I'm looking for a licensed therapist who specializes in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy for OCD.

Absolutely. Since you’re looking in the San Francisco area, I found several licensed clinicians with specific OCD/ERP training, rather than therapists who merely list OCD among many specialties.

Strong options to start with

• John Montopoli, LMFT, LPCC — San Francisco. He specifically treats adults with OCD and uses ERP, CBT, and ACT. His provider profile is also verified by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), including BTTI training.
• Heather Wassarman, PhD — Castro District. Licensed psychologist specializing in CBT/ERP for adult OCD; she reports that more than 75% of her caseload over the past 20 years has focused on OCD.
• Candy H. Katoa, PsyD — San Francisco/UCSF-affiliated. She specializes in OCD and anxiety, with ERP as a major treatment approach, and reports that more than 70% of her practice is devoted to OCD.
• Sarah Moulding, LCSW — Union Street. Licensed clinical social worker whose OCD treatment emphasizes ERP/ExRP, with I-CBT as another OCD-specific approach.
• Rachel Pechter — San Francisco. Mental-health occupational therapist specifically trained in ERP through the IOCDF's Behavior Therapy Training Institute; she focuses on OCD as well as related conditions such as tics and BFRBs.
• Pacific Anxiety Group — Presidio Heights. A group practice offering ERP for OCD, both in person and via telehealth throughout California.

If you want a more intensive OCD program

New Learning Center for OCD and Anxiety in the Richmond District is another interesting option. It is specifically focused on OCD/anxiety and offers ERP and other OCD-specific CBT approaches.

There is also the UCSF OCD Program, which specializes in ERP and offers outpatient treatment as well as an intensive outpatient program for people who need a higher level of care.

My shortlist

If your priority is a licensed individual therapist with substantial OCD-specific experience, I'd start with Heather Wassarman, John Montopoli, or Candy Katoa. Their profiles provide particularly strong evidence of sustained OCD/ERP specialization.

If you'd like, I can also narrow this down to therapists who accept your insurance, have openings for new clients, offer in-person sessions, or specialize in your particular type of OCD.

Finding a specialist who truly understands and practices Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) —the gold standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD—is the most important step you can take. General talk therapy is often ineffective (and can sometimes inadvertently reinforce OCD cycles), which is why targeted expertise matters.

The top specialized directories and platforms to find licensed, ERP-trained clinicians include:

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Resource Directory: Search the IOCDF Find Help Directory to look up licensed providers by location, insurance, and specific credentials. Look for therapists who are listed as BTTI (Behavior Therapy Training Institute) Graduate , meaning they have completed the IOCDF's intensive specialized training in ERP.
• NOCD: If you are open to telehealth or looking for a dedicated digital practice, NOCD Therapy specializes exclusively in virtual ERP for OCD, features specialty-trained clinicians, and partners with many major insurance providers.

Questions to Ask During an Initial Consultation

When you reach out to a potential therapist, it is completely appropriate to interview them to verify their comfort and experience with ERP:

• "What percentage of your current caseload consists of individuals with OCD?" (You want a specialist, not someone who treats it only occasionally).
• "What specific training have you received in ERP?" (Ask if they have completed formal, recognized training like the IOCDF BTTI).
• "Do you practice traditional in-session exposure and assign out-of-session exposure/response prevention homework?"

If you share your general location (state or city) or whether you prefer in-person vs. telehealth , I can help you narrow down specific local clinics or regional resources.

Finding a specialist who truly understands and practices Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the single most important step in effective OCD treatment . Because general talk therapy is often ineffective—and can sometimes inadvertently reinforce compulsions—you want a dedicated specialist.

