FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Check out some of our frequently asked questions below. If you have further questions feel free to email a question to Dr. Brodsky or request a free consultation within 24 hours to learn about the drug-free cure for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It's completely confidential. Only Dr. Brodsky will ever read your questions. If you feel ready to get started, you can make an appointment online or call 212-726-2390. Sessions are available in-person in Manhattan and northern New Jersey or by teletherapy nationwide in 42 states for OCD from Greensboro, North Carolina to Spokane, Washington (see below). We're everywhere you are!
- Where do you practice?
- What is the treatment for OCD?
- Can we talk about other issues?
- How long will it take? How often do I come?
- Can I talk to my therapist during the week?
- Will I need medication?
- How do I find an OCD therapist?
- How do I know my therapist can help me?
- Can I find an OCD therapist on my insurance network?
- How can my insurance cover an out-of-network OCD specialist?
- How can family and friends help?
- Why do people hesitate to seek treatment?
- What are good books or movies about OCD?
WHERE DO YOU PRACTICE?
OCD treatment is available in 42 states.
OCD treatment is closer than ever before. In person sessions are provided in mid-town Manhattan and northern New Jersey. Virtual teletherapy sessions are available in 42 states: Alabama, Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Washington DC, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Maine, Mariana Islands (CNMI), Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming. We're everywhere you are! (Return to top.)
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT OF OCD?
OCD is a very treatable condition and, in many cases, medication might not be necessary. Hundreds of research studies agree that the best treatment is a form of cognitive behavioral psychotherapy known as "exposure response-prevention" (ERP). ERP helps OCD sufferers overcome their fears and reduce their compulsive and avoidant behaviors gradually, at a pace they're comfortable with. While results are gradual, ERP does not require long term traditional psychotherapy. Results occur in months not years. ERP is more effective in the long run (in terms of curing and preventing later relapses) than either medication or other therapies.
OCD is very treatable, with ERP, a special type of CBT, even without medication.
Part of the treatment is highly behavioral, proceeding in a very structured step-by-step manner, directly addressing symptoms of anxiety, obsessions, compulsions, and avoidance. I ask clients to choose something to do in every session that they're comfortable with, yet feels like a modest "stretch" outside their comfort zone, like baby steps. You'll always be in complete control of the pace of therapy. You'll never be pressured to do anything you don't want to do. You'll then practice what we did in the session as behavioral homework every day during the week. It's never scary or time consuming, so you can just focus on the rest of your day. For example, some clients start by simply writing a single word. (Return to top.)
Therapy is structured, behavioral, and results-driven.
CAN WE ALSO TALK ABOUT OTHER ISSUES?
We definitely will! The other half of the therapy is really getting to know each client as a whole person with all their issues, aside from OCD. We identify "real life" issues and lifelong patterns of behavior, feelings, and negative beliefs that might fuel the OCD along. That might include self-esteem, relationships, work stress, childhood or family issues, social skills, assertive communication, and life goals, among others. It's not a "cookie-cutter" approach. You aren't "just another OCD case," and therapy is customized for each person. We'll never suggest something to you just because we recommended it to someone else. (Return to top.)
You're not just another OCD "case." We deal with everything in a person's life. It's not a "cookie-cutter" approach.
HOW LONG WILL IT TAKE? HOW OFTEN DO I COME?
Therapy involves coming to the office at least once per week. You'll notice relief gradually over time, little by little, but in the long run that will add up to a dramatic difference. It's not completed in 5-10 sessions, but it doesn't go on indefinitely either. It does take work, but those who don't skip sessions or drop out, and do their behavioral homework every day usually make excellent progress. When you're done, however, you're really finished, living on a whole new level--moving on with career, school, relationships, enjoying life--finally following your dreams at last, without OCD holding you back anymore! (Return to top.)
CAN I TALK TO MY THERAPIST DURING THE WEEK?
We contact you between sessions to see how you're managing or answer questions.
Please do! We encourage you to contact us during the week. In fact, we'll contact you every week between appointments just to see how you're managing, answer questions, and keep you moving forward if you're stuck, confused, or overwhelmed. You'll never feel like you're doing all this alone in between sessions. You're very brave to take this step and to do the work involved, but we'll be with you all the way. (Return to top.)
