OCD therapists in Sterling, Illinois IL
We are proud to feature top rated OCD therapists in Sterling. We encourage you to review each profile to find your best match.
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OCD
Dr. Pam Heilman
Psychologist, Psy.D., LCP
I completed the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute with the International OCD Foundation in 2023 and I have extensive experience working with clients who have OCD and related conditions. I frequently utilize Exposure and Response Prevention to help clients identify triggers and feared situations and then help them to gradually face these challenges. Part of this work also involves helping clients identify compulsions or "safety behaviors" that they have been using in an attempt to neutralize the anxiety. The goal is to begin facing feared situations without use of compulsions. This helps the brain to relearn that these situations can be faced and that anxiety will subside over time.
10 Years Experience
Online in Sterling, IL Illinois (Online Only)
OCD
Nostos Psychotherapy
Psychologist, PsyD
We specialize in working with individuals who suffer from OCD and OCD symptoms.
12 Years Experience
Online in Sterling, IL Illinois
OCD
Lenny Gallo
Licensed Clinical Social Worker, LCSW
OCD is more than just liking things neat and organized. It’s a serious and often misunderstood condition that can be incredibly disruptive to your daily life. For many people, OCD can interfere with work, relationships, and everyday routines—and it’s not something you can just “turn off.”
OCD affects people of all ages and walks of life. It often shows up as unwanted, intrusive thoughts (called obsessions) that can feel scary, upsetting, or out of your control. People can have unwanted sexual thoughts, thoughts of harming others, fears about relationships, and contamination, to name a few. To cope, you might feel driven to do certain behaviors or rituals (compulsions) in an effort to quiet those thoughts. Unfortunately, this creates a cycle that can leave you feeling exhausted, isolated, and overwhelmed.
OCD doesn’t always look the same. It can also show up in related ways, such as:
Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD) – Obsessive thoughts about perceived flaws in appearance
Skin Picking (Excoriation Disorder) – Repeated picking at the skin, often causing injury
Hair Pulling (Trichotillomania) – Compulsive pulling out of hair from the scalp, eyebrows, or other areas
My approach to treating OCD is rooted in the evidence-based methods of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment. Together, these approaches help you face fears in a safe, supportive way—so you can break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. I am a part a part of the International OCD Foundation's Therapist Network and have been trained in ERP through the organization. To find out more about OCD, Click here.
Side Note: OCD and PTSD (TRAUMA)
About 19% of people with OCD also have a history of trauma. The research in this area is still evolving, and the truth is we don't have the best methods for treating both. Some of the strategies that are highly effective for OCD might not be appropriate for someone actively struggling with PTSD, and vice versa.
Currently, Prolonged Exposure (PE) is considered the gold standard for treating PTSD. That said, some individuals don't respond well to that. Others respond well to approaches like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or IFS (Internal Family Systems). If you’re dealing with both OCD and trauma, we’ll work together to determine the best path forward—one that’s safe, effective, and tailored to your unique needs.
PLEASE NOTE: Some treatment for OCD will be unconventional. In some cases, I may require house visits and family participation, but be assured that all treatment related to OCD is always in the interest of helping you manage unwanted thoughts and rituals.
13 Years Experience
Online in Sterling, IL Illinois (Online Only)
OCD
Sarah Farris
Licensed Professional Counselor, MA, LCPC, LPC
Obsessive – Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a condition that involves unwanted intrusive thoughts, images or urges. As a result, individuals with OCD feel driven to reduce the distress they experience by engaging in compulsions. I utilized evidence-based therapy including cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT and I-CBT), exposure and response prevention (ERP), and mindfulness methods to help clients struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Illness Anxiety, and co-occuring conditions. Breaking the overthinking, avoidance and rumination cycle is possible.
14 Years Experience
Online in Sterling, IL Illinois
OCD
Jennifer L Abel
Psychologist, Ph.D.
I use primarily exposure and response prevention (ERP). I've treated dozens of people with OCD. I've always been keenly interested in OCD. My review comparing SSRIs (anti-depressants that help OCD) and ERP was published in the peer reviewed journal Behaviour Research & Therapy. I found that ERP is more effective unless you are severely depressed or have poor insight. Most people with OCD, at some level, understand their fears are unwarranted but feel they can't stop and realize they have OCD. If this describes you then you are likely to respond well to ERP.
30 Years Experience
Online in Sterling, IL Illinois (Online Only)
OCD therapists in Sterling, Illinois Statistics
OCD therapists in Sterling, Illinois average 15 years of experience and charge around $210 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (85%), Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (65%), and Behavioral Therapy (39%).
Average years in practice
15 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$210
Accept insurance
39%
Offer sliding scale
30%
Gender ID
| 56% |
Female |
|
| 38% |
Male |
|
| 3% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 3% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 55% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 45% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 85% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 65% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 39% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 37% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 33% | Person-Centered Therapy (Rogerian) |
| 33% | Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) |
| 28% | Existential / Humanistic Therapy |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 82% | Young Adult |
| 60% | Teen |
| 45% | Senior |
| 32% | Children |
Client Focus
| 43% | Women |
| 41% | LGBTQ+ |
| 39% | Men |
| 26% | Military / Veterans |
| 25% | Persons with Disabilities |