How Much Does OCD Therapy Cost?

To understand the cost associated with therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), it can be important to consider a variety of factors. Better understanding OCD itself, therapy options, and other factors related to the cost of therapy can help you make an informed decision regarding whether treatment might be right for you. In this article, we explore what OCD is, cost considerations, online therapy for OCD, its effectiveness, and potential benefits of treatment.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or thoughts (compulsions) related to the obsessions. OCD affects just over 2% of adults over the course of a lifetime.

What is OCD therapy?

OCD therapy refers to any type of therapy used to help people alleviate or manage symptoms of OCD. OCD therapy can help people improve overall quality of life and reduce symptoms related to OCD. 

Styles of therapy often used to treat OCD include cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and exposure and response prevention (ERP). In these therapies, participants may be gradually exposed to certain triggers and taught coping mechanisms to resist compulsive behaviors. Over time, the triggers may cause them less distress, which may allow these individuals to avoid carrying out their compulsions. 

What qualifications does an OCD therapist need?

An OCD therapist is a licensed mental health professional, such as a licensed mental health counselor, social worker, psychologist, or psychiatrist, with specialty training in treating OCD. Specialty training includes understanding the nature of OCD, how it may present differently in different people, common therapeutic techniques for OCD, and how to adapt treatment to suit different people. When looking for an OCD therapist, you might look for someone with a certification from the International OCD Foundation. This organization has several levels of training to teach medical professionals how to treat OCD most effectively.

How can OCD therapy help?

OCD therapy can reduce the intensity and frequency of obsessions and compulsions, helping individuals with OCD regain control over certain parts of their lives. OCD therapy provides a safe, structured environment for individuals to learn healthier coping mechanisms. In addition to this, therapy provides a place to work through other mental health conditions that may arise, such as anxiety or depression. You can also find therapists specialized in specific types of OCD, such as harm OCD.

How much does OCD therapy cost?

The cost of OCD therapy can vary widely based on several factors, and it can be important to be aware of how each factor might influence the cost of your individual treatment. Considerations could include:

• Type of therapist: Rates can vary significantly depending on the professional providing treatment. Psychiatrists, for example, usually charge more than psychologists and licensed mental health counselors. Therapists with more experience or specialized training in OCD treatment might also charge more than those new to the field or without the same level of specialization. Some therapists may offer sliding-scale payment plans, which can reduce costs depending on your income.
• Geographical location: The cost of therapy can also depend on your location, with rates typically being higher in larger cities compared to rural areas. However, finding a specialty provider in a rural area may be more difficult, which could drive up the cost.
• Style of treatment: The cost of therapy can also depend on whether you're receiving individual therapy or group therapy. Individual therapy, in which you receive one-on-one attention from a therapist, tends to be more expensive than group therapy. However, group therapy or support groups might not provide the personalized approach that you may require to adequately manage OCD.
• Treatment techniques: Different treatment modalities can also influence the cost. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), particularly exposure and response prevention (ERP), is considered the gold standard for OCD treatment. However, some professionals might apply additional or alternative therapies, such as acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) or medication, which can add to the overall cost.
• Length of treatment: The total cost of therapy over time is closely related to how long a person is in treatment. OCD is a chronic condition, and the severity of the symptoms can vary from person to person. For some, significant improvement can be seen in a few months, while for others, managing OCD might be a journey that takes several years of treatment to see substantial benefit.
• Frequency of sessions: The frequency of sessions can also contribute to the total cost. A more intensive therapy schedule (for example, two or three times per week) will typically cost more than a less frequent one (such as biweekly or monthly).

Online platforms often offer a flat-rate therapy cost, regardless of the type of treatment you are seeking. Online therapy platforms may provide a lower-cost alternative to face-to-face treatment. Plus, online therapy can provide a way to seek therapists that can treat additional mental health issues without an added cost.

Do you need insurance for OCD therapy?

You do not necessarily need health insurance for OCD therapy. While insurance plans may reduce the cost for seeing in-person providers, many online therapy platforms offer affordable, flat-rate fees for individuals living with OCD. To compare costs, contact your insurance company to discuss available plans for treatment for OCD. Sometimes, the base rate of online therapy is equal or lower to the copay you'd have to pay when seeing a therapist with your insurance.

Online therapy for OCD

Online therapy may be a practical treatment option for those living with OCD. Online therapy provides flexibility in scheduling and location, allowing patients to seek care from the comfort of their homes. This may be especially beneficial for people with OCD, as travel or new environments may trigger uncomfortable feelings or behavior. 

Online platforms such as BetterHelp also connect patients to professionals across many regions, expanding care for those who may be limited in their mental health resources geographically. It can be important to discuss your treatment options with a professional, as the severity of your symptoms and type of OCD may necessitate certain types of therapy or more extensive support.

Is online OCD therapy effective?

Online therapy can effectively help individuals with OCD reduce their symptoms and improve treatment outcomes. Research has shown high success in internet-based interventions for both children and adults with OCD compared to traditional therapy. While more research needs to be conducted, a systematic review of six studies and 96 participants found that internet-based cognitive behavioral therapy was highly effective in treating OCD symptoms for pediatric patients. 

Further, another study showed that an online intervention successfully reduced symptoms of OCD, depression, and anxiety. Researchers concluded that there were “no significant differences in efficacy between remotely-delivered CBT and face-to-face CBT for OCD symptoms.”