ERP Therapy for OCD in Mission Viejo and Online Across California

Exposure and response prevention, or ERP, is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy and a first-line psychological treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It helps you face intrusive thoughts and the situations that trigger them, without doing the rituals that bring short-term relief but keep OCD in charge. At Integrative Psychiatry & Wellness (IPW Health), ERP is provided in house by therapists trained in the method, by secure video for adults across California.

ERP is collaborative. You and your therapist set the pace, and the goal is to build confidence living with uncertainty.

Call (949) 259-5123 See same-week openings

If you are in crisis, call or text 988. You can also call 911. IPW Health is not an emergency service, so please do not wait for a scheduled appointment.

Who ERP therapy is for

ERP may be a good fit if you are an adult who:

• Has unwanted, repeating thoughts, images or urges that cause distress or feel out of character
• Spends a lot of time checking, cleaning, counting, seeking reassurance, mentally reviewing or redoing things until they feel just right
• Avoids people, places or objects because of fear of contamination, harm or doubt
• Has been told it is just anxiety but general talk therapy has not changed the pattern
• Is already receiving psychiatric care for OCD and wants a therapy plan that matches it

Not sure whether what you are experiencing is OCD? A psychiatric evaluation or a first ERP intake can clarify it. You can also read about our psychiatric OCD treatment.

How ERP works

OCD runs on a cycle: an intrusive thought causes anxiety, a compulsion brings brief relief, and the relief teaches the brain that the ritual was necessary. ERP interrupts that cycle step by step.

• Learning your OCD. Your therapist helps you map your obsessions, compulsions and avoidance, including mental rituals that are easy to miss.
• Building a hierarchy. Together you list triggers from mildly uncomfortable to very hard.
• Exposure. Starting low on the list, you practice facing a trigger on purpose, in session and then on your own.
• Response prevention. You practice not doing the compulsion and letting the anxiety rise and fall on its own.
• Handling uncertainty. Over time you learn you can carry doubt without needing to resolve it.

Video sessions work well for ERP because many triggers live at home, such as the stove, the door lock or the laundry. Your therapist can guide exposures in the real setting where OCD shows up. ERP can also be combined with acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT) skills. When trauma overlaps with OCD symptoms, our team also offers trauma-focused therapy and EMDR.

Some people benefit from therapy alone, and others choose to add psychiatric care. Medication management is available here when clinically appropriate, and with your consent your therapist and psychiatric provider can coordinate.

What to expect at your first visit

Your first ERP session typically lasts 45–60 minutes and is about understanding, not exposure. Your therapist will:

• Ask about your obsessions and compulsions, when they started and how much time they take
• Talk about how OCD affects work, relationships, sleep and daily routines
• Explain how ERP works and answer your questions about it
• Agree on first goals and a session schedule, often weekly at the start

Exposures begin only after you understand the plan and feel ready for the first step.

Online ERP across California, from a Mission Viejo practice

ERP sessions are held by secure, HIPAA-compliant video for adults located in California at the time of each session. Our office at 27201 Puerta Real, Suite 300, Mission Viejo, CA 92691 offers in-person psychiatric evaluations for patients who prefer to meet face to face. We work with clients throughout South Orange County, including Lake Forest, Laguna Niguel, Rancho Santa Margarita and Aliso Viejo.

Insurance and self-pay

We are in network for both therapy and psychiatry with Aetna, Anthem, Blue Cross Blue Shield (BCBS), Cigna, Medicare, Optum and UnitedHealthcare (UHC). Participation can differ by state and by plan, so our team verifies your benefits before your first visit. Prefer to pay directly? Self-pay is available: a standard psychiatric evaluation is $350 and a follow-up visit is $200. Current therapy session rates are listed on our plans and pricing page.

Same-week appointments

We keep time open for new patients every week, so same-week new-patient appointments are usually available, and same-day visits are sometimes possible when openings allow. Office hours are Monday to Friday, 9 a.m.–5 p.m., and Saturday, 10 a.m.–2 p.m. When you book or call, mention ERP or OCD so we can match you with a therapist trained in ERP.

Frequently asked questions

Is ERP therapy scary?

It can feel challenging, but it is gradual and collaborative. You and your therapist choose each step together, starting with easier triggers, and nothing is forced on you.

How long does ERP take?

It varies with how long OCD has been present and how many areas it affects. Many people meet weekly at first. Your therapist will review progress with you and adjust the plan.

Does ERP work over video?

Yes. ERP can be delivered well by secure video, and doing exposures at home can be an advantage because that is often where symptoms show up.

Is ERP covered by insurance?

Often, yes. We are in network for therapy with Aetna, Anthem, BCBS, Cigna, Medicare, Optum and UnitedHealthcare. Coverage varies by plan, so we verify your benefits first. Self-pay is also available.

What is the difference between ERP and your OCD treatment page?

ERP is a therapy provided by a therapist. Our psychiatric OCD care covers evaluation, diagnosis and medication management when appropriate. Many people use both, coordinated under one practice.

Talk with us about ERP for OCD

Call (949) 259-5123 or contact us online. Same-week new-patient appointments are usually available.

Call (949) 259-5123 Contact us