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.




OCD, at a glance
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.

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.
Obsessions
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause significant anxiety. Common themes include contamination, harm, and symmetry.
Compulsions
Repetitive behaviors performed to reduce anxiety. Common examples include washing, checking, and counting.
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.

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.

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

Why families choose Emora
Specialized pediatric OCD care vs. general providers.
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
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.

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, 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, 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, LMFT
She really listened to my daughter.
Parent of a 16 year old
6 hours ago
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, LPC
My daughter really liked MYERS.
Parent of a 9 year old
19 hours ago

Kathleen Meyers, LCSW
I had a great time with my therapist.
An Adult client
19 hours ago

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, LPC-Associate
Victoria is amazing. Patient. Challenges children to think and grow.
An Adult client
20 hours ago

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, LMHC
The understanding and patience of the provider was most helpful.
An Adult client
22 hours ago

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, 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, PsyD
Always very good practical advice.
An Adult client
1 day ago

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, 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, 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, LPC
Good session.
Parent of a 16 year old
1 day ago

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.





