Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment in Minneapolis & Edina: A Complete Guide
- Reading Time: 9 minutes
OCD is a common mental health condition that affects an average of 1% to 3% of the population. This means that 3 out of 100 people have OCD at some point in their lives. Still, unlike depression and anxiety, studies by Kevin Swierkosz-Lenart at the Centre Hospitalier Universitaire Vaudois in Switzerland suggest that only 10% are treated.
It’s important to seek treatment before the behavior has enough time to reinforce itself. This improves your quality of life as the intrusive thoughts are brought under control. This article will offer more insight into OCD and how to treat the condition instead of just relieving the symptoms.
- Amanda Mulfinger, PhD, LP
- Updated: July 4, 2025
Table of Contents
Key takeaways:
OCD is more than just cleanliness; it’s a cycle of distressing intrusive thoughts driving compelling, often irrational, rituals.
OCD disrupts daily life, leading to isolation and mental exhaustion as individuals struggle to manage their compulsions.
At Cabot, we tackle OCD with evidence-based ERP and CBT, directly challenging obsessions and breaking the ritual cycle.
Our personalized therapy, led by specialists like Noah Scanlon, aims for genuine recovery, not just temporary symptom relief.
Starting treatment is straightforward: book an initial assessment to define your symptoms and begin a tailored path to healing.
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition that causes individuals to experience intrusive thoughts they feel the need to act on. Individuals with OCD will have the urge to perform certain routines so they can undo those thoughts and the anxiety they bring.
Understanding OCD: More Than Just Cleanliness or Perfectionism
OCD manifests in different ways, and it’s not just perfectionism. Many people misunderstand that OCD is just about cleaning or keeping things in a certain order, but the condition is caused by intrusive thoughts.
This involves a series of distressing ideas and the feeling that certain physical or mental rituals can ease these symptoms.
These “rituals” are compulsions that feel essential to perform at the moment. However, with time, they strengthen the cycle of doubt and fear.
Below are the most common subtypes of OCD:
- Contamination OCD: Characterized by a fear of germs and toxins, which leads to excessive cleaning.
- Checking OCD: Expressed as the constant checking of things such as locks or appliances to prevent a bad thing.
- Harm OCD: Includes intrusive thoughts about harming oneself or others, causing you to avoid being near dangerous items.
- Counting OCD: The intrusive thought that something bad is going to happen, and you count up to a certain number over and over until it feels “just right.”
- Scrupulosity OCD: A religious OCD where one counters unwanted thoughts through obsessively praying or avoiding places or things that can trigger an episode.
- Symmetry OCD: The most common (and well-known) type of OCD, characterized by the need to arrange or align something “perfectly.”
Whenever these thoughts repeat, a person with OCD will feel like they need to perform the ritual. This happens even if they know they’re irrational.
How OCD Affects Daily Life
OCD disrupts daily functioning because there’s no way to predict when an obsessive episode will begin. They can appear when you are at school, at work, or during important social events.
Feelings of isolation frequently occur when someone with OCD can’t explain their compulsions to a loved one.
Obsessive-compulsive rituals take a long time to complete in severe cases, causing people to skip their commitments entirely. Many individuals avoid certain situations or places to prevent a potential trigger. Eventually, this narrows their world.
OCD also places a significant mental load. These obsessions create a lot of distress and anxiety, which in turn makes you feel drained. The rituals provide relief temporarily, but they only strengthen the idea that you have to do it again next time.
Individual therapy is one of the most effective tools to break this vicious cycle. Behavioral therapies are a standard option that teach your psyche to perform without the ritual.
How OCD Is Treated at Cabot Psychological Services
At Cabot Psychological Services, OCD is treated using an evidence-based model. Noah Scanlon uses ERP and CBT in combination with other therapies in an attempt to “weed” the OCD from the root.
Comprehensive mental health treatment from home
We’re proud to partner with the following major insurance providers:
Evidence-Based Approaches We Use
We treat OCD using a mix of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). ERP is widely recognized as the gold standard because the treatment exposes individuals to their feared thoughts. Over time, the brain learns to tolerate it.
Clients understand how to identify unwanted beliefs and balance their thinking with CBT. This way, the hold on the obsession weakens and treatment outcomes improve.
Our therapists apply these strategies because they are more effective at treating OCD in the long run. Methods such as talk therapy, avoidance strategies, and other outdated techniques offer short-term comfort.
However, they don’t tackle the root cause. This means that OCD can return anytime.
Targeted, evidence-based therapy makes sure that recovery isn’t just a possibility. Studies at Cambridge University by Christopher Morgan on ERP therapy for OCD showed that 90.5% of patients see improvement after 12 months of therapy.
Meet Noah Scanlon, M.A. — Your OCD Specialist
Noah Scanlon is a licensed therapist at Cabot Psychological Service. He is the lead therapist for OCD treatments, and clients trust his evidence-based approach. Noah specializes in anxiety and the disruptions that OCD creates, helping his clients overcome their urges.
Noah is qualified to work with numerous mental health disorders, including the following:
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Specific Phobias (SP)
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Noah believes in a collaborative approach where he works with you and your family to create a suitable environment for recovery. Studies by Elisabetta Burchi at the University of Florence show that remission rates range between 32% and 70% when this approach is used.
His therapy profile was built on almost a decade of experience, where he guided his clients through structure and empathy.
Whether you are struggling with stress created by OCD, mental rituals, or intrusive thoughts, Noah can help. Our therapist guides you through your issues so you may eventually heal.
What to Expect from OCD Therapy Sessions
OCD therapy sessions feature an initial assessment and ongoing ERP. The duration of the treatments depends on how far the condition has progressed, with some patients requiring more work.
