OCD therapy for kids, teens, & young adults

Specialized ERP therapy that helps kids break free from obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.

Support for contamination fears, harm obsessions, symmetry needs, and other OCD presentations.

Insurance accepted. Appointments often available within days.

young woman
person using laptop
girl using phone
kid playing with paint
4.94
Trusted by 5,000+ kids, teens, and families.
  • Anthem Blue Cross
  • aetna
  • blue cross
  • cigna
  • united healthcare
  • optum
  • tricare
  • Champ VA US Department of Veterans Affairs
  • Florida Blue
  • Baylor Scott and White
  • UMR
  • Oscar Health
  • Magellan

OCD, at a glance

1 in 50

About 1-2% of children and adolescents are affected by OCD.

2+ year delay

Average delay between OCD symptom onset and diagnosis in children.

Highly treatable

60-80% of children respond to ERP-based therapy.

Understanding OCD

What OCD looks like and how it affects daily life.

A young boy wearing a blue and white striped shirt sits on a sofa, looking down intently at something in front of him. An adult's hands are gently placed on his leg, suggesting a supportive and comforting interaction in a relaxed indoor setting.

OCD is a neurobiological condition that causes unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety.

A licensed clinician evaluates the cycle of obsessions and compulsions and considers overlapping conditions like anxiety or ADHD.

Learn More
star icon

Obsessions

Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant anxiety. Common themes include contamination, harm, and symmetry.

hand icon

Compulsions

Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. Common examples include washing, checking, and counting.

calendar icon

The OCD cycle

Obsessions trigger anxiety, compulsions temporarily relieve it, reinforcing the cycle. ERP breaks this pattern.

Common OCD presentations by age

Symptoms look different at every stage of development.

A teen seated at a desk with hands covering part of his face, appearing thoughtful or stressed. Another blurred person is visible in the background, suggesting a classroom or study environment.
  • Young Children (4-7)

    Repetitive rituals at bedtime

    Excessive handwashing

    Need for things to be 'just right'

    Separation fears tied to rituals

  • School-Age (8-12)

    Intrusive harm thoughts

    Checking and rechecking

    Avoidance of 'contaminated' items

    Difficulty completing homework due to rituals

  • Teens (13-17)

    Mental compulsions and rumination

    Social avoidance tied to OCD

    Perfectionism and reassurance-seeking

    Hidden rituals and shame

  • Young Adults (18-25)

    Impact on work and relationships

    Avoidance patterns that limit independence

    Masking compulsions

    Co-occurring anxiety and depression

Could it be OCD?

Take a quick, clinically validated screening to better understand your child’s symptoms.

Y-BOCS OCD Screening

The Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS) is a clinically validated tool that measures the severity of obsessive-compulsive symptoms. It can help you understand whether your child's behaviors may warrant professional evaluation.

This screening is not a diagnosis. Results should be discussed with a qualified mental health professional.

Take the Y-BOCS Screening
Frustrated young boy

How OCD therapy helps

ERP-based strategies for breaking the obsession-compulsion cycle.

  • Breaks the obsession-compulsion cycle with ERP
  • Builds tolerance for uncertainty and anxiety
  • Reduces avoidance behaviors
  • Tracks progress with Y-BOCS screening
  • Supports school and social functioning
Find Care
young girl smiling outside school

Why families choose Emora

Specialized pediatric OCD care vs. general providers.

Emora Health Logo

Other providers

Licensed pediatric and young adult clinicians

Generalist providers

ERP-trained OCD specialists

Talk therapy without ERP training

Parent-inclusive model

Limited parent involvement

Y-BOCS tracking built into the platform

Limited progress tracking

Insurance accepted

Insurance not always accepted

Virtual sessions reduce OCD-related avoidance

In-office visits can trigger OCD avoidance

Double Semi Shape
Leaf Shape

Get started in minutes

Three simple steps to connect with the right clinician.

  • 1

    Share what’s going on

    Answer a few questions about symptoms and goals.

  • 2

    Verify coverage

    See insurance estimates and available times.

  • 3

    Start sessions

    Meet your clinician and begin building skills.

Find Care
young girl smiling

Frequently asked questions

What parents and young adults ask most about OCD therapy.

OCD involves two components: obsessions (unwanted, intrusive thoughts that cause distress) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce that distress). If your child spends significant time on rituals, asks for constant reassurance, or seems trapped in repetitive patterns, it may be OCD.

Exposure and response prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It involves gradually facing feared situations while learning to resist performing compulsions. Research shows 60–80% of children improve significantly with ERP — it's the most effective approach available.

