OCD Treatment in Mesa, AZ

When you have obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), your life revolves around intrusive thoughts and ideas and your efforts to control them. At Mesquite Valley Integrated Health in Mesa, Arizona, our providers understand the distress OCD can cause and provide a range of effective therapies. If you’re finding OCD is taking over your life, call Mesquite Valley Integrated Health and request a consultation or complete the online booking form today.

What is OCD?

People with OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) experience obsessions — persistent ideas and thoughts that they can’t get out of their minds. Most patients with OCD also have compulsions, which is the need to repeatedly observe some ritual or perform a specific activity.

These obsessions and compulsions can significantly disrupt your day, taking time and focus away from your work, family life, and other activities. Many obsessions are unpleasant, scary, or out of character, making their constant presence even more distressing.

People with OCD sometimes know or suspect their ideas and thoughts are flawed. However, many suffer from poor insight and have faith in their beliefs. Whether you realize your thinking is faulty or not, it’s challenging to focus on anything else or prevent yourself from performing compulsive behaviors.

What obsessions and compulsions might people with OCD develop?

OCD obsessions could develop around anything, but some themes are more common. These include:

Because obsessions are so all-consuming, people with OCD frequently develop compulsions to regain some control. Compulsions often directly relate to obsessions; for example, you might be a compulsive cleaner if your obsession is germs. Or, if you can’t stand disorder, your compulsion might be to position everything around you in perfect symmetry.

In other cases, compulsions don’t relate so directly to obsessions. These compulsions tend to be more ritualistic, for example, counting, saying specific words or phrases, flicking light switches on and off, or repeatedly checking you’ve done tasks like locking your door.

What treatments are available for OCD?

Mesquite Valley Integrated Health uses mainstream and complementary therapies, integrating them to deliver the most effective, holistic treatment. Therapies your provider might include in your personalized plan include:

Exposure and response prevention (ERP), a specific form of cognitive behavioral therapy, is an evidence-supported treatment for OCD. It involves working with a trained clinician to face triggers gradually while reducing compulsive responses. Medication may also be appropriate. Ask about current therapy expertise, availability or referral options; the treatments listed above are not all equally supported for OCD.

OCD care in Mesa: frequently asked questions

What is OCD?

OCD involves obsessions, compulsions or both that cause distress, take significant time or interfere with everyday life. Obsessions can include unwanted thoughts or urges; compulsions can include repeated actions or mental rituals.

How is OCD different from ordinary worry?

Occasional worry or checking does not by itself establish OCD. A clinician considers the pattern, distress, time spent and effect on functioning, as well as other possible explanations.

What treatments are available?

Evidence-supported options include ERP-based therapy and medications such as certain antidepressants. Your provider can discuss benefits, risks and a plan tailored to your needs. Ask intake about appropriate clinicians and referral options.

NIMH OCD information | Find mental health help

Call 480-509-7738 for an evaluation at our Mesa office, serving Chandler, Gilbert and the East Valley.