OCD & Anxiety Specialist
Schedule a free 20-minute online consultation to meet Josh, get your Anxiety and CBT questions answered, and explore therapy options.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with Exposure Therapy is the gold standard for treating anxiety disorders, with decades of research supporting its effectiveness. Research shows that this combination of therapy leads to significant symptom reduction in up to 80% of individuals, making it the most effective evidence-based treatment available. This approach involves identifying the thoughts, situations, or sensations that trigger your anxiety and gradually exposing you to them in a safe, controlled way. Over time, this process retrains your brain to see these triggers as less threatening, reducing both the intensity and frequency of your anxiety.
The key to CBT with Exposure Therapy is that it’s not about “facing fears” all at once—it’s about doing so gradually and therapeutically, with the guidance and support of a trained therapist. By breaking the process into manageable steps, you build confidence as you face challenges at your own pace, gaining a sense of control over your anxiety.
This approach works because it addresses the core mechanisms of anxiety: avoidance and unhelpful thought patterns. By facing what you fear and learning to respond differently, you teach your brain that these situations are not dangerous and don’t need to be avoided. This rewiring creates healthier responses to anxiety, empowering you to live with more confidence and peace of mind.
CBT with Exposure Therapy is more than just treatment—it’s a transformative process that helps you regain control, build resilience, and restore freedom in your life. If you’re ready to take the first step, reach out today—I’m here to guide you every step of the way.
How does Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure Therapy Help With Anxiety?
Evidence-based therapy for Anxiety
Josh Kaplan, LCSW
Cognitive Behavioral Therapist
OCD and Anxiety Specialist
Hi, I’m Josh Kaplan, and I’m so glad you’re here. Taking the first step toward getting help for Anxiety isn't easy, but it’s one of the most important things you can do for yourself. I know firsthand how overwhelming anxiety can be and the disruption it can cause in daily life. That’s why I’ve dedicated the last 14 years to studying, treating, and training other therapists in the most effective, evidence-based approaches for OCD and anxiety disorders. Whether you’re struggling with relentless worries, specific fears, or instances of panic, I want you to know that hope and recovery are possible—and I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.
Diagnostic Assessment
The First Step Toward Relief
Anxiety disorders can manifest in countless ways, from the persistent tension of GAD, to the sudden, overwhelming panic attacks of Panic Disorder, or the paralyzing fear of public or social situations seen in Social Anxiety Disorder. Starting with a thorough assessment from a trained anxiety specialist is the best way to understand your unique symptoms and develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs.
With the right diagnosis, we can identify the root causes of your anxiety and create a roadmap to recovery using the best therapies for anxiety including CBT and Exposure Therapy. No matter how anxiety is impacting your life, I’m here to guide you every step of the way toward lasting relief and greater peace of mind. You don’t have to navigate this journey alone.
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD) is marked by persistent and excessive worry about various aspects of life, such as work, health, relationships, or everyday tasks. This worry often feels uncontrollable and is accompanied by physical symptoms like restlessness, fatigue, difficulty concentrating, muscle tension, and sleep disturbances.
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Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder is characterized by recurring, unexpected panic attacks—intense episodes of fear or discomfort that peak within minutes. Symptoms of a panic attack may include a racing heart, shortness of breath, dizziness, sweating, trembling, chest pain, or feelings of losing control. Many individuals also develop a fear of future attacks, leading to avoidance of certain situations or places.
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Health Anxiety
Health Anxiety, also known as illness anxiety disorder, is characterized by excessive worry about having or developing a serious medical condition. Individuals with health anxiety often misinterpret normal body sensations or minor symptoms as signs of a severe illness, leading to frequent doctor visits, reassurance-seeking, or avoidance of medical care altogether.
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Agoraphobia
Agoraphobia is an anxiety disorder characterized by intense fear or avoidance of situations where escape might be difficult, or help unavailable, in the event of a panic attack or overwhelming symptoms. Commonly avoided situations include crowded places, public transportation, open spaces, or being alone outside the home. This fear can severely limit daily activities and independence.
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Specific Phobias
Specific phobias are characterized by an intense, irrational fear of a particular object, situation, or activity that poses little to no actual danger. Common examples include fear of heights, animals, flying, needles, or enclosed spaces. When confronted with the feared trigger, individuals may experience overwhelming anxiety, panic attacks, or an urgent need to avoid the situation altogether.
