Positive Pathways and Wellness Center provides in-person therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in Hagerstown. Our nurse practitioners use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard psychotherapy for OCD, within a cognitive behavioral therapy framework.
Understanding OCD
OCD involves obsessions – unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images or urges that cause intense distress – and compulsions, the behaviors or mental rituals done to reduce that distress. Compulsions bring short-term relief but keep the cycle going. Common themes include:
- Contamination fears and excessive washing or cleaning
- Doubt and repeated checking of locks, appliances or work
- A need for symmetry, order or things feeling “just right”
- Unwanted intrusive thoughts of harm, religion or relationships, often followed by mental reviewing or reassurance seeking
- Counting, repeating or rereading
OCD is not a personality quirk or a preference for tidiness. When rituals take up significant time or interfere with work, school or relationships, specialized treatment can make a real difference. Children and teens can develop OCD too, and often hide their rituals out of embarrassment.
How Exposure and Response Prevention works
ERP helps people gradually face the thoughts and situations that trigger anxiety while choosing not to perform the compulsion. Over time, the brain learns that the feared outcome does not happen or that the discomfort can be tolerated, and the urge to ritualize weakens.
- Assessment and mapping – identifying obsessions, compulsions, avoidance and reassurance patterns.
- Building an exposure hierarchy – ranking triggers from mild to difficult, agreed together.
- Guided exposures – practicing in session with support, then between sessions.
- Response prevention – reducing rituals, checking and reassurance seeking step by step.
- Cognitive tools – addressing patterns such as overestimating threat or over-responsibility.
Exposures are always planned collaboratively and never forced. The pace is challenging but manageable.
Who we see
We treat OCD in adults, adolescents and children. For younger patients, parents and caregivers learn how to step back from accommodating rituals and reassurance, which is an important part of lasting progress.
What to expect at the first visit
The first appointment is 60 minutes and includes a detailed look at symptoms, their impact and personal goals. The clinician explains how ERP works and sets out a treatment plan. Sessions are usually weekly at the start, with practice assignments in between.
Common questions
How long does ERP take?
Many people see meaningful improvement over about 12 to 20 sessions, depending on the severity and number of symptoms.
Will I have to face my worst fear right away?
No. ERP starts with easier steps and builds gradually, and every exposure is agreed in advance.
Scheduling, insurance and location
- Same-week appointments are often available for new patients.
- Evening hours available.
- We accept most major commercial insurance plans and Maryland Medicaid.
- All visits are in person at our office at 28 Jonathan St, Hagerstown, MD 21740, convenient for patients from Washington County, Frederick, Cumberland and Westminster.
In an emergency
This page is not for emergencies. Anyone thinking about suicide or in immediate danger should call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911.
Related therapy services
- Depression therapy in Hagerstown
- Anxiety therapy in Hagerstown
- Trauma and PTSD therapy in Hagerstown
- All therapy services in Hagerstown
Take the first step
Book online or call (240) 413-1255 to schedule a first visit.