OCD therapists in Amherst, NY
Browse OCD therapists in Amherst, New York. Compare credentials, specialties and therapeutic approach. Contact a therapist to learn more.
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 Amherst, NY (Online Only)
OCD
Lisa Taylor-Austin
Licensed Professional Counselor, NCC, LPC, LMHC, CFMHE, CFBA, LCPC, LCMHC
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) responds very effectively to structured, evidence-based treatments, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and specific behavioral strategies. In our work together, we would use a structured approach to help you identify intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors, understand how they maintain anxiety, and gradually develop healthier ways of responding. The goal of this work is to give you practical tools to manage OCD symptoms, regain a sense of control, and improve your overall quality of life.
38 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
OCD
Marc Donegan, Psychotherapist
Registered Psychotherapist, Psychodynamic Analysis & Transactional Analysis, PACFA, BACP, ITTA, EATA, UKATA
OCD can be exhausting to live with, particularly when the compulsions are less visible and more internal. I help clients understand the anxiety driving the obsessive-compulsive cycle and build practical strategies to interrupt it, alongside the deeper work of addressing what the mind is trying to protect against.
10 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY
OCD
Jennifer Buchwald
Psychologist, Psy.D.
I use Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) and Exposure/Response Prevention (Ex/RP) to treat OCD to successfully treat people suffering from OCD.
17 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
OCD
Pleasant Valley Mental Health Counseling
Licensed Mental Health Counselor, LMHC
Several of our clinicians are highly trained in helping you manage OCD symptoms
6 Years Experience
Online in Amherst, NY (Online Only)
OCD therapists in Amherst, NY Statistics
OCD therapists in Amherst, NY average 13 years of experience and charge around $215 per session. 100% offer online sessions. The top treatment approaches are Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) (83%), Behavioral Therapy (53%), and Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) (52%).
Average years in practice
13 Years Experience
Average cost per session
$215
Accept insurance
42%
Offer sliding scale
48%
Gender ID
| 62% |
Female |
|
| 33% |
Male |
|
| 4% |
Non-Binary |
|
| 1% |
Gender Fluid |
|
Session Type
| 58% |
In Person and Online |
|
| 42% |
Online Only |
|
Top Treatment Approaches
| 83% | Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 53% | Behavioral Therapy |
| 52% | Acceptance & Commitment Therapy (ACT) |
| 50% | Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) |
| 35% | Solution-Focused Brief Therapy (SFBT) |
| 30% | Family Systems Therapy |
| 29% | Psychodynamic Therapy |
Ages Served
| 98% | Adult |
| 79% | Young Adult |
| 65% | Teen |
| 50% | Senior |
| 35% | Children |
Client Focus
| 56% | Women |
| 47% | Men |
| 45% | LGBTQ+ |
| 36% | Military / Veterans |
| 33% | Persons with Disabilities |