Living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) can make it difficult to manage intrusive thoughts, regulate anxiety, maintain focus, sustain relationships, and feel a sense of control in daily life. At Pillars Health Group, we provide compassionate, evidence-based OCD treatment that helps adults reduce obsessive thinking, manage compulsive behaviors, and build healthier coping strategies. Whether you’ve recently been diagnosed or have been struggling with OCD for years, our experienced team is here to support you in working toward lasting relief and improved daily functioning.
Treating OCD in Tewksbury & South Portland
OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder) is a mental health condition characterized by unwanted, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety. These symptoms can become time-consuming and distressing, often interfering with daily routines, relationships, work, and overall quality of life.
At Pillars Health Group, we provide comprehensive outpatient treatment for adults experiencing OCD. Our clinical team creates individualized treatment plans that combine evidence-based therapy, psychiatric care, medication management when appropriate, and practical coping skills to help individuals reduce symptoms and regain a sense of control.
Our OCD treatment program is designed for individuals who:
- Experience persistent intrusive thoughts or mental images
- Engage in repetitive behaviors or mental rituals to reduce anxiety
- Struggle with contamination fears, checking behaviors, or intrusive doubts
- Experience significant distress when unable to perform compulsions
- Need more support than traditional weekly therapy provides
- Are transitioning from a higher level of care or seeking structured outpatient treatment
Do You Need OCD Treatment?
Many individuals with OCD go undiagnosed or untreated for long periods of time. Symptoms are often misunderstood as anxiety or stress, but professional treatment can provide the structure and tools needed to reduce obsessive thinking and compulsive behaviors.
You may benefit from OCD treatment if you experience:
- Intrusive, unwanted thoughts that feel difficult to control
- Repetitive behaviors such as checking, cleaning, counting, or arranging
- Excessive reassurance-seeking
- Intense anxiety when unable to complete rituals
- Difficulty concentrating due to obsessive thoughts
- Avoidance of situations that trigger obsessions
- Time-consuming mental rituals or thought patterns
- Distress that interferes with work, school, or relationships
- Feeling “stuck” in cycles of obsessions and compulsions
- Significant emotional exhaustion or frustration related to symptoms
If these symptoms are persistent and interfering with your daily life, it may be time to seek professional evaluation and treatment.
Types of OCD-Related Conditions We Treat
At Pillars Health Group, we treat a range of obsessive-compulsive and related disorders, recognizing that each requires a personalized approach to care.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
OCD involves recurring, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions) performed to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared outcome. These symptoms can significantly disrupt daily functioning and emotional well-being.
Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
This includes conditions such as hair pulling (trichotillomania) or skin picking (excoriation disorder), where repetitive behaviors are used to manage tension or intrusive urges.
Hoarding Disorder
Hoarding disorder involves persistent difficulty discarding possessions due to perceived need or distress, leading to clutter that impacts living spaces and daily functioning.
Other Specified or Related OCD Conditions
Some individuals experience clinically significant obsessive-compulsive symptoms that do not fully meet criteria for a specific diagnosis but still cause distress and impairment. These symptoms still benefit from structured, evidence-based treatment.
OCD with Co-Occurring Conditions
Many individuals experience OCD alongside anxiety disorders, depression, PTSD, or substance use disorders. These co-occurring conditions can intensify symptoms, which is why we provide integrated, coordinated care that addresses the full clinical picture.
OCD Symptoms We Treat
OCD can present in different ways, but commonly includes emotional symptoms such as intense anxiety, fear, or distress; cognitive symptoms like intrusive thoughts, doubt, or mental checking; physical symptoms including tension or restlessness; and behavioral symptoms such as compulsions, avoidance, or repetitive rituals. In many cases, individuals feel trapped in cycles of obsessions and compulsions that are difficult to break without structured support.
How Our OCD Program Works
Every individual’s experience with OCD is unique, which is why treatment begins with a comprehensive clinical assessment.