The best directories and paths to find a licensed, qualified ERP therapist include:

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Resource Directory : This is the gold standard directory . You can search by your location (or filter for teletherapy) and filter specifically for clinicians who utilize ERP and have credentials like the BTTI (Behavior Therapy Training Institute) designation, which means they’ve completed intensive, specialized training in treating OCD.
• Specialized Teletherapy Networks : If local options are limited or you prefer virtual care, dedicated platforms like NOCD specialize exclusively in ERP-based care for OCD and often coordinate with major insurance providers.
• Local IOCDF Affiliates : The IOCDF has regional and state-level affiliates across the country that often maintain localized referral networks or support groups . You can check for a local chapter via the IOCDF Local Affiliates Directory.

If you share your location (city/state or zip code) and whether you prefer in-person or telehealth , I can help you narrow down specific regional resources or structure a search strategy.

Absolutely. I searched around the Akron area for licensed clinicians who specifically list Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD, rather than just general anxiety therapy.

Strong local options

• Dr. June Phelps — Akron/Fairlawn area. She is a licensed clinical psychologist and has OCD-specific training through the International OCD Foundation’s Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI). Her practice specifically lists ERP and ACT for OCD.
• New Bridges Counseling — Wadsworth. Lindsey Nolan, LPC specializes in OCD/intrusive thoughts and uses ERP. She offers services in Wadsworth and also lists Akron among her service areas.
• Palladium Counseling Group, Inc. — Fairlawn. The practice has clinicians with advanced CBT/ERP experience for OCD and related conditions.
• Nicole Durbin — Akron/Twinsburg area. She is an LPCC-S and lists ERP specifically for OCD/anxiety among her treatment approaches, with in-person and telehealth options.
• Aspire Anxiety & OCD Solutions — Canton. This is a particularly OCD-focused practice offering evidence-based OCD treatment, including ERP, for children, adolescents, and adults.

If you're willing to drive toward Cleveland

• Dr. Aryeh J. Graber — Beachwood. His practice is specifically oriented toward OCD and related disorders, with an emphasis on ERP and substantial OCD/ERP training.
• OCD & Anxiety Center of Cleveland — Lakewood. This is a specialty practice centered on OCD treatment using CBT/ERP.
• Cleveland Center For Cognitive Therapy — Beachwood. Offers CBT/ACT and ERP specifically for OCD and accepts several insurance plans.

My first calls would be Dr. June Phelps, Lindsey Nolan, or Dr. Aryeh Graber because their profiles show particularly clear OCD/ERP specialization rather than merely listing ERP among many modalities.

One important thing when you call: ask “What percentage of your practice is OCD, and how frequently do you conduct actual ERP exposures?” Someone listing ERP on a profile isn't necessarily an OCD specialist.

If you tell me your insurance (e.g., Aetna, Medical Mutual, UHC, Cigna), whether you want in-person or telehealth, and whether this is for an adult or child, I can narrow this down to the best 3–5 options that take your insurance and are accepting new clients.

Finding a licensed specialist who truly understands and actively practices Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the single most important step for effective OCD treatment. Because general talk therapy can sometimes inadvertently reinforce OCD loops, you want a clinician with specific behavioral training.

The best and most reliable directories and steps to locate a qualified ERP therapist include:

1. The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Resource Directory : This is the gold-standard directory for finding qualified providers. Every therapist listed has self-reported a focus on OCD and ERP. You can filter results by your location (for in-person care) or select teletherapy options for providers licensed in your state. You can also filter by credentials like BTTI (Behavior Therapy Training Institute) graduates, meaning they completed intensive, specialized ERP training. Search and filter options are available on the IOCDF Find Help Directory.
2. Specialized OCD Telehealth Platforms : If local options are limited or don't match your schedule, dedicated virtual behavioral practices like NOCD specifically employ licensed therapists trained explicitly in live, remote ERP therapy and often coordinate with insurance networks.
3. Key Questions to Ask During a Consultation : When you schedule an initial introductory call or consultation, don't hesitate to interview the provider to confirm a proper fit:
   • What percentage of your current caseload is treated for OCD?
   • Do you explicitly utilize ERP as your primary treatment modality?
   • Have you completed formal specialized training in ERP (such as the IOCDF BTTI or equivalent)?

