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Our Intensive OCD Therapy programs for children, teens, and adults provide structured, evidence-based treatment to help you or your child reduce OCD’s symptoms effectively in a shorter period of time.
If you or your child feel stuck in OCD cycles, this program provides the tools and support needed to break free. If you’ve been considering inpatient treatment and aren’t sure it’s the right choice, you might discover that intensive OCD therapy is the alternative that works for you or your child. Book an appointment today to take the next step toward relief.
Call us (650) 461-9026 or Text us (650) 461-9026 today to get started, or book online – in-person and video appointments available!
Intensive OCD therapy is a structured 8-12 week program offering a step up from classic once-weekly therapy without the limitations of inpatient treatment. Unlike traditional therapy, which is typically once per week talk therapy, this program incorporates several types of appointments each week. This approach helps you make faster, more significant progress in resolving OCD symptoms.
For children and teens, therapy also includes parental guidance sessions to help families understand OCD and learn how to support their child’s progress. Exposure Coaches may work with clients in their home, at school, or in the community to address real-world triggers. The program is flexible enough to allow children to continue attending school and adults to remain at work while receiving the intensive care they need.
Some clients enter the program because weekly therapy hasn’t produced enough results, while others start with intensive therapy and later transition to standard weekly therapy for ongoing support. This continuity of care allows for long-term progress without needing to switch providers or start over with a new therapist.
At Palo Alto Therapy, our Intensive OCD Therapy program is rooted in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold standard for OCD treatment. ERP is a structured, research-backed approach that helps individuals gradually face their fears while resisting compulsions, allowing the brain to rewire its response to fear and anxiety.
During ERP, clients work with their therapist to create a hierarchy of feared situations, thoughts, or triggers. Exposures begin with manageable challenges and gradually progress as confidence builds.
For example, someone with contamination fears may start by touching a doorknob without washing their hands immediately, while someone with obsessive fears of harming a loved one might practice being around sharp objects without seeking reassurance. The goal is to reduce avoidance behaviors, build tolerance for uncertainty, and lessen OCD’s control over daily life.
We also incorporate Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) to help clients align their treatment with their values and long-term goals. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) techniques are used to identify and change unhelpful thought patterns, helping clients develop healthier coping strategies and problem-solving skills.
For children and teens, family involvement is key. Parents receive guidance on how to support their child’s progress without reinforcing compulsive behaviors, and therapy may take place in multiple settings, including at home, school, or in the community, to ensure skills are practiced in real-life situations.
Each program is personalized to meet the specific needs of the individual and their family, ensuring the right balance of structure, flexibility, and support for lasting progress.
Read interviews about our intensive OCD therapy programs for children and teens as well as for adults to gain more insight into what we offer.
With convenient office locations in Palo Alto, Menlo Park, and San Jose, we proudly serve the entire Silicon Valley community – from Stanford University and the Peninsula to the South Bay, offering easy access for tech professionals, students, and families.
Intensive OCD therapy is recommended for individuals whose symptoms significantly impact daily life. If OCD rituals and compulsions take up hours per day, interfere with school or work, or cause extreme distress, a more intensive approach than weekly therapy may help. It’s also an option for those who feel stuck despite previous therapy.
Many people with OCD feel discouraged if therapy hasn’t helped in the past. However, OCD therapy must include ERP to be effective. Some therapy approaches focus too much on talking about symptoms rather than taking action. Our program is active and skills-based, focusing on exposures and practical strategies to create meaningful change.
OCD therapy isn’t just talk therapy—it involves active learning and practice. ERP allows clients to gradually face fears in a structured way, reducing their anxiety over time. Therapy also teaches essential skills for managing uncertainty, reducing rituals, and building confidence in daily life.
Our therapists use a tailored, supportive approach to help children engage at their own pace. If a child finds traditional talk therapy less effective, we incorporate play-based strategies, gradual exposures, and family support to make therapy more approachable and productive.
No. ERP is always done collaboratively, meaning clients work with their therapist to determine the right pace. Exposures are introduced gradually, with support, so that clients build confidence and skills without feeling overwhelmed.
Programs typically last 8-12 weeks, but the length varies based on individual needs. Many clients transition into weekly therapy after completing the intensive phase to maintain progress.
Some components of the program can be done virtually, such as parent guidance sessions, but exposure therapy is most effective in person. We work with each client to create the best balance of online and in-person therapy based on their needs.
Specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, we provide effective & caring counseling. Our therapists are passionate in delivering high-quality therapy & enhance their skills through the latest trainings.
Our relationship with you is valued & of highest importance. We are compassionate, respectful, & honest. Our professional counseling includes working side by side with you towards YOUR goals.
Our active therapists use tailored homework exercises to help you find relief in a timely manner. By keeping our meetings on track & targeting specific concerns we help you enjoy life again, usually in a matter of months not years.
Appointments after 5pm & Saturdays, friendly administrative staff, & three locations: Palo Alto, Menlo Park, & San Jose. We help children, teens & adults, couples, & families. Video therapy available!
I found the homework exercises to be very helpful to me. I’ve been able to use techniques I have learned from those exercises to slow down my thoughts when problems arise and work through whatever the issue may be, OCD or otherwise.
I liked the emphasis on doing concrete things to get results-writing down negative thoughts, trying to say things to counter those thoughts…Thank you for helping me make my life better.
Palo Alto Therapy does not just provide talk therapy, but focuses on teaching skills to maintain therapy. You have a genuine interest in the client’s well-being and you offered a new way of thinking about or means of addressing my issues.
