OCD Treatment in Northern Virginia
Specialized, evidence-based care for obsessive-compulsive disorder in children, teens, and adults — serving Lansdowne, Ashburn, and communities across Loudoun County.
Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition that affects approximately 2 to 3 percent of the population. OCD is characterized by two core features: obsessions — persistent, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant anxiety — and compulsions — repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed in an attempt to neutralize the distress caused by those obsessions. Despite being one of the most treatable mental health conditions, OCD is frequently misunderstood and underdiagnosed.
At Lansdowne Mental Health Services, our experienced providers offer comprehensive OCD evaluations and individualized treatment plans for patients of all ages in Lansdowne, Ashburn, and throughout Northern Virginia. We understand that living with OCD can feel exhausting and isolating, and we are committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that helps our patients break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions and reclaim their daily lives.
Common Symptoms of OCD
OCD manifests differently from person to person, but several patterns are commonly observed. Recognizing these symptoms is an important first step toward seeking professional help. Common signs include:
- ✓Intrusive, unwanted thoughts about contamination, harm, or taboo subjects
- ✓Excessive need for symmetry, order, or exactness
- ✓Repeated checking behaviors such as verifying locks, appliances, or light switches
- ✓Compulsive hand washing, cleaning, or decontamination rituals
- ✓Mental rituals such as counting, praying, or repeating phrases silently
- ✓Avoidance of situations, places, or people that trigger obsessive thoughts
- ✓Spending an hour or more each day on obsessions or compulsions, causing significant distress
In children and adolescents, OCD may present as excessive reassurance-seeking, reluctance to touch certain objects, unusually long bedtime or homework routines, or emotional distress when routines are disrupted. If you or your child is experiencing these symptoms regularly, we encourage you to reach out to our Ashburn-area office for a thorough evaluation.
Our Evidence-Based Treatment Approach
Lansdowne Mental Health Services uses proven, research-backed methods to treat OCD. Our OCD specialists in Ashburn, VA work with each patient to develop a treatment plan tailored to their specific obsessions, compulsions, symptom severity, and personal goals.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
Exposure and Response Prevention is the first-line psychotherapy for OCD and the most extensively researched behavioral treatment for the disorder. ERP involves gradual, systematic exposure to the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger obsessive distress, while coaching patients to refrain from performing their usual compulsive responses. Over time, this process reduces the power of obsessions and helps patients build lasting tolerance to uncertainty and discomfort.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy complements ERP by helping patients identify and challenge the distorted beliefs that maintain OCD — such as an inflated sense of responsibility, overestimation of threat, or intolerance of uncertainty. CBT equips patients with structured techniques to reframe unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier responses to intrusive thoughts.
Medication Management
For moderate to severe OCD, medication management is often an essential component of treatment. Our board-certified providers may prescribe SSRIs at therapeutic doses optimized for OCD, or other appropriate medications when first-line options are insufficient. We carefully monitor each patient's response, adjusting dosages as needed and watching for any side effects to ensure the best possible outcome. Research consistently shows that combining medication with ERP produces stronger and more durable results than either treatment alone.
Exomind TMS Therapy
For patients who have not responded adequately to traditional treatments, we offer Exomind transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), a non-invasive neurostimulation therapy that targets specific brain regions implicated in OCD. Exomind TMS delivers gentle electrical stimulation through a comfortable headband device, requiring no sedation and no downtime. This innovative treatment option is available at our Lansdowne office and represents the latest advancement in OCD care for patients in Loudoun County and the surrounding region.
Who We Help
Our OCD treatment programs in Northern Virginia serve patients across the lifespan. Whether you are seeking care for yourself or a loved one, our team is here to help:
- ✓Children struggling with contamination fears, reassurance-seeking, or rigid routines
- ✓Teenagers dealing with intrusive thoughts, checking behaviors, or avoidance that interferes with school and social life
- ✓Adults managing compulsive rituals, obsessive doubt, or OCD-related impairment at work and in relationships
- ✓Individuals with co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, or tic disorders
We believe that effective treatment requires understanding the whole person, not just their symptoms. Our providers take the time to listen, build trust, and create a treatment environment where patients feel safe and supported throughout their recovery journey.
Related Services
OCD often occurs alongside other mental health conditions. Explore our related services for a comprehensive treatment approach:
Frequently Asked Questions About OCD Treatment
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is widely considered the gold standard therapy for OCD and is recommended by the American Psychiatric Association. ERP involves gradually exposing patients to feared thoughts, images, or situations while helping them resist the urge to perform compulsive behaviors. When combined with medication management using SSRIs or other appropriate medications, most patients experience significant symptom reduction. Our providers tailor each treatment plan to the individual's specific obsessions and compulsions for the best possible outcome.
While OCD and generalized anxiety share some features, OCD is characterized by the presence of specific obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress caused by obsessions). Anxiety tends to involve broad, excessive worry about everyday matters, whereas OCD centers on distinct, often irrational fears paired with ritualistic responses. A thorough psychiatric evaluation at our Lansdowne office can help distinguish between these conditions and guide the most effective treatment approach.
Most insurance plans provide coverage for OCD evaluation, therapy, and medication management. Coverage details vary by plan, so we recommend contacting our office or your insurance provider to verify benefits, copays, and any preauthorization requirements before scheduling your first visit.
The duration of OCD treatment varies depending on symptom severity and individual response. Many patients begin to notice improvement within six to twelve weeks of starting ERP therapy or medication. A typical course of ERP involves 12 to 20 structured sessions, though some patients benefit from longer-term support. Our providers schedule regular follow-ups to monitor progress, adjust treatment plans, and ensure sustained improvement over time.
Yes. OCD frequently begins in childhood or adolescence, and early intervention is essential for the best long-term outcomes. Our providers have experience treating OCD in children, teens, and adults using age-appropriate, evidence-based approaches including ERP therapy and carefully monitored medication management. We work closely with parents and families to ensure a supportive treatment environment.
Take the First Step Toward Freedom from OCD
You do not have to face OCD alone. Our compassionate team offers effective, personalized treatment for children, teens, and adults throughout Northern Virginia.