Most children see meaningful improvement within 12–16 sessions of ERP-based therapy. Some children benefit from longer treatment depending on OCD severity and how many areas of life it affects.

Yes — OCD affects 1–2% of children and teens, but it's often underdiagnosed because children may hide their symptoms. On average, there's a 2+ year delay between symptom onset and diagnosis.

Yes. Family involvement is critical in OCD treatment. You'll learn how OCD works, how to avoid accidentally reinforcing rituals, and how to support your child's exposure work at home.

Yes, we accept most major insurance plans and verify your coverage before your first appointment. Most families pay between $0 and $30 per session.

Many children achieve significant symptom reduction with proper ERP-based treatment. While OCD is a condition that can wax and wane, the skills learned in therapy provide lasting tools for managing symptoms throughout life.

Real stories of growth

Every session is rated by parents. Our therapists maintain a 4.9+ average, because results matter.

Shes a really great therapist. She helped a lot and is very positive.

Parent of a 15 year old

2 hours ago

Jessica Smiley
Provider:

Jessica Smiley, LCSW

We absolutely love Katie Jones. What stands out most is how she connects with my daughter on a personal level. She doesn’t treat her like just another patient. I admire how Katie takes the time to ask about her school activities, interests, and hobbies, and even remembers those details from visit to visit. It means so much to have a provider who makes my daughter feel seen, heard, and comfortable. We are so grateful.

Parent of a 15 year old

2 hours ago

Katie Jones
Provider:

Katie Jones, CPNP-PC, PMHNP-BC

Victoria was warm and welcoming. She was ingaging and made sure we were comfortable with the procedures and expectations etc. We felt it was a very good beginning.

Parent of a 13 year old

3 hours ago

Victoria McKenna
Provider:

Victoria McKenna, LMFT

She really listened to my daughter.

Parent of a 16 year old

6 hours ago

Miranda Esparza
Provider:

Miranda Esparza, LPC

I’m not sure but he did say he would like to continue with sessions

Parent of a 13 year old

18 hours ago

Dr. Shelia Chatman
Provider:

Dr. Shelia Chatman, LPC

My daughter really liked MYERS.

Parent of a 9 year old

19 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers
Provider:

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW

I had a great time with my therapist.

An Adult client

19 hours ago

Ky Carter
Provider:

Ky Carter, LCSW

Very nice and informative. He was very transparent with his goals and incorporating my son's interests into his therapy sessions.

Parent of an 8 year old

19 hours ago

Richard Reyes
Provider:

Richard Reyes, LPC-Associate

Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.

An Adult client

20 hours ago

Victoria Coffman
Provider:

Victoria Coffman, LPC-A

We loved it! Luka himself said that he really enjoyed Miss Cassandra, he said that it went a lot better than what he had imagined it. He is totally looking forward to next week! I can even say that I saw a change in him instantly.

Parent of a 9 year old

20 hours ago

Cassandra Rikard
Provider:

Cassandra Rikard, LMHC

The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.

An Adult client

22 hours ago

Kourtney Raven
Provider:

Kourtney Raven, LPC

My daughter definitely does better with structured sessions. She tells me she doesn’t know what to talk about, but specific questions and worksheets help her get started.

Parent of an 11 year old

1 day ago

Mica Smith
Provider:

Mica Smith, LMHC

Absolutely stellar experience with Dr. Logan! She is really attentive, kind, and a pleasure to work with!

Parent of an 8 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Lesley Logan
Provider:

Dr. Lesley Logan, PsyD

Always very good practical advice.

An Adult client

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Hopeful. Mr. Lyons is positive and open to listening while providing framework for the conversation. Great 1st meeting.

Parent of a 12 year old

1 day ago

Wayne Lyons
Provider:

Wayne Lyons, LSW

Julia was very friendly, professional, and did a wonderful job interacting with my son. She was very patient and he felt comfortable throughout the whole experience.

Parent of a 5 year old

1 day ago

Dr. Julia Hollinger
Provider:

Dr. Julia Hollinger, PsyD

We appreciate the help I can see her little brain working and this advice will be good for her.

Parent of a 10 year old

1 day ago

Donald Schroeder
Provider:

Donald Schroeder, LPC

Good session.

Parent of a 16 year old

1 day ago

Tiffany Ally
Provider:

Tiffany Ally, LCSW

OCD does not define your child

Structured, developmentally informed therapy can help build skills that last.

Not sure where to start? Book a clinical matching session.

Find a clinician
A cheerful young boy with curly hair smiles brightly at the camera, wearing a plaid shirt and a blue backpack. Several other blurred children are visible in the background, suggesting an outdoor school or play setting.