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Testimonial

"After 6 months of suffering with panic attacks, I called Dr. April. After just three sessions, I was able to manage my feelings of panic."

- Polina S.

Watch HLN interview of Dr. April

OCD Treatment Los Angeles Specialist

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"Struggling with OCD obsessions is no picnic. Unfortunately, not many know how to treat it properly. They simply don't have the training, knowledge, experience or credentials. But be hopeful! Your OCD symptoms are treatable! It's what we do. And your OCD therapy doesn't have to break the bank! We have many cost options to assist you. With a little work and steady progress, you won't have to relate to the above image anymore. So READ ON and SCROLL" - Dr. April

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Call The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management

for OCD Treatment Los Angeles  

Main Office Phone: 310 - 429 - 1024

Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Help, Therapy and Treatment: 

The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management - Los Angeles is one of the top OCD treatment centers in the country. Our special CBT treatment for OCD has incredibly high success rates for those suffering with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder and the hallmark symptoms of obsessions and compulsions. Dr. Craig April, as seen on A&E's hit TV show "Obsessed", is one of the foremost anxiety and OCD doctors in the country and the Owner/Director of our OCD and anxiety treatment center. We treat adults, teenagers and children. If you are having difficulty with OCD symptoms and are curious about our anxiety and OCD treatment options, please call us at (310) 429-1024 or click here to email us

 

*We've Designed Our OCD Treatment Los Angeles Program To Fit Your Needs, Specific Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Symptoms and Budget. 

 

The April Center for Anxiety Attack Management 

is located in:

- Los Angeles (serving Los Angeles, West Los Angeles, Westwood, Beverly Hills, West Hollywood, North Hollywood, Santa Monica, Pasadena, Glendale, Burbank, Culver City and the San Fernando Valley):   310-429-1024

 

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OCD Treatment Los Angeles at

The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management:  

 

- Individual therapy sessions

- Phone Therapy sessions 

                                                                                                - Online Therapy Sessions

(for those who can't visit the office or are outside of the area when appropriate) 

or

- OCD Support Groups

 

 

We provide our OCD treatment Los Angeles program in the form of CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy) with individual therapy sessions:

This unique and special ocd la treatment program provides proven help in the form of CBT (Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy), while using the strategy of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), also known as "exposure therapy".  At The April Center, we create anxiety treatment plans for those struggling with OCD and anxiety that help one to gradually face their fears without turning to compulsive avoidance. We assist clients at their own pace, meaning that we encourage them to face anxiety step by step, while they simultaneously build confidence.  

 

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Frequently asked questions about OCD treatment Los Angeles at

The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management:

 

1.)  What is OCD?

OCD stands for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. It is a neurobiological syndrome that involves symptoms of obsessions, compulsions and anxiety with some variation in their nature, degree and severity.

 

2.)  What are Obsessions?

We frequently say we're "obsessed" with this or that in our daily conversations. However, what we really mean is that we are passionate about something or ruminating about something.

A true "obsession" is an intrusive, recurring thought, image or impulse considered to be inappropriate and/or irrational while most likely causing some degree of suffering. Obsessions are not typical concerns over stress in relationships or career.
 
They can manifest in many different ways, but some common obsessions are fear of germs or of being contaminated, fear of causing others harm (stabbing someone, hitting someone with your car) or of harm coming to oneself, inappropriate sexual thoughts (ex. incest), violent images, numbers, fears of being gay, etc..
Obsessions are the hallmark of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). The other is compulsive behavior meant to undo a specific obsession or anxiety.
 
 

3.)  What are Compulsions?

Compulsions are the behavior that one engages in to reduce the anxiety often associated with an obsession. These are avoidance behaviors.  Unfortunately, they become a huge barrier as they actually continue and maintain the anxiety, thereby making it worse and bound to continue over time. These behaviors can interfere with daily life due to their time-consuming nature and disruption. Some examples include extreme handwashing, checking, counting, repeating certain phrases to oneself, and many other behaviors that involve avoiding certain stimuli that trigger the anxiety.  Although many compulsive behaviors are connected to an obsession, it is not a requirement.  In fact, there are times when a compulsion cannot be easily tied to a specific obsession.

Although compulsions are designed by an individual to reduce anxiety in the short run, they actually create and maintain more anxiety in the long run.
Reducing compulsive behavior is key in treating OCD. 
 
Some confuse the terms compulsive vs. impulsive. These are vastly different. "Compulsive" describes a behavior that one is compelled to perform. "Impulsive" describes a behavior engaged in without planning or forethought. 
 

4.) Which is the best therapy for someone with OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and other anxiety syndromes including panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety, etc. require Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).

Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy is the most effective and only research-proven form of treatment for anxiety reduction. So many people visit my OCD treatment Los Angeles center for OCD help and share that they have had YEARS of prior psychodynamic therapy (often called "talk therapy") without any progress.
 
They are often amazed that sometimes within a few sessions of OCD treatment, they are seeing quick progress after years and years of suffering.
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT) focused on the strategy of Exposure and Response Prevention has been the best form of OCD treatment for many years.
 
 

5.) How can The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management help with your OCD treatment Los Angeles?

The April Center for Anxiety specializes in all anxiety disorders, including OCD and provides treatment with Cognitive-Behavioral methods focused on Exposure and Response Prevention – the key treatment for OCD. We design a specific treatment plan to match your struggles so that you can break free from anxiety and get your life back! 
 
 

6.) How do I know if I have OCD?

If you struggle with unwanted thoughts that you sense are irrational, but can’t seem to stop thinking them, you might have OCD. Also, if you engage in behaviors that you sense are irrational, but that reduce your anxiety in that moment, yet the anxiety continues to return, you might have OCD.  Give us a call to set up an initial consultation. If the above descriptions resonate, then you may have OCD or some other anxiety struggle that requires attention.
 
 

7.) Are there other forms of OCD?

Pure Obsessional Disorder (Pure O) is another common form of OCD. This consists mainly of Obsessions without pronounced compulsions, though often times the sufferer practices mental rituals designed to cope with their anxiety inducing thoughts. See below for more on this form of OCD
 
There are also what are considered OC Spectrum Disorders. These are different but related forms of OCD. For example, Chronic Skin Picking is a form of OCD and one we also treat at The April Center with our OCD treatment Los Angeles program. 
 

8.)  When can OCD appear?

For those neurobiologically set up with OCD, many have not experienced symptoms that have interfered with their daily lives until experiencing a stressful life event. Examples of stressful events often seen to trigger symptoms include major illness, childbirth and parenting a newborn (often called "Postpartum OCD"), a trauma or an accident, etc..
 
With a major stressor, OCD can truly explode creating the perspective that it "came out of nowhere". However, generally speaking, the OCD was merely lying dormant, waiting for the right trigger. It can be truly jarring and disrupt life with intense suffering.
 
That said, there is no way to predict when OCD will be triggered for those predisposed.  Some have symptoms from childhood, while others do not have the majority of disruptive symptoms until later in life.
 
 
Therapy for OCD
 

PURE O THERAPY:

Many people with OCD actually struggle from another form, which is called Pure Obsessional OCD, also known as Pure O or Pure OCD. This simply suggests someone who struggles primarily with obsessions rather than observable compulsions. Compulsions that someone with pureo can and do engage in are of the mental variety. These include repeating certain phrases designed to stop the thought, practicing superstitious behaviors they believe will protect themselves, frequent reassurance seeking from loved ones and checking behaviors, especially when it comes to Harm OCD and Gay OCD.  

Obsessions are defined by intrusive, unwanted thoughts, impulses or mental images usually focused on harmful, violent, immoral or unethical, sexually inappropriate or sacrilegious content. Because these thoughts tend to be the very opposite of what an individual with Pure Obsessional OCD is interested in engaging in or taking action on, they can be very distressing and scary while creating a lot of suffering.

Symptoms of Pure O OCD (Pure O OCD test):

- Obsessive thinking about automatic body processes like blinking, swallowing, breathing, other bodily sensations, digestion, etc.. This type can also be called somatic OCD or “sensorimotor OCD”.

- Repeated thoughts or mental images that one believes are blasphemous, Sacrilegious, Or a sin. This type can also be called religious OCD.

- Frequent and intrusive thoughts or images of physically attacking, hurting or killing your spouse, friend, child, parent or a stranger. This type is often called Harm Ocd.

- Obsessive worry that one has run over a pedestrian or will do so while driving their car. This has been called hit and run OCD ( check out my episode in the second season of “Obsessed” on A&E, where I treated a patient with this very issue.

-  More than frequent thoughts struggling with reality, what life means and or one’s place in the universe, the solar system, the planets.  This type is often called existential OCD.

- Constant worry that one might not be living an ethical, moral, value-based, or “right” enough life. This type is often called Scrupulosity.

-  Frequent fear and worry about the status of one's romantic relationship or whether their feelings of attraction or interest are strong enough. Obsessions can also apply to irrational concerns over fathfulness of a partner. This type is called Relationship OCD or ROCD. 

- Repetitive concerns or fears that one might molest a child or is sexually attracted to children. This type is often called pedophile OCD.

- Repetitive worry that one might be gay, even though in reality they are not. This is often called Gay OCD or HOCD.

- Consistent fears of accidentally hurting people.

