD — Columbus psychologist who specifically lists ERP for OCD and has completed specialized OCD training, including BTTI training.

• Robert Gore, Ph.D., Clinical Psychologist — Dublin-area psychologist with a strong emphasis on OCD treatment using ERP.

One particularly notable individual

Justin Braun, PhD at Columbus OCD and Anxiety Clinic stands out from the information I found. The IOCDF profile says he has treated OCD for 12 years, that approximately 80% of his caseload is OCD, and that he specializes in ERP/ACT for OCD and related disorders.

What I'd ask before booking

You don't need to take another chance on someone who merely says “I treat anxiety and OCD.” I'd ask:

“How much of your practice is OCD, and how much of your OCD treatment is ERP? Do you have formal ERP training?”

A good specialist should be comfortable talking concretely about exposures, response prevention, reassurance-seeking, avoidance, compulsions, and tolerating uncertainty. The IOCDF specifically recommends these questions when screening therapists.

You can also search the IOCDF Provider Directory, which lets you filter for OCD specialists, ERP training/BTTI, location, insurance, and telehealth.

If you tell me your OCD subtype (e.g., contamination, relationship OCD, harm OCD, religious/moral OCD, health OCD, Pure-O/intrusive thoughts, etc.) and whether you need insurance/telehealth, I can narrow this down to 3–5 therapists who look like the best fit.

Yes. If your therapist doesn’t really understand OCD, I would look specifically for someone trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) rather than just a therapist who says they “treat anxiety and OCD.” ERP is the first-line psychotherapy approach with the strongest evidence for OCD.

Since you're in the Beckley area, I’d start with the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Resource Directory. It has thousands of OCD-focused providers and lets you filter for ERP, teletherapy, insurance, specialty areas, and BTTI training (Behavior Therapy Training Institute).

Best place to search:

A couple of promising options I found

• Anxiety & OCD Solutions, LLC — Morgantown, WV. This is an OCD/anxiety-focused practice, and the clinician listed reports completing the IOCDF's BTTI training and using ERP. Telehealth may make the distance more manageable.
• Inner Strength - OCD and Anxiety Therapy — Pittsburgh area. They specifically focus on OCD/anxiety and ERP and report offering teletherapy to clients in West Virginia.
• Contemplative Counseling, Mallory Bailey LPC — Lynchburg, VA. OCD/ERP is a stated specialty, with IOCDF/BTTI training reported.

I would not automatically choose one based on ratings, though. The IOCDF itself cautions that directory inclusion isn't an endorsement, so it's worth interviewing a prospective therapist.

How to tell if someone really understands OCD

When you call, ask:

“Do you provide ERP specifically for OCD? How much of your practice is OCD treatment, and how do you handle mental compulsions, reassurance seeking, rumination, and avoidance?”

A knowledgeable OCD therapist should be able to answer that concretely. The IOCDF specifically recommends asking what techniques they use and being cautious if they can't clearly explain their ERP approach.

Also, you don't necessarily need someone nearby. The IOCDF directory specifically includes teletherapy providers, and a therapist licensed in West Virginia can potentially treat you remotely.

If you tell me whether you're looking for an adult or child/teen therapist, your insurance (if any), and whether you'd prefer in-person or telehealth, I can narrow this down to the most appropriate OCD specialists within reasonable driving distance of Beckley.

It is completely valid to feel frustrated when a therapist does not grasp the mechanics of OCD; general talk therapy can actually make OCD symptoms worse by accidentally reinforcing loops of reassurance . You can find a vetted, legitimate OCD specialist through dedicated national directories like the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Find Help Directory or specialized telehealth networks like NOCD.

Specialized Directories & Networks

• IOCDF Provider Directory : Use the IOCDF Find Help Tool to find local clinicians who specifically endorse certified OCD training.
• NOCD : Search the NOCD Platform for specialized teletherapy covered by many major insurance plans.
• ADAA Directory : Filter by anxiety and OCD specialists using the Anxiety & Depression Association of America Finder.
• Psychology Today : Browse Psychology Today , filter explicitly by "Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD)", and vet their bio closely.

