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Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Break Free from the Cycle. OCD Testing and Treatment That Brings Relief and Control.

  • Telehealth Available
Licensed in: California (PSY33145) & New York (025715)
Rates: Vary based on complexity. Insurance Info
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Common Problems and Patterns

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can be a challenging condition, marked by persistent, intrusive thoughts (known as obsessions) and compulsive behaviors or mental rituals that individuals may feel compelled to perform to ease their anxiety and fear. Common themes of these obsessions include worries about contamination, harm, moral dilemmas, or the need for order and symmetry. While many individuals recognize that their fears may seem irrational, the powerful grip of anxiety can make it incredibly tough to break free from these cycles. This often leads to actions like excessive checking, cleaning, or seeking reassurance from others, leaving individuals feeling trapped in a constant struggle.

Receiving a clear diagnosis of OCD is a vital first step toward understanding these challenges and discovering effective coping and management strategies. With support, it’s possible to reclaim a sense of peace and well-being.

In adolescents, OCD might manifest as behaviors such as seeking excessive reassurance, having intrusive thoughts related to personal safety, or feeling compelled to complete tasks in a specific order. For adults, OCD may often involve mental rituals like replaying conversations, silently counting, or engaging in thorough checking routines. Adults may also experience particular themes such as fears of harming others, worries about contamination, or deep concerns about moral issues. As OCD progresses, it can affect relationships, work, and overall quality of life, creating a cycle of distress that seems increasingly difficult to escape.

We are here to support you on this journey toward understanding and healing, helping you find the tools and strategies to move forward with confidence and grace. Together, we can work toward breaking the chains of OCD and rediscovering the joy and peace you deserve.

Cognitive and Emotional Features

OCD often involves an intense need for certainty and a minimal tolerance for uncertainty. This can lead the brain to become “stuck” on worries about danger or imperfection, creating overwhelming anxiety that may only be alleviated through compulsive behaviors. While these compulsions may provide temporary relief, they ultimately reinforce the cycle of anxiety and distress.

Through psychological and neuropsychological testing, we can better understand whether intrusive thoughts are rooted in OCD, social or generalized anxiety, depression, or trauma. This clarity allows other providers to tailor their treatment strategies. Our goal is to empower you with the insights and resources needed to break free from these patterns and move toward a place of healing and resilience. You don’t have to face this journey alone; we are here to support you every step of the way.

Relationship and Professional Impacts

OCD can have a profound impact not only on individuals but also on their loved ones, often drawing family and friends into rituals with requests like, “Can you check that for me?” This involvement can lead to feelings of frustration or helplessness among those trying to support their loved ones. On a professional level, pressures related to perfectionism and a fear of making mistakes can manifest as procrastination or burnout, making it difficult to navigate work and personal responsibilities.

However, with the right understanding and support, clients can learn to separate their identity from their symptoms. This journey allows them to rebuild self-trust and foster a healthier relationship with themselves. Our compassionate approach focuses on empowering individuals to reclaim their lives and strengthen connections with those around them. Together, we can work towards a future where OCD does not define you, but rather serves as a stepping stone to personal growth and resilience.

Why Testing Matters

Because OCD can often resemble autism, anxiety disorders, trauma, or even psychosis, a thorough evaluation is crucial. At Susan Chi Psychology, we offer testing in a safe, nonjudgmental environment where you can explore your experiences, gain insight into your symptom patterns, and receive clear recommendations for moving forward. Many clients describe this process as “finally naming what’s been happening,” which serves as a powerful first step toward finding relief and understanding. We are here to support you on your path to healing and empowerment.

How Testing and Treatment Work

At Susan Chi Psychology, we utilize a comprehensive approach to assess for OCD that includes objective psychological and neuropsychological evaluations, symptom inventories, clinical interviews, and careful observation. Based on these assessments, treatment recommendations may include Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a specialized form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) designed to help clients confront their fears and resist compulsions in a structured and supportive environment. In addition to ERP, we may also recommend Cognitive Restructuring, which involves identifying and challenging negative thought patterns associated with OCD, as well as Mindfulness-Based Interventions that focus on enhancing present-moment awareness to reduce anxiety and improve overall well-being.

We also work closely with psychiatrists to determine if medication might be beneficial and provide families with valuable coping tools to support their loved ones’ recovery without reinforcing the OCD cycle.

Healing begins with understanding, and our testing process sheds light on a clear, evidence-based path to peace and recovery. We are committed to guiding you every step of the way as you embark on your journey toward healing.