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Social Anxiety Disorder
Social Anxiety Disorder involves an intense fear of being judged, embarrassed, or humiliated in social or performance situations. Common symptoms include avoiding social interactions, excessive worry about upcoming events, sweating, blushing, trembling, or difficulty speaking when in social settings. These symptoms can interfere with relationships, work, and daily activities.
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Services
Expert Evidence-Based Treatment for The Following Conditions
How is CBT with Exposure Therapy for Anxiety Different From Traditional Talk Therapy?
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) combined with Exposure Therapy is an evidence-based, gold standard treatment for anxiety disorders like Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, Health Anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on offering support and exploring past experiences, CBT with Exposure Therapy targets the specific thought patterns, avoidance behaviors, and fears that maintain anxiety. This structured approach helps individuals face their fears gradually and therapeutically, while building healthier responses to anxiety triggers.
Traditional talk therapy, while supportive, is not designed to treat anxiety disorders effectively and can sometimes be counterproductive. For example, talk therapy often involves exploring and analyzing fears or worries in depth, which can unintentionally lead to rumination or reinforce avoidance behaviors. Additionally, a therapist providing reassurance about fears can inadvertently validate the anxiety, preventing individuals from confronting and overcoming it.
For instance:
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A person with Panic Disorder might receive reassurance that their physical sensations are harmless without being guided to confront those sensations, keeping their fear intact.
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Someone with Health Anxiety might be encouraged to explore their worries about illness repeatedly, which can fuel rumination and increase health-related fears.
CBT with Exposure Therapy is different because it’s active, structured, and goal-oriented. By identifying unhelpful thought patterns and systematically exposing individuals to feared situations or sensations, this approach teaches the brain that these triggers are not dangerous and don’t need to be avoided. Over time, individuals experience significant reductions in anxiety, build confidence, and develop lasting skills to manage future challenges.
While traditional talk therapy has its place in emotional support, CBT with Exposure Therapy is specifically designed to address anxiety disorders at their core and should always be the first-line treatment for lasting relief and recovery.
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In what states are you licensed to provide OCD and Anxiety therapy?I am actively licensed and insured to provide therapy in Colorado, Utah, Arizona, Nevada, Washington, New Jersey, and Illinois. You can rest assured that I am fully licensed and insured, meeting all professional and legal standards to practice in these states.
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How long does therapy typically last, and what are your fees?Evidence-based anxiety and OCD therapy, particularly Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), is designed to be a short-term, goal-focused approach. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which can be more open-ended, evidence-based treatment for OCD and anxiety disorders is structured and time-efficient. Many clients experience clinically significant progress within 10 to 14 sessions, though the exact duration varies depending on individual needs and treatment goals. My fees are based on the length of the therapy session: 60-minute session: $225 30-minute session: $125 These options provide flexibility in tailoring the frequency and duration of sessions to best support your progress. Some clients prefer weekly full-hour sessions, while others may opt for shorter, more frequent check-ins to reinforce skills and maintain momentum. The goal is to equip you with the tools you need to manage OCD and anxiety effectively—so therapy is not an indefinite commitment, but a focused and empowering process
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Do you accept insurance?I do not accept any forms of insurance. However, I can provide you with a superbill, which you can submit to your insurance company for any out-of-network reimbursement you may be entitled to. If you’d like to check your out-of-network benefits ahead of time, you can contact your insurance provider and inquire about their reimbursement policies. Be sure to provide them with my NPI (1255647160) and EIN (46-3987800) for their records. I’m happy to assist you with any questions about this process to help you access the care you need.
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How often will I meet with you for therapy?The frequency of sessions depends on your unique needs and the severity of your symptoms. Together, we’ll create a personalized treatment plan that includes an estimated number of sessions and their frequency. On average, most clients attend therapy weekly to start and can expect 10–14 sessions overall. As therapy progresses and symptoms improve, sessions typically become less frequent and shorter in duration. Some clients choose to continue with monthly or quarterly check-ins to maintain their progress and prevent symptom relapse. This flexible approach ensures that therapy is tailored to your specific goals while supporting lasting recovery.
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Do you provide in-person or virtual sessions?My physical office is located in Littleton, Colorado, and I offer in-person sessions for clients who prefer meeting face-to-face. For those outside of the area, or in states other than Colorado, all sessions are conducted virtually through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video conferencing platform. This allows me to provide flexible and accessible care, whether you’re nearby or located in one of the states where I’m licensed to practice.