cognitive behavior therapy
Online OCD Therapist in California | CBT & ERP Therapy
Struggling with intrusive thoughts, constant doubt, or perfectionism?
You don’t have to fight OCD alone. With online CBT and ERP therapy, you can get expert, compassionate help from anywhere in California.
OCD and Online Therapy
What OCD Really Is (Beyond Stereotypes)
When most people hear “OCD,” they think of someone who likes things neat and organized. But OCD is much more than that. At its core, OCD is a cycle of intrusive thoughts, intense anxiety, and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals that are meant to relieve that anxiety.
For some, OCD shows up as constant doubts and “what ifs.” For others, it’s fears about harming loved ones, contamination worries, or needing things to feel “just right.” It’s not about being controlling or picky—it’s about getting stuck in a mental loop that feels impossible to break.
How OCD Shows Up for Students, New Parents, and Professionals
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Students & young adults often experience intrusive thoughts, decision paralysis, and perfectionism that make school and social life overwhelming.
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New parents may feel haunted by scary thoughts about their baby’s safety (postpartum OCD), leaving them feeling guilty or afraid to be alone with their child.
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Professionals can feel stuck in endless checking, overthinking, and perfectionism that make even small decisions feel paralyzing.
Why Online OCD Treatment Can Be Just as Effective as In-Person
Research shows that ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) therapy is just as effective online as it is in person. In fact, many clients prefer it because:
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You can do exposures in real-life settings (your home, workplace, campus, etc.).
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It’s flexible and works with busy schedules.
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It removes barriers like commuting, childcare, or stigma.
My Specialized Approach to Online OCD Treatment
The most effective treatment for OCD is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP). ERP helps you face the fears your brain is telling you to avoid—but in a safe, gradual, and supportive way. Over time, your brain learns that the feared outcome doesn’t happen, and your anxiety naturally decreases.
ERP isn’t about thinking positive or endlessly talking about your worries. It's also not about white knuckling through your anxiety. It’s about teaching your brain new patterns, so OCD no longer runs the show.
I supplement ERP with other evidence-based practices, such as:
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Inference-Based CBT - a newer, highly specialized approach that focuses on identifying and reversing the reasoning process behind intrusive doubts.
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Acceptance and Commitment Therapy - a strategy to help you relate differently to anxious thoughts and feelings, so you can live a life guided by your values.
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Metacognitive Therapy - a frame work to reduce worry and rumination by targeting the mental habits that keep anxiety going, like over-monitoring thoughts or trying to control them.
Who Is Online Therapy For?
Virtual therapy is a flexible, effective option for many people, especially those navigating anxiety or OCD. If any of the following apply to you, online therapy may be a great fit:
You live in California and want to work with a therapist who specializes in CBT and OCD treatment but there are no options near you
You have a busy schedule and need therapy that fits into your life without commuting
You feel more comfortable opening up from your own familiar space
You’re a parent, student, professional, or caregiver balancing multiple responsibilities
You want to stay consistent with treatment while traveling within California or managing health concerns
What You Can Expect from ERP Therapy Online
Starting therapy can feel intimidating, especially when OCD is convincing you that your thoughts are dangerous or shameful. Here’s what to expect:
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Initial Consultation – We’ll talk about your struggles, goals, and how OCD shows up in your life.
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Personalized Treatment Plan – I’ll create a clear roadmap using CBT and ERP tailored to your needs.
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ERP in Action – Together, we’ll practice small, manageable steps to face intrusive thoughts without giving into compulsions.
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Between-Session Support – You’ll have strategies to use in daily life, so progress continues outside of therapy.
With time, clients notice that the thoughts lose their power, anxiety decreases, and life opens back up again.
Why Work Caitlyn
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I’m a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist and the owner of a private practice in Campbell, CA.
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I specialize in OCD, anxiety disorders, and postpartum challenges—not just general therapy.
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I provide full-fee, private-pay care, which allows for personalized, consistent, and discreet treatment without the limitations of insurance-driven therapy.
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I’ve worked with countless clients who thought OCD would control their lives forever—until they found the right support.
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If you’ve tried talk therapy before and it didn’t help, know that ERP is different. It’s active, collaborative, and proven to work.
If you’ve tried therapy before and felt it didn’t help, CBT is different. It’s structured, practical, and proven to work.
My approach is compassionate and personalized. This work is challenging but we will go at your pace and focus on the symptoms that are getting in the way of your life.
Ready to get started or have more questions?
