May 5, 202611 min read
Types of Family Therapy Explained
Learn about the main types of family therapy, how each approach works, and how therapy can help families build stronger relationships.
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Same-day assessments · Orange County, CA
Same-day assessments · Orange County, CA
Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatm
Jake
Clinical Editorial Team
Clinically Reviewed by Brittany Astrom Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatm
Brittany has 15 years of experience in the Mental Health and Substance Abuse field. Brittany has been licensed for almost 8 years and has worked in various settings throughout her career, including inpatient psychiatric treatment, outpatient, residential treatment center, PHP and IOP settings.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a serious mental health disorder that affects how a patient thinks and behaves. It causes intrusive thoughts and repetitive rituals that interfere with daily life. Many people wonder if there is treatment for OCD. The answer is yes. OCD is a mental disorder that responds to effective treatments, including therapy, pharmacotherapy, and lifestyle changes.
At Rize OC, our mental health professionals help patients manage OCD using evidence-based care. Below, we share information about OCD treatment options, risks, and efficacy, based on clinical research and recommendations from the American Psychiatric Association and the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence.
Learn about the main types of family therapy, how each approach works, and how therapy can help families build stronger relationships.
Explore how family therapy for addiction recovery helps loved ones rebuild trust, improve support, and create a healthier path forward.
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If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction or mental health, the Rize OC team is here to help — confidentially and with no obligation.
OCD is a mental health condition that involves disturbances in neural circuits of the brain, often linked to serotonin function. Patients often report anxiety, fear of uncertainty, and compulsive behaviors like hand washing, checking the stove, or seeking symmetry. Effective management aims to reduce distressing thoughts, compulsions, and improve overall health.
The most effective first-line treatments for OCD are therapy and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
These treatments have shown strong efficacy in data collected through clinical trials and real-world health care settings.
For added support, mental health treatment plans may include:
These strategies help reduce stress, improve mood disorder symptoms, and lower relapse risk.
When first-line treatments are not enough, second-line options include:
These are managed by a clinician, physician, or psychiatry specialist.
In rare, treatment-resistant cases, surgery or deep brain stimulation may be considered, although these carry higher risk and are typically reserved for severe, chronic OCD.
Understanding OCD helps patients set realistic goals for recovery. Below are answers to common questions.
OCD is a mental health disorder where patients experience intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and perform compulsions to relieve anxiety or fear. Examples include hand washing, checking the stove, counting, or arranging for symmetry.
OCD involves distress over compulsions and uncertainty, while obsessive-compulsive personality disorder (OCPD) reflects perfectionism and rigidity, which patients often see as justified.
OCD affects adults, children, and adolescents. It is common in both men and women, and often begins in youth. Risk factors may include family gene history, stressful life events, and neuroscience findings in serotonin pathways.
According to the World Health Organization, OCD affects about 1–2% of the global population, with significant health and social impact.
OCD may be caused by differences in neural circuits, serotonin imbalance, gene variations, and environmental stress. Links to PANDAS, epilepsy, tic disorders, and schizophrenia have also been noted in some medical school research.
ERP therapy, a form of CBT, is the gold standard. It teaches patients to face fears without compulsions, lowering panic, anxiety, and repetitive rituals. Supportive therapies like psychoanalysis, mindfulness, and talking to a doctor or health professional also help patients process feelings and maintain progress.
SSRIs like fluoxetine, paroxetine, escitalopram, citalopram, and sertraline are commonly used. Other options include tricyclic antidepressants, venlafaxine, or antipsychotic augmentation. Some patients may experience suicidal ideation when starting medication, so close monitoring by a health care provider is crucial.
At Rize OC, we help patients find effective mental health treatment for OCD and related disorders, including anxiety disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, seasonal affective disorder, somatic symptom disorder, trichotillomania, and excoriation disorder. Our clinic uses the latest psychopharmacology and therapy techniques to reduce symptoms and improve quality of life.
If you or someone you care about is struggling, contact our team of mental health professionals today. With the right medicine, therapy, and support, you can manage OCD and live a healthier life.
1\. Can OCD go away without treatment?
OCD rarely goes away on its own. Without treatment, symptoms often persist or worsen over time. Professional mental health treatment, such as therapy and medication, helps reduce intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and anxiety, improving daily life. Working with a clinician or physician can lower the risk of relapse and help you reach your recovery goals.
2\. How long does it take for OCD treatment to work?
The timeline varies for each patient. Many people notice improvement in anxiety disorder symptoms within 8–12 weeks of starting SSRI medication or ERP therapy. Some may need longer, especially if co-occurring mood disorders, substance abuse, or bipolar disorder are present. Staying consistent with your treatment plan and practicing stress management strategies can speed up progress.
3\. Are medications safe for treating OCD?
Medications such as SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, and low-dose antipsychotics are generally safe when prescribed by a health professional. Side effects may include mild sleep changes, feeling restless, or gastrointestinal discomfort. Rarely, patients may experience suicidal ideation, so regular monitoring by your doctor or psychiatry provider is important. Discuss any concerns about medicine with your care team to ensure the most effective and safe management of symptoms.
4\. What should I do if my OCD symptoms come back?
If you experience a relapse, reach out to your mental health professional right away. It’s common for stress, illness, or life changes to trigger symptoms again. Updating your treatment plan, adjusting medication doses, or adding supportive therapies like meditation, exercise, or healthy diet changes can help you regain control. Staying connected with your clinic and following professional guidance reduces the chance of long-term compulsions and panic.
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