Coming Soon
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, we can help. Request a call.
If you or a loved one is struggling with mental health challenges, we can help. Request a call.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a challenging mental health condition that impacts millions of people across the globe. It is marked by intrusive, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) that can interfere with everyday life and cause overwhelming distress. Many individuals with OCD feel caught in a cycle of anxiety, believing their compulsive actions are necessary to prevent harm or ease discomfort.
Fortunately, with proper treatment, it is possible to break this cycle, reduce symptoms, and regain a sense of control. At Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, we offer specialized, evidence-based therapies designed to provide lasting relief and empower individuals to face the difficulties of OCD with confidence and hope.
Fill out the form to learn more about our OCD treatment programs.
OCD is far more than simply being “neat” or “organized.” It is a serious mental health condition that can disrupt relationships, work, and overall quality of life. The disorder often brings overwhelming anxiety and distress, as individuals feel driven to perform certain rituals or routines in an effort to prevent imagined harm or unwanted outcomes. These repetitive behaviors can become so time-consuming that they leave little space for the activities and connections that matter most.
At Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, we understand that no two people experience OCD in exactly the same way. That’s why our treatment plans are tailored to each individual’s unique symptoms, challenges, and goals. Through a comprehensive, evidence-based approach, we help individuals reduce the intensity of their symptoms, restore balance, and reclaim a sense of independence in their lives.
There is no single, universal treatment for OCD. At Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, we provide a personalized approach that combines therapy, medication management, and lifestyle support to meet each individual’s unique needs. We recognize that recovery is a process, and our team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
CBT—particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP)—is considered the gold standard for treating OCD. ERP works by gradually exposing individuals to the thoughts, objects, or situations that trigger anxiety (exposure), while helping them resist the urge to engage in compulsive behaviors (response prevention).
Over time, this method reduces the anxiety tied to obsessive thoughts and breaks the cycle of compulsions. ERP is built on the principle of habituation—the idea that repeated exposure without ritualizing lessens fear and allows individuals to regain control over their lives.
Medication can be a vital part of treatment for many individuals. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)—such as fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and sertraline—are the most commonly prescribed medications for OCD. By balancing serotonin levels in the brain, SSRIs help reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive urges, making it easier for individuals to fully engage in therapy.
At Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, our clinicians carefully tailor medication plans, monitor effectiveness, and make adjustments as needed to ensure the best possible outcomes.
Cognitive therapy helps individuals identify and challenge the irrational thought patterns that drive OCD. For example, many people with OCD develop beliefs such as “I must perform this ritual to prevent harm” or “I cannot face certain situations without something bad happening.”
Through therapy, these distorted thoughts are replaced with more balanced perspectives, reducing reliance on compulsive behaviors. Cognitive therapy is often integrated with ERP to strengthen both cognitive and behavioral coping skills.
Living with OCD can feel isolating, but support groups provide a space to connect with others who truly understand. Sharing experiences, coping strategies, and encouragement within a group fosters community and reduces feelings of loneliness.
At Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, we offer professionally led group sessions where individuals benefit from both peer support and expert guidance.
OCD affects not just the individual but also their loved ones. Families may unintentionally reinforce OCD symptoms by accommodating rituals or avoiding triggers.
In family therapy, we work with relatives to build awareness, improve communication, and create healthier ways of supporting recovery. By fostering a collaborative home environment, family members become an essential part of the healing process.
Lifestyle practices can significantly enhance treatment outcomes and overall well-being. We encourage individuals to:
These healthy habits, combined with therapeutic care and medication when needed, provide a strong foundation for lasting recovery.
At Safe Harbor Behavioral Health, we recognize how difficult it can be to live with OCD, and we are dedicated to helping individuals take back control of their lives. Our comprehensive approach blends proven, evidence-based therapies with medication management and holistic support—each plan tailored to meet the unique needs of every individual we serve.
We know that treatment for OCD is not a quick fix but a journey. That’s why our experienced team provides both the tools and the ongoing support needed to navigate challenges, address the root causes of symptoms, and build lasting resilience. Our goal is to empower you to live with greater confidence, balance, and fulfillment.
If you or a loved one is struggling with OCD, now is the time to reach out. Contact Safe Harbor Behavioral Health today and take the first step toward healing, recovery, and long-term relief.
Leading Mental Health Treatment in Gloucester