Individual Therapy for Pure O OCD:

The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management offers individual therapy to adults, children and teenagers struggling with Pure O OCD. At our OCD treatment Los Angeles center, we provide help for Pure O OCD in the form of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, which is the only proven therapy.  A main strategy in this treatment, under the CBT heading, is Exposure Therapy (ERP). This strategy encourages a structured approach to facing one’s anxious, obsessive, intrusive thoughts gradually in order to overcome the anxiety that accompanies them.

 

Phone Therapy Sessions for Pure O OCD:

The April Center also offers phone therapy for Pure Obsessional OCD (Pure O) within our OCD treatment los angeles program when deemed appropriate.  These phone sessions are available to those who are unable to meet in our office or can’t find specialized help for Pure O OCD in their area.

Please contact The April Center For Anxiety Attack Management, if interested in discussing options for individual therapy for PureO OCD.  We can be reached at: (310) 429-1024 or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 
 OCD Therapy
 
 
 
 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy CBT for OCD

CBT is a model of treatment for OCD that concentrates on building plans or strategies for handling negative thoughts, actions, and feelings. This scientifically proven approach focuses on reducing symptoms by teaching new lasting methods of dealing with thoughts in a healthy manner. Our CBT therapists in our OCD treatment Los Angeles program assist patients in recognizing thoughts, actions, and feelings that are harmful, while helping them learn healthy ways of coping. 

CBT is effective in giving the patient the strength to understand that intrusive OCD thoughts have no power over them. When combined with ERP, therapy for OCD becomes effective in creating lasting treatment results. 

 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) 

This is a cognitive behavioral treatment for patients with OCD focused on reducing anxiety symptoms. In this ERP method, the patient is voluntarily exposed repeatedly to what causes their fear without engaging in compulsions to avoid their fears. Being repeatedly exposed to one’s source of fear helps one to adjust and one’s brain to adapt to fears that pose no threat to them or those around them. The practices of ERP are put in place during OCD treatment sessions, but should also be maintained outside of OCD therapy for effective impact in one's life. 

Different types of exposures are used in the therapy process. These include live exposures where the patient is confronted with live incidences to face and overcome. There is also imaginary exposure that is often approached through writing and reading experience, which can serve as an alternative when live exposures cannot be performed. In both cases, OCD therapists are involved, helping clients to engage in their fears and ensuring they are given the tools and resources to help them overcome these fears. We encourage patients to go at their own pace and don't push anyone harder than they're ready to move.

 

Watch Dr. April successfully treat OCD with Exposure on A&E's TV show OBSESSED.  Click on the link below:

Dr. April treating OCD on A&E's hit TV show OBSESSED

 

Also, follow the link to take a look at transcribed national radio interviews with Doctor April, as featured guest, discussing OCD and Anxiety Disorders

 

The more you avoid fear-producing thoughts through repetitive rituals and behaviors, the more frequent and severe your symptoms can become. 

 

If you struggle with OCD, trust that your symptoms can be overcome with proper help in our OCD treatment Los Angeles program. Our OCD treatment center offers specialists to provide you with the best OCD therapy available!

Call 310-429-1024 NOW to schedule your appointment today!

More Testimonials

Thanks Dr. April for guiding me to become a stronger person. I'm so much happier! I think any client is lucky to have you, as I was! Thanks again for all you do to change people's lives!

- Sally, sales executive

Since working with Dr. April, my teenage son has experienced rapid change and has made great strides in self-confidence. Dr. April is gifted in his work and is an inspiration to those fortunate to connect with him. He is not only an excellent psychologist, but a mentor as well.

- Julia, Consultant, CoeurAlign Design

I came to Dr. April with a debilitating fear - the inability to drive on the freeway. My life wasn't always like this. I drove the freeway for over 10 years without any issues, until I experienced two intense panic attacks that scared me from getting back on the freeway. It didn't make sense and the longer I waiting to get back on, the more intense my fear became. This fear stopped me from going out of town and visiting friends that lived too far. It took me double the time to get to a destination and I was always scared someone would ask me for a ride and I would have to create some dumb story as to why I was taking the side streets. No one knew. I was embarrassed. I was ashamed. And I let this go on for 8 years. That's when I had enough! I tried therapy in the past and it didn't work, so while I was seeking help, I wasn't convinced I could be fixed. Even reading positive reviews like this, I would think, "I'm probably the one who can't be fixed." Then I found Dr. April. To my own amazement (not Dr. April's), I was able to conquer my fear! Throughout the process, Dr. April trusted me, believed in me and never once made me feel small, which was a fear in and of itself. We worked hard together to get to the root cause of my fear and after sessions both in-person and over the phone, I'm freeway driving everyday! There is no magic pill to conquer your fears, only dedication, hard work and Dr. April.

- Elaine

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