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Meet Your Therapist

Susan Chi, PhD

Susan Chi, PhD

Licensed Clinical Psychologist in California and New York

Client & Professional Testimonials

"I have struggled with depression my entire life, and no psychologist has been able to help me like Susan. With her kindness and professionalism, I was able to get through the most challenging time of my life. Sessions with Susan were life-changing and something I looked forward to every week. I wouldn’t be where I am now without her. I’ll be grateful forever.”
H.T.Former Individual Therapy Client
Dr. Chi is a dedicated, supportive, and empathetic provider who truly listens to her patients and provides empirically-based treatments tailored to her patients' needs. Her ability to give diagnostically accurate assessments, alongside thoughtful treatment recommendations, further adds to her already impressive skill set!
Alice Perez, PhDLicensed Clinical Neuropsychologist, Neurology Department, Yale University
Having worked with many therapists before, I never thought that it was possible to achieve results without spending many months to years in therapy; but, Susan was able to help me feel more centered and at peace in just a few sessions using somatic techniques.
S.C.Former Individual Therapy Client
"I struggled with gender dysphoria, and for years I fretted about whether or not to transition - or what transition could even look like for me. But after seeing Dr. Susan Chi I found the courage to make the choices that were best for me. To this day, I am satisfied with the decisions I made while seeing her."
P.A.Former Individual Therapy Client
Susan set the stage for compassionate listening and emotional connection in our marriage. She really understood us as a couple, as well as who we are individually in terms of our backgrounds and cultures. Susan helped us work through a lot of anger, coldness, and pain and helped us learn how to help each see how our dynamic wasn't working, as well as where it came from, and how to use new ways of relating to build security and trust. Thank you.
ST & VMFormer Couples Therapy Clients
Dr. Chi is a caring, warm, dedicated provider that constantly strives to provide effective treatment to the people that she works with. She is dedicated to understanding her clients, their context, and their intersectionalities. Dr. Chi is skilled at constructing healthy therapeutic environments that allow space for healing and growth. It is lovely to work with her and see her help her clients untangle past traumas as they move forward with their lives.
Jessica Carmona, PhDLicensed Clinical Psychologist, VA Medical Center
Dr. Chi is a talented and caring clinician. Her thoroughness, compassion, and diagnostic accuracy go a long way toward creating a comfortable and trusted environment for her clients/patients. Her evidence-based practices incorporate the latest research on both identification and intervention for individuals with varied presenting issues—earning her an outstanding reputation within the neuropsychological (and broader medical) community.
Laura Rabin, PhD, Licensed Psychologist and Clinical NeuropsychologistFaculty at Brooklyn College, CUNY and Associate Editor, The Clinical Neuropsychologist
"My time with Susan has been life-changing. Her sessions are something that I look forward to each week, and never fail to provide me with confidence, energy, and a new understanding of my own thoughts and emotions. She is an incredible listener who has provided me with a sense of control in my life. I truly couldn't imagine this past year without her."
G.S.Former Individual Therapy Client
Dr. Chi is kind, professional, and puts you at ease. She really cares and sees the best in your relationship. She helped gain our relationship back. Even though it was hard for me to learn to listen, heal, and eventually forgive my husband...and it was hard for him to put his anxiety and guilt aside to support me - we learned so much about each other in the process. I feel stronger and more secure and ready to move on.
C.B. & F.R.Former Couples Therapy Clients
Dr. Susan Chi is a thoughtful and compassionate clinician who is adept at understanding the complexity of trauma within a framework that is mindful of intersectionality and individuation. Her experience working with diverse military and civilian populations provides foundational knowledge from which Dr. Chi more fully assesses, consults, and treats all individuals. With this open mindset, Dr. Chi skillfully meets patients where they are in order to cultivate meaningful change. In addition to the delight of witnessing clinical progress with her patients, collaborating with Dr. Chi is intellectually invigorating and exciting.
Stephanie Nelson, PsyD, Licensed Clinical PsychologistNew York University Langone, Department of Psychiatry; VA NY Harbor Healthcare System, Manhattan Campus
Dr. Chi is a great referral resource for my patients. She is able to understand the needs of people with a whole host of complicated medical conditions and functional difficulties that can effect their mental health and day-to-day challenges. My patients praise her for being a thoughtful and effective therapist. I am grateful to have a colleague with such talent and skill.
Dr. Grace Tran, O.D., Board Certified Optometrist, Low Vision Rehabilitation Specialist Diamond Vision Center, Pasadena, CA

*In accordance with APA Ethical Standard 3.05, testimonials listed on this site are anonymized. Permission was obtained after the clients concluded services. Clients were not reimbursed for their recommendations.

Insurance

In-network with Aetna, Cigna, and Optum. We also accept self-pay and can provide a superbill for clients with PPO insurance.

Cancellation Policy

Scheduled appointments cancelled within 24 hours notice will be billed.

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