During your assessment, our team will evaluate:
- Your symptoms
- Mental health history
- Medical history
- Current functioning
- Treatment goals
- Any co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or substance use disorders
Based on your assessment, we’ll recommend the outpatient program that best fits your needs.
Some individuals benefit from our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program, while others are appropriate for our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program. Throughout care, your treatment plan is regularly reviewed and adjusted based on your progress.
Our Treatment Approach for OCD
Our multidisciplinary team uses evidence-based approaches designed to reduce obsessive-compulsive symptoms, improve emotional regulation, and support long-term recovery.
Treatment may include:
Evidence-Based Therapies
Our clinicians utilize therapies supported by research, including exposure and response prevention (ERP), cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT), mindfulness-based interventions, and distress tolerance skills.
Psychiatry
Our psychiatric providers conduct comprehensive evaluations and work closely with therapists to ensure coordinated, individualized care.
Medication Management
Medication may be helpful for some individuals with OCD, particularly when symptoms are moderate to severe or persistent. Our psychiatric providers evaluate options carefully and monitor progress throughout treatment.
Group Therapy
Group therapy provides a supportive environment to build coping skills, reduce isolation, and learn from others facing similar challenges.
Family Support
When appropriate, family members may participate in education and support services designed to improve understanding, communication, and support at home.
Other Clinical Services
Depending on individual needs, treatment may also include psychoeducation, relapse prevention planning, mindfulness training, and coordination with outside providers.
Our Levels of Care for OCD Treatment
Pillars Health Group offers flexible outpatient programs that allow individuals to receive structured treatment while continuing to live at home. During your assessment, our admissions team will recommend the level of care that best fits your needs.
Full-Day Outpatient Treatment (PHP)
Our Full-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Partial Hospitalization Program) provides several hours of structured treatment each day, up to five days per week. This level of care is ideal for individuals who need intensive support without inpatient hospitalization.
Example of Full-Day Schedule for OCD Treatment
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 am | Check-In and Goal Setting |
| 09:45 am | Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 10:45 am | Behavioral Activation Skills Group |
| 12:30 pm | Lunch Break |
| 01:00 pm | Journaling |
| 01:30 pm | Psychoeducation, Clinical Skills Development |
| 02:45 pm | Wrap-Up |
| 03:30 pm | Check-Out |
Half-Day Outpatient Treatment (IOP)
Our Half-Day Outpatient Treatment Program (Intensive Outpatient Program) provides structured care while allowing individuals to maintain work, school, or family responsibilities. Sessions typically occur three to five days per week depending on clinical needs.
Example of Half-Day Schedule for OCD Treatment
Morning Program
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 am | Check-In and Goal Setting |
| 09:45 am | Group Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) |
| 10:45 am | Behavioral Activation Skills Group |
| 12:30 pm | Check-Out |
Evening Program
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 05:30 pm | Check-In and Goal Setting |
| 06:30 pm | Group CBT / Skills Training |
| 07:30 pm | Behavioral Activation Group |
| 09:00 pm | Check-Out |
What to Expect During Outpatient OCD Treatment
Beginning treatment for OCD can feel overwhelming, but our goal is to make the process structured, supportive, and approachable.
When you arrive:
- You don’t need to bring anything special
- We’ll guide you through the intake and admission process step by step
- You’ll meet members of your treatment team
- Your individualized treatment plan and schedule will be reviewed
Treatment length varies depending on your goals, symptom severity, and clinical needs. Some individuals complete treatment within several weeks, while others benefit from longer-term structured outpatient care before transitioning to traditional weekly therapy.
We also offer free insurance verification before admission so you can better understand your coverage and any potential costs.
Frequently Asked Questions
We treat all primary forms of obsessive-compulsive disorder, including contamination-focused OCD, checking OCD, intrusive thought OCD, perfectionism-related OCD, and compulsive rituals of all types. We also support individuals whose OCD occurs alongside other mental health conditions or co-occurring substance-related challenges.