WILL I NEED MEDICATION?
Medication might not be necessary. Many people find therapy alone to be effective enough. Medication provides only temporarily relief, but symptoms come back once they stop taking them. ERP, by contrast, provides permanent relief. It gives OCD sufferers a technique to "boss back" the OCD, reclaim their lives, and prevent relapses. The majority of our clients, and we've seen many severe cases, benefit from therapy with no medication at all. And those who are on meds, usually wean off them (supervised by their MD) by the time ERP therapy is concluded.
Medication might not be necessary.
Having said that, we recommend to some people to discuss with their psychiatrist the use of medication as a temporary measure if they are in an emergency (potential job loss, divorce, absences from school) or if they're too severe to even engage in therapy, but we usually save it as a last resort. We usually recommend to others that they start with the therapy first and see how far they can go without medication. You can always add it later if needed. However, if you are on medication now, don't drop it until your condition has largely been stabilized by ERP. Discuss with your doctor how to wean off medication while you continue ERP therapy to eliminate leftover OCD symptoms that the medication was masking.
There are at least a dozen medications for OCD, such as "SSRIs," "Tricyclic Antidepressants," "Anxiolytic Benzodiazapines," and "Neuroleptics," who's names we're not permitted to mention, but you can discuss your options with your doctor. Different things work for different people and it sometimes involves some trial and error before the right medication is found for each individual. So if one medication doesn't work, don't give up. Each person's chemistry is different, and usually there is some medication that will work for you.
If you've read enough, email a question or request a free consultation within 24 hours, make an appointment online now or just call 212-726-2390. In-person sessions are available in New York and New Jersey. Virtual teletherapy is available nationwide in 42 states for OCD from Tampa, Florida to Portland, Maine. (Return to top.)
HOW DO I FIND AN OCD THERAPIST?
The best place to start your search for a qualified OCD specialist in your area is the International OCD Foundation website https://iocdf.org/find-help/. Note that "in your area" might in some cases be a 2 hour drive away for in-person office visits, but it's worth it compared to someone who's not competent. However, teletherapy online now makes treatment more convenient and accessible than ever before, so don't settle for second best. Dr. Brodsky does teletherapy nationwide in 42 states for OCD from Orlando, Florida to Jackson, Mississippi. (Return to top.)
Find an OCD specialist on the International OCD Foundation website.
HOW DO I KNOW MY THERAPIST CAN HELP ME?
CAUTION! Every therapist claims to treat OCD, but extremely few do the right kind of therapy, which is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP). None are on any insurance network (see below). I only want you to get the right kind of treatment, regardless of whether you see me or someone else. Insurance networks only provide generalists. A well intentioned general therapist might be helpful to talk to, but they can perpetuate or worsen your problem if they're not a true OCD specialist. Most people have seen multiple therapists with little result until they find a specialist.
Many therapists claim to treat OCD, but very few use the right kind of therapy, ERP.
THERE ARE 2 "TEST QUESTIONS" YOU MUST ASK A THERAPIST before you make an appointment:
1) Is ERP their main technique? If not, don't make an appointment. ERP is the only therapy endorsed by the International OCD Foundation. If you have a current therapist and they don't use ERP, switch to one that does. They might be nice to talk to or skilled in other issues, but they won't help your OCD.
2) How many people have they SUCCESSFULLY treated for OCD? By "successfully" I mean by the end of therapy, the person is not on any medication, and is almost if not completely free of obsessions, compulsions, and excessive anxiety.
They shouldn't just "give you tools" to help you "deal with OCD better" or "manage symptoms." They should have gotten rid of OCD for at least 50 people in a major metropolitan area (New York, Chicago, Philadelphia, Houston, Seattle, Atlanta, Phoenix, Dallas, Minneapolis, San Antonio, etc.) or at least a dozen people in other areas or countries. And with the advent of teletherapy for OCD you shouldn't settle for second best. (Return to top.)
CAN I FIND AN OCD THERAPIST IN MY INSURANCE NETWORK?
