OCD has two core components that feed each other in a cycle:

‍Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, urges, or doubts that feel distressing and difficult to dismiss. They aren't a reflection of who you are or what you want. They are a symptom.

‍Compulsions are the mental or physical rituals performed to neutralize the distress caused by obsessions. Compulsions provide short-term relief but reinforce the cycle over time, teaching the brain that the obsession was a real threat worth responding to.

OCD is one of the most misunderstood mental health conditions. Many people with OCD don't recognize it as OCD at all, because their symptoms don't look like the stereotypical symptoms often presented in modern media.

OCD presents differently in every person. Some of the most common subtypes Dr. Ben treats include:
‍Contamination OCDFear of germs, illness, chemicals, or "spreading" contamination to others. Compulsions often include excessive handwashing, cleaning, or avoidance of certain places or objects.
‍Harm OCDDistressing, unwanted thoughts about accidentally or intentionally harming oneself or others. These thoughts are ego-dystonic, meaning they feel completely against the person's values and character, but feel terrifying nonetheless.
‍Checking OCDRepeated checking of locks, appliances, emails, or the safety of loved ones. Driven by doubt and the fear that something terrible will happen if a check is skipped.
‍Scrupulosity OCDObsessions centered around morality, religion, or doing the "right" thing. Fear of sinning, offending God, or being a fundamentally bad person.
‍HOCD (Sexual Orientation OCD)Unwanted doubts about one's sexual orientation or gender identity that cause significant distress and compulsive reassurance-seeking.
‍Health Anxiety OCDPersistent fear of having or developing a serious illness, despite medical reassurance. Compulsions include repeated doctor visits, body checking, or seeking reassurance online.
"Just Right" OCD / Perfectionism OCDAn uncomfortable sense that things aren't quite right, a feeling of incompleteness rather than a specific feared outcome. Compulsions involve repeating actions until they feel "just right."
‍OCD in Children and TeensOCD in younger clients often looks different than in adults. Children may express their distress through behavior, such as avoidance, tantrums, rigidity, or reassurance-seeking from parents, rather than being able to describe their thoughts. Dr. Ben specializes in working with children and teens, including those who are neurodiverse and have co-occurring ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder.

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective, evidence-based treatment for OCD. It is the therapy recommended by the IOCDF and supported by decades of research.

ERP works by gradually and intentionally exposing you to the thoughts, situations, or triggers that activate your OCD, while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. Over time, this teaches the brain that it can tolerate the distress brought on by the obsessions, that distress naturally decreases on its own, and that compulsions are not necessary to feel okay.

ERP is not about flooding you with your worst fears all at once. It is a gradual, collaborative process built around a personalized hierarchy, a roadmap of exposures and corresponding response prevention, created together with Dr. Ben.

What ERP is not: it is not talk therapy, it is not relaxation training, and it is not about eliminating intrusive thoughts. The goal is to change your relationship with those thoughts so they no longer drive your behavior.

Dr. Ben is trained through the Behavior Therapy Training Institute (BTTI), the IOCDF's intensive training program for OCD specialists and one of the most rigorous ERP credentials available.

Intake (sessions 1-2)
‍Dr. Ben begins with one to two assessment sessions to understand your symptoms, history, and how OCD is affecting your daily life. This is not a one-size-fits-all process. The assessment informs a treatment plan built specifically for you.
‍
‍Building Your ERP Hierarchy
‍Together, you and Dr. Ben identify the obsessions and compulsions that are most affecting your life and create a graduated hierarchy of exposures, starting with manageable challenges and building toward harder ones over time.
‍
‍Active ERP Treatment
‍Most clients see meaningful progress within 16 to 25 sessions. Dr. Ben monitors your progress throughout, adjusts the plan as needed, and provides support every step of the way.
‍
‍Between-Session Practice
‍ERP is most effective when practiced outside of sessions. Dr. Ben will guide you on how to approach real-life situations between appointments so that progress happens in your actual life, not just in the office.

Dr. Ben provides OCD treatment for:
Children (school-age and younger)
Teens and adolescents
Adults
Neurodiverse individuals with co-occurring ADHD or Autism Spectrum Disorder
Families, through parent coaching and SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions)

Sessions are available in-person in Pasadena, CA and via Zoom throughout California, New York, and Florida.

OCD is his primary specialty, with over 90% of his caseload dedicated to OCD.
BTTI-trained through the International OCD Foundation's intensive ERP training program
Member of the IOCDF and ABCT, active in the professional OCD community
Experienced with all ages, including children, teens, and adults
Specializes in neurodiverse clients, as ADHD, Autism, and OCD frequently co-occur and treatment must account for this
Warm, collaborative, and goal-oriented, with treatment that is structured and evidence-based but never cold or one-size-fits-all

Does ERP work for all types of OCD?
Yes. ERP is effective across all OCD subtypes, including those that don't involve visible rituals (like pure obsessional OCD or mental compulsions). The approach is tailored to the specific themes and compulsions you experience.

My child has ADHD and OCD. Can you still help?
Yes. Dr. Ben specifically specializes in working with neurodiverse children and teens who have co-occurring ADHD and/or Autism alongside OCD. Treatment is adapted to meet each child's unique needs.

How long does OCD treatment take?
Most clients see meaningful progress within 16 to 25 sessions. Some clients complete treatment in fewer sessions; others benefit from longer-term work. Progress is monitored throughout, and the pace is always tailored to you.

Do you offer telehealth?
Yes. Dr. Ben offers telehealth sessions via Zoom for clients located anywhere in California, New York, or Florida.

Do you take insurance?
No, Dr. Ben does not accept insurance. Clients pay for sessions directly to Dr. Ben and he can provide monthly superbills for clients to submit for out of network reimbursement with their insurance provider. However, not all insurance plans provide out of network benefits, so it is best to confirm first before attempting to seek reimbursement through submitting superbills.

What if my child refuses to come to therapy?
This can occur with OCD. Dr. Ben can work with parents first through coaching and SPACE strategies while building rapport with your child at a pace that feels manageable for them.

Is OCD treatable?
Yes. OCD is one of the most treatable mental health conditions when addressed with evidence-based care. Many people who felt stuck for years make significant progress with ERP.