Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a chronic mental health condition characterized by a cycle of unwanted, intrusive thoughts known as obsessions and repetitive behaviors or mental acts known as compulsions. The obsessions generate significant distress, anxiety, or discomfort, and the compulsions are performed in an attempt to neutralize that distress or prevent a feared outcome. While the compulsions may offer temporary relief, they do not resolve the underlying anxiety and typically serve to strengthen the cycle over time.
OCD is widely misunderstood. It is often trivialized in popular culture as a preference for tidiness or organization, but the reality of living with OCD can be profoundly disabling. Intrusive thoughts in OCD can center on themes of contamination, harm, religion, sexuality, symmetry, or existential uncertainty, among many others. These thoughts often feel foreign, unwanted, and deeply distressing to the person experiencing them.
Without appropriate treatment, OCD tends to become more entrenched over time. The good news is that OCD responds well to specialized, evidence-based care. At Asteroid Health in Newton, MA, our clinical team is committed to helping clients break free from the cycle that is keeping them stuck.
OCD symptoms fall into two interconnected categories: obsessions and compulsions. Each patient’s obsessions and compulsions can differ greatly. That said, some are more common than others.
A diagnosis of OCD requires that these symptoms consume significant time, cause marked distress, and interfere with daily functioning. If OCD symptoms are disrupting your work, relationships, or quality of life, professional support can help make a meaningful difference.
OCD can develop at any point across the lifespan, though it most commonly emerges in childhood, adolescence, or early adulthood. Several factors appear to increase a person's vulnerability to the condition:
Knowing the risk factors is useful, but it is equally important to understand that OCD is not caused by personal failings or poor choices. It is a neurobiological condition, and it deserves the same compassion and clinical attention as any other medical diagnosis.
Effective OCD treatment requires specialized expertise. At Asteroid Health, our clinicians are trained in psychological treatment that is specifically for OCD, and that is supported by decades of research.
When you choose Asteroid Health, you can trust that treatment is always individualized. We assess each patient’s specific OCD profile, the themes and severity of their obsessions, the nature of their compulsions, and any co-occurring conditions before developing a treatment plan. We offer three levels of care to match the intensity of support each client needs.
Our Psychiatric Day Treatment program provides the most intensive level of outpatient support we offer. It is designed for individuals whose OCD is severely impairing their ability to function in daily life, those who have not responded to less intensive treatment, or those who are stepping down from an inpatient setting and need continued close clinical oversight.
Clients in the day treatment program attend structured therapeutic programming for several hours each day. Programming includes OCD-focused group therapy, individual therapy sessions, psychiatric evaluation, and medication management as needed. The frequency and intensity of this level of care allow meaningful progress for those with severe or treatment-resistant OCD presentations.
The Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at Asteroid Health offers a structured, multi-day-per-week treatment schedule that provides significantly more support than standard weekly therapy without requiring full-day attendance. It is a strong fit for clients whose OCD meaningfully disrupts daily life but who retain enough functioning to benefit from a less intensive format.
IOP sessions focus on psychoeducation about OCD and the brain and building the confidence needed to face feared situations independently. The group therapy format also provides clients with the opportunity to practice exposures in a supported community setting and to learn from others who understand the challenges of living with OCD firsthand.
Outpatient individual therapy is appropriate for clients whose OCD is mild to moderate in severity or for those who have completed a higher level of care and are continuing to grow. Regular one-on-one sessions with a specialized therapist allow for deep, personalized work on the specific obsessions and compulsions affecting each patient.
At Asteroid Health, our outpatient therapists bring both clinical expertise and genuine compassion to the work of OCD treatment. They will guide you through the process every step of the way.
Sessions are paced according to each client's readiness and are regularly reviewed to ensure that the treatment plan continues to reflect their evolving needs and goals.
OCD can make life feel exhausting and constrained, but it does not have to stay that way. With the right treatment, many people with OCD experience substantial and lasting relief. Asteroid Health is proud to offer specialized, compassionate OCD care to individuals and families throughout Newton, MA and the surrounding communities.
If you are ready to learn more about our programs or schedule an intake evaluation, we are here to help. Contact Asteroid Health today and take the first step toward a life with more freedom and less fear.
Reach out today at 857-297-9700 or submit our Inquiry Form to get matched with a therapist who understands your needs.
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We are dedicated to creating a well-structured, confidential environment where you or your loved one can readily engage with our professionals and connect with others committed to forging paths to healthier mental well-being.
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2364 Washington St, Newton, MA 02462
9am-5pm in-person program hours based upon determined level of care (Staff will discuss/determine with you at admission)
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