At Pillars, our outpatient OCD treatment program begins with a comprehensive assessment of your history, symptoms, and personal goals. From there, we work closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan that fits your current schedule and supports your daily life. Your plan may include individual therapy, group therapy, and evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), along with specialized OCD interventions when appropriate. We also provide ongoing case management and structured aftercare planning to promote long-term progress and stability.
For some individuals with obsessive-compulsive disorder, medication can play an important role in reducing intrusive thoughts and easing compulsive behaviors. However, it isn’t necessary for everyone. Our licensed clinicians provide compassionate, personalized medication management for those who may benefit from it, ensuring that any medication plan is safe, effective, and aligned with your overall treatment goals.
When you complete your treatment, we encourage you to join our Aftercare and Alumni Programs. These programs help you continue applying the strategies, coping skills, and exposure-based techniques you learned throughout treatment as you transition back into your daily routine. Both the Aftercare and Alumni Programs offer ongoing peer support, access to community resources, opportunities for continued therapy, and a collaborative environment that supports long-term progress and healing.
Yes, outpatient treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder can be very effective, especially for individuals who do not require 24-hour supervision. Our outpatient model is designed to deliver evidence-based therapies in a flexible and personalized setting that supports your daily responsibilities and lifestyle. If at any point it’s determined that you may benefit from a more intensive level of care, we will work closely with you to adjust your treatment plan and ensure you receive the appropriate level of support.
If your obsessions or compulsions are persistent and begin interfering with work, relationships, school, or your daily routine, it may be a sign that you could benefit from professional OCD treatment. Other indicators include intrusive thoughts that feel difficult to control, repetitive behaviors or rituals you feel compelled to perform, significant anxiety if you try to resist these urges, or feeling overwhelmed even after trying self-help strategies on your own. If any of these experiences sound familiar, reaching out for support can make a meaningful difference. You’re welcome to contact us anytime for a free insurance verification check so we can help you access the OCD treatment you need as soon as your schedule allows.
We treat adult OCD in two locations: 890 East Street in Tewksbury, MA 01876, and 707 Sable Oaks Drive #10 in South Portland, Maine 04106.
Most major insurance plans provide coverage for outpatient mental health treatment. Our admissions team offers free insurance verification and can explain your benefits before you begin care.
Many individuals continue working while participating in our half-day outpatient treatment (IOP). Those attending our full-day outpatient treatment (PHP) may temporarily reduce work commitments while focusing on recovery.
No. Most individuals can contact our admissions team directly to schedule an assessment without a physician referral.
Why Choose Pillars Health Group for OCD Treatment?
Choosing the right treatment provider is an important step toward reducing obsessive-compulsive symptoms and improving daily functioning. At Pillars Health Group, we combine clinical expertise with compassionate, individualized care designed to help adults manage OCD and improve quality of life.
Patients choose us because of our:
- Experienced multidisciplinary team of licensed mental health professionals
- Specialized outpatient programs for adults with OCD and co-occurring conditions
- Individualized treatment plans based on comprehensive assessments
- Integrated approach combining ERP, CBT, psychiatry, and medication management when appropriate
- Strong focus on evidence-based treatments such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
- Supportive group environment that reduces isolation and promotes recovery
- Practical skill-building focused on daily functioning and emotional resilience
- Accredited programs that meet high standards for quality and care
Our goal isn’t simply to reduce OCD symptoms—it’s to help individuals regain flexibility, reduce compulsive patterns, rebuild confidence, and create lasting habits that support long-term wellness.
Get OCD Treatment in Tewksbury, Massachusetts & South Portland, Maine
If OCD symptoms are interfering with your work, relationships, or daily life, you don’t have to manage them alone. The experienced team at Pillars Health Group is here to help you understand your options and find the level of care that’s right for you.
Take the first step today by calling our team at 855-828-0575 to speak with a caring admissions specialist. We offer free insurance verification to help you understand your coverage before beginning treatment.
Get treatment at either of our outpatient locations:
With the right treatment, individuals living with OCD can reduce intrusive thoughts, break compulsive cycles, improve emotional stability, and reconnect with a greater sense of freedom and daily balance. We’re here to support you every step of the way.