If you'd like to narrow this down, please let me know:

• Your state or general location
• Whether you prefer in-person or virtual (teletherapy) sessions
• Any insurance networks you need the provider to accept

I can help guide you further on what to look for or how to prepare for your initial consultation.

If you're in the Minneapolis–St. Paul area (based on your location), there are several licensed therapists and specialty practices that focus on OCD and use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is considered the first-line psychological treatment for OCD.

Here are some strong options:

• OCD and Anxiety Center of Minnesota (St. Paul) – A specialty clinic focused on OCD and anxiety. They provide ERP, are listed in the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) directory, and also offer evaluations and telehealth. Patients often mention the clinic's expertise with complex OCD presentations.

• Anxiety Treatment Resources (Bloomington) – A practice dedicated to CBT and ERP for OCD and anxiety. They have clinicians who work with children, teens, and adults, and some offer telehealth.

• Northlight Counseling - OCD & Anxiety Therapy (St. Paul) – Specializes in OCD and anxiety using ERP and related evidence-based approaches, with telehealth available for Minnesota clients.

• William Schultz Counseling (St. Paul) – A practice with a primary focus on OCD treatment using ERP, including structured treatment plans and intensive options.

• Live Up Therapy (Bloomington) – Offers ERP for OCD, often combined with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and serves both adults and younger clients.

If you're open to telehealth, you can also search nationally for ERP specialists through:

• urlInternational OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Find Help Directoryturn0search1 – Filters for location, telehealth, insurance, and therapists with specialized ERP training.
• urlNOCD Therapist Directoryturn0search5 – A nationwide network of therapists who specialize in ERP for OCD.

When contacting a therapist, it can help to ask:

• Do you specialize in OCD rather than general anxiety?
• Approximately what percentage of your caseload is OCD?
• Do you use ERP as the primary treatment?
• Do you accept my insurance, or offer superbills for out-of-network reimbursement?
• Do you offer in-person, telehealth, or both?

If you tell me:

1. your insurance (or whether you're paying out of pocket),
2. whether you prefer in-person or virtual, and
3. whether you're looking for an adult, teen, or child therapist,

I can narrow this down to the best matches for your situation.

If you're in or near St. Albans, West Virginia, there are a few good options that specifically mention Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), which is considered the gold-standard psychotherapy for OCD.

Here are some therapists and practices to consider:

• David M. Schaffer, MSW (Williamstown, WV) – An OCD-focused therapist listed by the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). He reports using ERP extensively and has completed IOCDF's Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), a well-regarded ERP training program.

• Anxiety & OCD Solutions, LLC (Morgantown, WV) – A specialty practice dedicated to OCD and anxiety treatment with ERP, CBT, and ACT. The practice emphasizes ERP as its primary treatment for OCD.

• NOCD telehealth providers licensed in West Virginia – Several licensed therapists provide ERP virtually to West Virginia residents, including:

  • Kristina Sutter, LCSW
  • Shawn Welty, LPC

  Both specialize in OCD and ERP and offer online appointments.

If you're hoping to stay close to the Charleston/St. Albans area, you can also search local listings for ERP specialists. Some clinicians in Kanawha County specifically advertise ERP for OCD or anxiety disorders, although it's worth confirming how much of their practice is devoted to OCD before scheduling.

When you contact a therapist, a few useful questions are:

• "Do you specialize in treating OCD, or is it one of several conditions you treat?"
• "What formal training have you completed in ERP (such as IOCDF BTTI)?"
• "Approximately what percentage of your practice is people with OCD?"
• "Do you accept my insurance, or offer telehealth?"

If you tell me:

• your insurance (e.g. PEIA, Highmark, Aetna, BCBS, Medicare, etc.), and
• whether you prefer in-person, telehealth, or either,

I can narrow the list to therapists who are most likely to be a good fit.

Finding a licensed therapist who specifically specializes in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the single most important step for effective OCD treatment , as general talk therapy can sometimes inadvertently reinforce OCD cycles.

