OCD & Anxiety Specialist
Schedule a free 20-minute online consultation to meet Josh, get your OCD and ERP questions answered, and explore therapy options.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with decades of research supporting its effectiveness. Studies routinely show that up to 80% of individuals with OCD will experience clinically significant improvement through ERP therapy. ERP involves a structured, gradual process of exposing you to the thoughts, situations, or sensations that trigger your anxiety, while helping you resist the urge to perform compulsions. Over time, this therapeutic approach retrains your brain to view these triggers as less threatening, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of both obsessions and compulsions, thus breaking the cycle of OCD.
The key to ERP is that it’s not about “facing fears” all at once—it’s about doing so gradually and therapeutically in a safe and supportive environment. This step-by-step process allows you to build confidence as you take on each challenge at your own pace.
ERP works because it addresses the core mechanism of OCD: the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. By facing triggers and resisting compulsions, you teach your brain that these situations aren’t dangerous and don’t need to be avoided. This process rewires your response to anxiety and creates new, healthier patterns over time.
ERP is more than just treatment—it’s a journey toward regaining freedom, confidence, and peace of mind. With the right guidance and commitment, you can break free from OCD and reclaim the life you want to live.
If you’re ready to start this life-changing process, reach out today—I’m ready to walk with you every step of the way.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) and How Can It Help?
Evidence-based therapy for OCD
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is not a personality quirk, a preference for order, or “just being a little anxious.” It’s a mental health disorder rooted in both psychological and neurological processes, creating a relentless cycle of obsessions—distressing, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges—and compulsions, which are behaviors or mental rituals aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by those obsessions. OCD can be terrifying, exhausting, and completely life-consuming. It doesn’t show up as just one thing—it evolves, latching onto what you care about most and turning it against you.
OCD takes on countless forms, for some, it’s horrific intrusive thoughts and images about harming loved ones, even though the very idea is terrifying and repulsive. Others may fear being a “bad person” or “secretly evil,” despite having no evidence to support those fears. OCD can also create relentless doubts about relationships, identity, or even your own memory. For others, it shows up as recurrent taboo or inappropriate sexual thoughts and images, causing them to question their morality. Or it may also involve a fixation on symmetry or “just right” feelings, a fear of forgetting something important, a preoccupation with breathing or blinking, or an overwhelming worry about making a careless mistake that could hurt others. If you can fear it, OCD can use it against you.
OCD convinces you that these thoughts define who you are and that they must be true. Even when you try to reason with yourself that they’re just thoughts, OCD twists the narrative, planting the insidious question: But what kind of person would take that chance? The terror and distress caused by these obsessions can become so overwhelming that you feel compelled to pursue relief, safety, and certainty—no matter how temporary or fleeting it may be.
Compulsions, whether physical behaviors or mental rituals, are your brain’s attempt to reduce the anxiety. Washing, checking, repeating, replaying memories, seeking reassurance, or avoiding triggers might feel like solutions in the moment, but they’re actually the fuel that keeps OCD alive. OCD plays a cruel game, scaring you so deeply that you’ll do whatever it takes to stop the fear—without realizing that those very efforts are what keep the cycle going.
The truth is, OCD isn’t something you can “logic” your way out of—but the good news is that it’s highly treatable. I’ve guided many clients to recovery using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, the gold standard in OCD treatment. With ERP, I’ll teach you how to dismantle the OCD cycle by confronting your fears and resisting compulsions. No matter how trapped you feel, you can break free once you have the right tools and understand the backward rules of OCD’s tricky game.
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold standard for treating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), with decades of research supporting its effectiveness. Studies routinely show that up to 80% of individuals with OCD will experience clinically significant improvement through ERP therapy. ERP involves a structured, gradual process of exposing you to the thoughts, situations, or sensations that trigger your anxiety, while helping you resist the urge to perform compulsions. Over time, this therapeutic approach retrains your brain to view these triggers as less threatening, ultimately reducing the frequency and intensity of both obsessions and compulsions, thus breaking the cycle of OCD.
The key to ERP is that it’s not about “facing fears” all at once—it’s about doing so gradually and therapeutically in a safe and supportive environment. This step-by-step process allows you to build confidence as you take on each challenge at your own pace.
ERP works because it addresses the core mechanism of OCD: the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. By facing triggers and resisting compulsions, you teach your brain that these situations aren’t dangerous and don’t need to be avoided. This process rewires your response to anxiety and creates new, healthier patterns over time.
ERP is more than just treatment—it’s a journey toward regaining freedom, confidence, and peace of mind. With the right guidance and commitment, you can break free from OCD and reclaim the life you want to live.
If you’re ready to start this life-changing process, reach out today—I’m ready to walk with you every step of the way.
What is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy (ERP) and How Can It Help?
Evidence-based therapy for OCD
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 OCD and intrusive thoughts is not 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 doubts, compulsions, or intrusive thoughts, I want you to know that hope and recovery are possible—and I’m here to help guide you every step of the way.