No! Remember, every therapist claims to treat OCD (and they mistakenly believe they know how to). However, there are no therapists in any insurance network who are competent to treat OCD. They are generalists, good for other issues, but not experienced specialists in OCD. Don't prolong your suffering while going on a wild goose chase calling therapists on your network. (See next question.) (Return to top.)
HOW CAN MY INSURANCE COVER AN OUT-OF-NETWORK OCD SPECIALIST?
We negotiate insurance to cover you.
Fortunately, your insurance can cover an out-of-network OCD specialist, even if it's an HMO with no out-of-network benefit or a huge deductible! Most clients' insurance reimburses them for the majority of my fee and offer a generous number of sessions. I myself will negotiate with your insurance to cover me as if I were in network. Very few therapists do this, but I want to give more people access to help they couldn't otherwise afford.
The client pays no out of network deductible and might get refunded between a third to 70% of my fee by their insurance, usually about 30-60 days later depending on how fast they submit their claim. Note that clients still pay the same full fee of $180 at the time of each appointment, but are given a receipt to be reimbursed by their insurance. (Return to top.)
HOW CAN FAMILY AND FRIENDS HELP?
The most important thing family and friends of an OCD sufferer can do is to educate themselves and the sufferer, and empathize with what they're going through. Don't blame or criticize them: they are the victim. Indeed, the whole family is victimized by OCD. OCD is the enemy, not the person suffering with it. They can't stop it themselves. They don't call it "compulsive" for nothing; it means the person feels forced against their will to have disturbing thoughts and time consuming rituals or seek reassurance. It's important for family and friends to unite with the sufferer against the true enemy, OCD.
Encourage, don't overly reassure.
Family members have to live their lives as if no one in the household has OCD. And if the OCD sufferer repeatedly asks for reassurance, compassionately remind them it won't help them and change the subject. Encouragement and general reassurance that "things will get better" is always fine. Or, tell them to talk about it to their therapist at the next appointment. If that doesn't work change the subject or find any excuse to leave the situation ("uh, oh, I have to make an important phone call").
Most importantly, family and friends should not try to reason with or persuade an OCD sufferer that their worries are irrational. That will just make him worry more. It's like telling someone not to think about a white elephant. It just makes them think about it more. And the sufferer already knows their worries are irrational, they just can't stop. Again, that's why it's called "compulsive." The person feels forced against their will to have these worries and compulsions.
What should family and friends do instead? Tell the sufferer that OCD is extremely treatable, extremely common, and that it's not the worst thing. It's a lot easier for them to accept they have OCD if they know it can be treated. Tell them it doesn't require long term psychotherapy and might not require medication. Emphasize that therapy is not scary and they will never be asked to do anything that they're uncomfortable or unwilling to do.
Unite against OCD, not the sufferer.
Finally, loved ones should encourage the OCD sufferer to read some books about OCD, show them this website, and encourage them to email their questions (it can even be anonymous) for a free consultation with no obligation to ever make an appointment. Only Dr. Brodsky himself will read their message or speak to them. It's completely confidential. If they're ready to take the next step, they can make an appointment online or simply call 212-726-2390. In-person sessions are available in New York City and northern New Jersey and virtual teletherapy is available nationwide in 42 states for OCD from Richmond, Virginia to Grand Rapids, Michigan.
Once the OCD sufferer starts therapy, and it's the right kind of therapy (i.e., ERP) loved ones can rest assured that they've done everything they can for them. There's nothing they've overlooked or neglected. Now the best thing to do is to take a step back. It's a matter of time and work on the part of the client and the therapist.
If the sufferer sees you're consumed by their suffering, then it will confirm that their fears are true. Hard as it may be, loved ones should force themselves to be good actors and act in a nonchalant manner offering general empathy, encouragement, and support. Try something like, "I know it's very painful for you, but don't give up, keep going to your therapist, keep doing your behavioral "homework," we know you're working very hard, you're very brave to take care of this, it will get better and work out in the end." That will be more effective than overly reassuring them (e.g., "I've told you a hundred times, there's nothing to worry about, everything is OK, you're over-reacting and controlling us!"). (Return to top.)
