OCD Treatment in Salem, NH

No. OCD is a serious neurobiological condition that goes far beyond tidiness. It involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) that cause intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce that anxiety. Common obsessions include fears of contamination, harm to others, unwanted taboo thoughts, and a need for symmetry — most of which have nothing to do with cleanliness or organization.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradually and systematically exposing you to the situations, thoughts, or images that trigger your obsessions — while helping you resist performing the compulsive response. Over time, your brain learns that the feared outcome doesn’t happen and the anxiety naturally decreases. ERP is guided by a trained clinician at a pace you can handle.

SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are the first-line medication for OCD, typically prescribed at higher doses than for depression. Our on-site Nurse Practitioner can prescribe and manage medications like fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, sertraline, and paroxetine. For cases that don’t respond to SSRIs, clomipramine may be considered. Medication typically takes 8–12 weeks at therapeutic doses to show full effect, and is always combined with ERP therapy.

For moderate to severe OCD, weekly therapy alone often isn’t enough. Our PHP and IOP programs provide intensive, daily or near-daily ERP sessions combined with group support, medication management, and skills training. This concentrated approach accelerates progress and provides the structure needed to break through entrenched OCD patterns that weekly therapy may not be able to address quickly enough.

Common obsession types include: contamination fears (germs, illness, chemicals), harm obsessions (fear of causing harm to yourself or others), unwanted intrusive thoughts (violent, sexual, or blasphemous), symmetry and ordering (need for things to feel “just right”), and existential or philosophical obsessions. Many people experience multiple types simultaneously, and the content of obsessions does not reflect a person’s character or desires.

Yes — OCD frequently co-occurs with anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, ADHD, and sometimes substance use. At Trailhead, we treat all co-occurring conditions simultaneously with an integrated treatment plan. Addressing only OCD without treating co-occurring depression or anxiety often leads to incomplete recovery.

Intensive CBT with ERP typically takes 8–16 weeks for significant improvement. Our PHP program usually runs 20–30 days, followed by IOP for 60–90 days. Medication can take 8–12 weeks at higher OCD doses to reach full effect. Many clients continue with ongoing outpatient therapy for maintenance. While OCD treatment requires commitment, most clients see meaningful reduction in symptoms within the first few weeks of ERP.

While there is no “cure” for OCD in the traditional sense, it can be managed very effectively. With proper ERP treatment and, when appropriate, medication, most people experience significant reduction in symptoms and are able to live full, functional lives. The goal is not to eliminate all intrusive thoughts — everyone has them — but to change your relationship with those thoughts so they no longer control your behavior.

Most major insurance plans cover OCD treatment, including PHP and IOP programs. We are in-network with Anthem BCBS, Point 32 Health (Harvard Pilgrim + Tufts), Tricare, Uprise Health, and WellSense (NH Medicaid). Our admissions team can verify your benefits in minutes — call (857) 312-1697 or use our online form.

Yes — family involvement is strongly encouraged. Family members often unknowingly accommodate OCD rituals, which maintains the condition. We offer individual family therapy sessions coordinated with your primary therapist, plus monthly family education groups via Zoom. These groups teach families how to reduce accommodation, support ERP practice, and create a recovery-supportive home. Open to any family member 18+.