The best, most reputable directories and platforms to locate a qualified, specialized ERP clinician include:

• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Directory: The gold standard for finding specialized care. You can search the IOCDF Resource Directory by your location, filter for telehealth availability, and look for providers who have graduated from the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) for intensive ERP training.
• NOCD: A specialized telehealth platform focused entirely on OCD and ERP therapy. They match you with licensed therapists who have specific training in ERP, offer support between sessions, and take various insurance plans. You can explore their care model via the NOCD International OCD Foundation Clinic Page.
• Behavioral and Cognitive Therapy Directories: General evidence-based directories like the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT) Find a CBT Therapist Directory allow you to filter for specialists who practice CBT and ERP.

When reaching out to potential therapists, it is helpful to ask specific screening questions during an initial consultation:

1. What percentage of your current practice is dedicated to treating OCD?
2. Did you receive specialized training in ERP (such as through the IOCDF BTTI)?
3. How do you structure response prevention during and between sessions?

If you share your city or state (or let me know if you prefer telehealth/virtual sessions ) and whether you plan to use private insurance or self-pay , I can give you more tailored guidance on navigating local or online resources.

If you’re in the Medford, Oregon area, I found a few licensed therapists/providers who specifically mention OCD treatment and ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) training. ERP is the evidence-based treatment approach most commonly recommended for OCD.

ERP-focused options

• Jennifer Thorer — LPC
  She specifically lists ERP training for OCD, identifies as an International OCD Foundation–trained ERP therapist, and offers online therapy. Her listing notes a waitlist, so availability may need to be confirmed.

• Rebecca Garetz — LPC
  She lists OCD treatment and uses ERP along with CBT and ACT approaches. She appears to offer online therapy serving Oregon clients.

• Lark L. Lovejoy — LPC
  Located in nearby Ashland, she lists ERP among the approaches she uses.

Places to search more broadly

• The International OCD Foundation’s provider directory is a useful way to find clinicians with OCD-specific training, including ERP providers.
• You can also filter therapist directories specifically for “Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)” and “OCD” in the Medford area.

When contacting a therapist, you may want to ask:

1. “How much of your practice is OCD treatment?”
2. “Do you provide ERP as the primary treatment, not just general CBT?”
3. “Are you currently accepting new clients?”
4. “Do you take my insurance (or offer out-of-network options)?”

If you tell me your insurance (or self-pay), preferred age group (adult/teen/child), and whether you want in-person in Medford vs. telehealth, I can narrow the list further.

Finding a qualified therapist for Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is a proactive step, as ERP is considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD.

Here are several ways to find licensed ERP specialists, including direct links to providers and directories mentioned in the search results:

Top Resources to Find ERP Therapists

• NOCD: Features a large network of licensed therapists who specialize exclusively in ERP.
• Psychology Today Directory: You can filter by "Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)" in your specific location.
• Zencare: Offers vetted therapists in various states who specialize in ERP.
• International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): A highly recommended resource for finding specialized treatment providers.

Specialized ERP Providers & Clinics

• Aspire Psychotherapy (NYC & New York): Specializes in ERP for anxiety and OCD.
• Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center (Houston, TX): Focuses on ERP as their primary treatment approach.
• Mount Behavioral Health (NYC Area): Offers ERP for teens and young adults.
• Portland Behavioral Therapy (Oregon): Listed specialists in ERP and CBT.
• Clarity Therapy NYC: Focuses on ERP and CBT for OCD.

Key Tips for Choosing an ERP Therapist

• Confirm Training: Ensure the therapist has received specialized training in ERP, not just general CBT.
• Ask About Structure: ERP involves breaking the cycle of obsessions and compulsions by facing fears without performing rituals.
• Virtual Options: Many providers, such as those at NOCD, offer remote therapy, making it easier to find a specialist regardless of location.

To help narrow down the search, could you tell me:

• What state are you located in?
• Are you looking for in-person or virtual sessions?
• Is this for an adult or a child/teen?