Our therapists at Cabot Psychological Service will offer you a general timeline, but keep in mind that most of this depends on you.
The Initial Assessment
The initial assessment is an intake process where our therapists assess the client’s condition. This clinical assessment is necessary to create a tailored treatment. Expect the following steps:
- Symptoms: Clients share details about their compulsions and obsessions, along with how they affect their daily life.
- History: The therapist notes when the symptoms first started. He may also inquire about past treatments, along with other pieces of information relevant to your health.
- Clinical Assessment: Open dialogue starts, and the therapist gets a better picture of your experience. A diagnosis is given based on your symptoms and circumstances.
- Goals: The therapist takes into account what you’re planning to achieve. This includes wanting to reduce rituals or feeling more confident.
- Session Planning: Dr. Scanlon will create a personalized-structured plan. Everything is carefully documented for consistency.
The sessions begin after the assessment is complete. This way, both you and your therapist will know exactly where you are and what you’re planning to achieve.
Ongoing ERP Sessions: Structure & Goals
Ongoing Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) helps clients confront their triggers and cope without having to perform their rituals. Treatment longevity varies, depending on the severity of your OCD.
Studies published by the National Health Service (NHS) suggest that patients with mild OCD need around 8 to 20 therapy sessions. Those with medium to severe OCD may need more sessions and perhaps even medical treatment.
Each session format includes the following:
- A review of the previous session
- An update of your exposure hierarchy (the list of triggers changes as therapy progresses)
- A planned exposure exercise where clients confront triggers and resist the ritual
- A response prevention guidance session where you learn to resist reacting
- A debrief of the session, where you reflect on the results of the exercise
- The therapist offers an outline for at-home practices until the next round
NHS. (2021, February 16). Treatment – Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). NHS. https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/obsessive-compulsive-disorder-ocd/treatment/
Keep in mind that it’s normal to feel a bit uncomfortable during ERP. Your brain eventually learns to sit through that discomfort until it’s no longer bothered. The anxiety decreases naturally, removing the need to perform the rituals.
Frequency, Duration, and Progress Milestones
Session frequency depends on the patient, but most meet with their therapist once a week. Some schedule bi-weekly sessions, especially if it gets in the way of their lifestyle. This lasts for several months, with most patients noticing significant improvement after about half a year.
Telehealth appointments are also available at Cabot Psychological Services.
Studies by Khadijeh Moulaei at the Ilam University of Medical Sciences show that up to 29% of patients prefer telemedicine. This is mostly because of limited time for patients, along with unfavorable conditions that make it difficult to commute.
Surveys by Arshaan Momin at the Meridian World School, Round Rock, Texas, suggest that 55% of patients with GAD don’t have diagnostic clarity.
As the treatment progresses, both therapists and clients track changes in their rituals and whether or not functioning has improved. The therapist adjusts the treatment plan as necessary to get you closer to the patients’ goals.
Why Choose Cabot Psychological Services for OCD Treatment?
Choosing Cabot Psychological Services for your OCD treatment gives you access to superior care in Minneapolis, Edina, and beyond. This makes it easier for you to get the treatment you need.
Local, Trusted, Personalized Mental Health Care
Cabot Psychological Services created a local presence in Minneapolis and Edina based on trust and reliability. Here’s what patients enjoy:
- A local therapy clinic that is easy to access
- Clients are paired with therapists who match their condition
- Personalized care based on your specific needs
- Superior insurance compatibility to make treatment more accessible
Our therapists care that everyone gets the most out of their patients’ benefits. If you’re ready to tackle your OCD, Cabot’s here to help.
Moulaei, K., Sheikhtaheri, A., Fatehi, F., Yazdani, A., & Bahaadinbeigy, K. (2023). Patients’ perspectives and preferences toward telemedicine versus in-person visits: a mixed-methods study on 1226 patients. BMC Medical Informatics and Decision Making, 23(1). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12911-023-02348-4
From Anxiety to Autonomy: Real Progress Stories
Everyone has a unique journey towards healing. However, therapy empowers most patients, experiencing trippy feelings of growth. Studies by Tor Sunde at Sørlandet Hospital show that 40% of patients made a full recovery after the initial treatment.
Symptoms subside after several weeks, and clients regain their ability to go through life without rituals. This therapy approach offers autonomy, peace of mind, and significantly improved daily functioning.
How to Get Started with OCD Treatment in Minneapolis or Edina
Patients should book an appointment to get started with OCD treatment in Minneapolis or Edina. Preparation is the key to a successful session.
Booking Your First Appointment
Clients schedule their first appointment either online or via phone call. Here are the steps:
- Choose your preferred contact method (phone number or email)
- Select an appointment time based on availability
- Fill out the intake paperwork
- Come to your appointment
Our practice welcomes you, whether you prefer physical or virtual visits. Sessions begin when you are ready. All of our patients enjoy full confidentiality and support, so feel free to come in.
What You’ll Need Before Your First Visit
New clients should prepare their paperwork, forms, and expectations before the treatment. Our therapists will explain what documents you need to bring with you.
Make sure to give yourself time to relax to reduce your pre-session anxiety. Remember that you are here to start healing.
When the appointment begins, we’ll start creating a personalized plan that brings you closer to your goals.
Sunde, T., Walseth, L. T., Himle, J. A., Vogel, P. A., Launes, G., Haaland, V. Ø., Hoffart, A., Johnson, S. U., & Haaland, Å. T. (2017). A long-term follow-up of group behavioral therapy for obsessive-compulsive disorder in a general outpatient clinic in Norway. Journal of Obsessive-Compulsive and Related Disorders, 14, 59–64. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2017.06.002