WHY DO PEOPLE HESITATE TO SEEK TREATMENT?
It's a shocking fact that in the 21st Century the vast majority of people with an emotional problem never seek any help at all! That's even more shocking since 15-20% of the population has a diagnosable disorder, whether mild or severe. They just suffer unnecessarily, miss out on the enjoyments of life, avoid relationships, or self-medicate with alcohol, drugs, or food. Some, completely without reason, go on disability or leave school.
Don't hesitate to seek treatment and continue to suffer unnecessarily. There's nothing scary or embarrassing about therapy.
Of the small fraction that seek any help, 80% never go beyond their family physician, and a smaller number do nothing but take medication with mixed results. The tiny trickle that go to a therapist are often misdiagnosed or given the wrong type of treatment. This is entirely unnecessary, which begs the question: Why? On some level every OCD sufferer knows something is wrong, but it's scary to accept it. It's hard to acknowledge a problem if you believe you're the only one and nothing can be done about it. Reading about OCD and showing them this site can help the sufferer realize they're not alone, that OCD is treatable, and isn't something worse, even though it's interfering with their life.
If you still have OCD, it's simply because you didn't get the right kind of therapy or your family enabled your avoidant behavior.
Most OCD sufferers have tried multiple therapists who didn't do the right kind of therapy and felt disappointed. They feel skeptical that anything will work.
Almost always, well-intentioned family members inadvertently enable their loved one with OCD by endlessly reassuring them and accommodating their compulsions and avoidant behaviors. The OCD sufferer can't accept they have a problem if everyone's trying not to upset them.
Finally, many fear the therapist will force them to face their worst fears, but treatment is never pressured and moves in baby steps. You'll never do anything you don't want to, and you're in total control of the therapy at all times. Some people start by simply writing a single word on a piece of paper. The therapist always asks the client what they feel ready to do. In fact, sometimes clients say they want to do something harder "to get it over with," but the therapist suggests starting with something much easier. It's normal for many hesitant people to fear therapy will actually make the problem worse; I have never seen that happen in my entire career and I'll make sure that never happens to you! (Return to top.)
WHAT ARE GOOD BOOKS OR MOVIES ABOUT OCD?
There are many books about OCD. One that we recommend is Confronting the Bully of OCD, by Dr. Brodsky's former client, Linda Maran, and offers an insider's view of what it's like being in therapy with him It's one of the few books written by someone who actually had OCD, instead of by a professional. It's available on Amazon.com.
Two others are:
When Once Is Not Enough (by Gail Steketee)
Stop Obsessing (by Edna Foa)
The TV shows "Obsessed," "Hoarders," and "Monk" and the movies, "The Aviator" and "As Good As It Gets," depict OCD sufferers, but are very oversimplified. Reality TV shows like "Hoarders" are frankly exploitive.
Read more to preview or order this book by a former client about her therapy with Dr. Brodsky.
Dr. Brodsky's wrote the book, The Complete Idiot's Guide to Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, covers OCD, Panic, Social Anxiety, and other conditions helped by CBT. (The latest edition is now retitled, Conscious Care Guides: Cognitive Behavioral Therapy: Recognize and Overcome Behaviors for a Healthier, Happier You).
Dr. Brodsky is featured in a book for teenage readers, Anxiety: It Happened To Me: The Ultimate Teen Guide about OCD and other types of anxiety. It's written from the first person experiences of actual teens who suffered and recovered from anxiety.
Read more to preview or order this book by Dr. Brodsky about Cognitive Behavioral Therapy.
Read more to preview or order this book for teenage readers featuring Dr. Brodsky on OCD, Panic, and Social Anxiety.
If you have further questions feel free to email a question to Dr. Brodsky or request a free consultation within 24 hours to learn about the drug-free cure for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. It's completely confidential. Only Dr. Brodsky himself will ever read your questions or speak to you.
If you feel ready to get started, you can make an appointment online now or just call 212-726-2390. Virtual teletherapy is available nationwide in 42 states for OCD from Huntsville, Alabama to Las Vegas, Nevada. We're everywhere you are! (Return to top.)
(Go to Insurance and Types of OCD)