The Many Themes of OCD
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) comes in countless shapes and sizes, affecting individuals in deeply personal ways. While the content of OCD can vary widely—from fears about contamination to intrusive thoughts about harm—the underlying cycle of obsessions and compulsions is the same. OCD is also known for its ability to morph, shifting from one theme to another over time. This adaptability can make the condition feel confusing and overwhelming, but there’s good news: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is effective for all forms of OCD, no matter the theme.
It’s important to note that these are just a few examples—OCD can latch onto virtually any thought, fear, or idea. It would be impossible to list all the potential themes of OCD, and there’s no need to worry if your specific thoughts or experiences aren’t mentioned here. Whatever form your OCD takes, I have the experience and expertise to help.
Having spent over 14 years treating all forms of OCD, I understand how isolating these thoughts can feel. Please know that no matter how unique or distressing your symptoms may seem, you’re not alone—and nothing you share will shock or surprise me. Together, we’ll use ERP to tackle the core of your OCD, giving you the tools to break free from the cycle and reclaim your life.
Contamination OCD
"Just Right" OCD
Harm OCD
Hit and Run OCD
Sexual and/or Violent Intrusive Thoughts
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Pedophilia OCD (POCD)
Postpartum OCD
Existential OCD
Sexual Orientation OCD (HOCD)
False Memory and Real Event OCD
Magical Thinking OCD
Religious or Moral OCD
Suicidal OCD
Purely Obsessional OCD (Pure-O)
Accurate Assessment & Diagnosis
On average, individuals with OCD go 17 years undiagnosed or misdiagnosed, often receiving treatments that don’t address the core cycle of obsessions and compulsions. A proper diagnosis sets the foundation for recovery, guiding a structured ERP plan that helps you break free from OCD and reclaim your life.
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Psychoeducation
Psychoeducation is a vital first step in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, helping you understand how OCD works and why ERP is effective. Learning about the cycle of obsessions, compulsions, and avoidance empowers you to approach treatment with confidence and reduces the fear of facing triggers.
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Exposure Hierarchy Creation
Together, we will identify the specific fears and compulsions that fuel your OCD and create a personalized hierarchy—a list of triggers ranked from least to most anxiety-provoking. Starting with manageable exposures, you’ll gradually work your way up the hierarchy.
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Structured In-session Exposure Practice
With my guidance, you’ll gradually confront anxiety-provoking thoughts or situations from the hierarchy while learning response prevention skills to resist compulsions, building confidence and reducing fear over time. These sessions provide a safe space to practice ERP techniques, ensuring you feel supported and empowered throughout the process.
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Homework Exposure Practice
Homework exposures are an essential part of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy, helping you apply what you’ve learned in real-life situations outside of sessions. These assignments are tailored to your specific triggers and designed to build confidence as you gradually face your fears and resist compulsions. Consistently practicing exposures between sessions reinforces progress, accelerates recovery, and empowers you to take control of your OCD.
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Progress Tracking and Relapse Prevention
Progress tracking, symptom tracking, and relapse prevention are critical components of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy. Regularly monitoring your progress ensures that treatment is effective, highlights areas of improvement, and allows for adjustments as needed. Relapse prevention work equips you with strategies to maintain your progress and confidently handle future challenges, ensuring long-term recovery and resilience.
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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.
How is Exposure and Response Prevention Therapy Different From Traditional Talk Therapy?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is an evidence-based, gold standard treatment specifically designed for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Unlike traditional talk therapy, which focuses on providing support, empathy, and exploring past experiences, ERP directly targets the underlying mechanisms of OCD: the cycle of obsessions and compulsions. ERP involves systematically and gradually exposing individuals to their feared thoughts, situations, or sensations while helping them resist the urge to perform compulsions. This process retrains the brain to see these triggers as less threatening, reducing anxiety and breaking the OCD cycle.
Traditional talk therapy, while supportive, is not designed to treat OCD and can even be harmful for individuals with this condition. For example, talk therapy often encourages discussing and analyzing intrusive thoughts in depth, which can inadvertently lead to rumination or further engagement with the thoughts—making them more distressing. Additionally, reassurance-seeking from the therapist, a common occurrence in supportive counseling, can reinforce compulsive behaviors, ultimately worsening symptoms over time.
For instance:
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A person with harm OCD may be reassured repeatedly that they are a "good person," which reinforces the need for reassurance and does not address the underlying fear.
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Someone with contamination OCD might avoid addressing their fears entirely in talk therapy, which maintains avoidance behaviors and prevents progress.
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ERP is different because it is structured, solution-focused, and specifically designed to address OCD at its core. By learning to face fears and tolerate discomfort without performing compulsions, individuals develop confidence, resilience, and lasting symptom relief. While traditional talk therapy has its place for other mental health issues, ERP is uniquely effective in treating OCD and should always be the first-line treatment for this condition.