Essential Interview Questions

Many general therapists list OCD on their profiles without true training. Treat your first phone call like an interview and ask these exact questions:

• "Do you use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?" ERP is the absolute gold standard for OCD. If they say they use general talk therapy, look elsewhere.
• "What is your specific training in OCD?" Look for training from the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) or reputable specialized clinics.
• "How do you handle reassurance seeking?" A true specialist knows not to give reassurance, as it feeds the OCD cycle.

Evidence-Based Modalities to Look For

• ERP : Exposure and Response Prevention.
• I-CBT : Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
• ACT : Acceptance and Commitment Therapy.

To help narrow this down, are you looking for in-person or virtual therapy, and do you need someone who takes a specific insurance provider?

Absolutely. If your therapist doesn’t really understand OCD, finding someone who specifically practices OCD treatment is worth doing. OCD is often treated differently from general anxiety, and the key term you want to look for is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) identifies ERP as the CBT approach with the strongest evidence for OCD.

A couple of options near you

Since you're around the Phenix City/Columbus area, I found:

• Christina R. Lee, LCSW — Columbus, GA. She specifically lists OCD as a specialty and says she is ERP-trained. She offers in-person and online therapy and is licensed in both Alabama and Georgia.
• Margaret Vale McCall, LPC — Columbus, GA. She specifically specializes in OCD, offers ERP, and is an IOCDF member. She primarily provides teletherapy and offers a free 15-minute consultation.
• Rebecca Clark, PhD, LICSW, PIP — Columbus, GA. She lists OCD and ERP among her specialties/treatment approaches and is licensed in Alabama and Georgia.

I would not assume that simply listing "OCD" means someone is a true specialist, though. I'd ask specifically about their ERP training and how much of their caseload is OCD.

The best place to search

The International OCD Foundation Resource Directory is probably where I'd start. It has thousands of providers and lets you filter for OCD treatment, ERP, teletherapy, insurance, and the IOCDF's Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) credential.

The BTTI filter is particularly useful because BTTI is specialized training in ERP for OCD.

One important question to ask

When you call a potential therapist, I'd ask:

"How much of your practice is treating OCD, and what specific training do you have in ERP? Do you regularly do exposures and response prevention rather than primarily talk therapy?"

A therapist who is genuinely experienced with OCD should be able to answer that pretty comfortably. The IOCDF specifically recommends asking what techniques they use and being cautious if they don't clearly mention ERP/CBT or another evidence-based OCD treatment.

If you tell me whether you're looking for in-person or telehealth, your insurance (if any), and roughly how far you're willing to drive from Phenix City, I can narrow this down to the best OCD/ERP specialists available to you, rather than giving you a generic therapist list.

Finding a therapist who truly understands OCD is vital. General talk therapy or standard Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) without specific OCD expertise can actually stall progress—or worse, inadvertently reinforce the cycle. Real OCD specialists rely on Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) , the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment.

The most reliable places to find a trained, vetted OCD specialist include:

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Resource Directory : This is the gold standard for locating qualified providers. You can search their global database by location or telehealth options and filter specifically for clinicians who have completed the IOCDF’s intensive Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI).
• NOCD : A specialized telehealth provider network explicitly built around live, face-to-face video ERP therapy. Their clinicians receive specialized training under world-renowned OCD experts, and they work with major insurance providers.
• Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Directory : ABCT is the professional organization for cognitive and behavioral therapies. You can search their directory for providers who list OCD and ERP as their primary areas of clinical focus.
• Anxiety & Depression Association of America (ADAA) Find a Therapist Directory : ADAA specializes in anxiety, OCD, and related disorders, making it another trusted database to cross-reference specialized behavioral health professionals.

What to Ask During a Consultation

Before committing to a new therapist, interview them to ensure they are a real specialist. Consider asking:

1. What percentage of your current caseload consists of people with OCD?
2. Do you actively practice Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?
3. What does a typical exposure exercise look like in your practice? (A good specialist won't just talk about fears; they will systematically structure exposures and help you resist compulsions).

If you'd like, let me know your general location or state and whether you prefer in-person or telehealth , and I can help you navigate how to filter the directories for your exact needs.