OCD

About 1.2% of adults in the United States struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). If you develop obsessions or compulsions that prevent you from living your best life, you can turn to the California Center for Psychedelic Therapy in the Larchmont Village neighborhood in Los Angeles, California. Our founders Cole Marta, MD and Brooke Balliett, LMFT and our team of skilled mental health professionals offer treatment for OCD that can help you rediscover serenity. 

Schedule an intial evaluation by submitting an online request today. 

What is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by unwelcome fears, thoughts, and obsessive behavior patterns. Mild cases of OCD aren't necessarily cause for concern and may even offer benefits, such as helping you stay organized. 

However, severe OCD can become crippling, negatively affecting your personal life or career. If this is the case and you want to reduce bothersome symptoms, see the California Center for Psychedelic Therapy specialists for an evaluation.

What are the symptoms associated with OCD?

OCD can cause the following symptoms:

• Obsessions (unwanted fears or thoughts)
• Compulsions (repetitive behaviors)
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Ritualistic habits
• Washing hands often
• Extreme need for orderliness
• Aggressive thought patterns
• Fear of dirt or germs
• Always checking if a door is locked 
• Arranging canned goods the same way
• Being meticulous about keeping a clean home
• Not shaking hands or touching doorknobs

These symptoms can cause distress and interfere with completing simple daily tasks. They may lead to problems in school, at work, and in relationships with family and friends.

What may increase the risk of OCD?

The following factors appear to increase the risk of OCD:

• Learned behaviors from family and friends
• Family history of OCD
• Tic disorders
• Anxiety
• Depression 
• Brain chemistry changes
• Stressful life events
• Substance misuse

The exact reason for OCD isn’t clear, but seeking treatment at the first sign of a problem can prevent your condition from worsening or causing complications.

How does my specialist diagnose OCD?

The California Center for Psychedelic Therapy experts diagnose OCD after discussing your medical history, symptoms, medications, moods, emotions, thought patterns, and behaviors. They also review your treatment preferences and potential past treatments.

How is OCD treated?

The California Center for Psychedelic Therapy offers individualized, couples, and family therapy to help you overcome barriers associated with OCD. 

The practice provides traditional medication management and psychedelic integration therapy, including ketamine-assisted psychotherapy, to help you escape the confines of an OCD lifestyle.

Psychedelic-assisted therapy is an outstanding alternative to traditional treatments, offering symptom relief without a risk of dependence.

You may be a candidate for cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), or other therapies that lessen compulsive thoughts or rituals and enhance your quality of life. 

Schedule an OCD evaluation at the California Center for Psychedelic Therapy by submitting an online request today.