ERP Therapy for OCD and Intrusive Thoughts
Break free from the cycle of obsessions and compulsions.
Our NYC therapists specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. Available in-person or virtually in New York City.
30-minute intake assessment with Dr. Scolaro, Clinical Director & OCD Expert.
Featured In
A Compassionate, Evidence-Based Approach to ERP Therapy for OCD
If you're feeling stuck in a cycle of intrusive thoughts, anxiety, or compulsions, you're not alone — and there is real, evidence-based help.
At Aspire Psychotherapy, we specialize in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the leading treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related conditions. ERP is a powerful, structured approach that helps you face your fears without relying on rituals — so you can start living with more freedom, clarity, and calm.
You won’t be doing this alone. Our team of therapists — clinical psychologists and licensed social workers — are trained in ERP and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and we work side by side with you in a way that feels safe, supportive, and judgment-free.
We tailor therapy to your needs and values, using thoughtful assessments and measurement-based care to track real progress — not just how you’re feeling, but how your symptoms are changing session by session.
You don’t have to keep managing OCD on your own. With the right support, relief is possible — and it starts with one step.
30-minute virtual assessment with Dr. Scolaro, including a personalized therapist match with an Aspire OCD specialist.
What ERP Therapy Can Help You Overcome
Intrusive thoughts (violent, sexual, religious, or taboo content)
Compulsive rituals like checking, washing, or counting
Fear of harming others or losing control (Harm OCD)
Obsessions about relationships, sexuality, or identity (ROCD, HOCD, SO-OCD)
Contamination fears and health-related anxiety
Excessive need for certainty, control, or perfection
Mental rituals (repeating, ruminating, or neutralizing thoughts)
Avoidance of people, places, or activities that trigger anxiety
How Exposure and Response Prevention Works
If you’re feeling stuck in a cycle of obsessions and compulsions, it’s not your fault — and it’s not something you have to manage alone. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the most effective, research-backed treatment for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). It’s recommended by the International OCD Foundation and the American Psychological Association because it works — and the progress people make with ERP often lasts long after therapy ends.
Here’s how it helps:
ERP gives you a safe, structured way to face the thoughts, images, or situations that trigger anxiety — without turning to rituals, avoidance, or mental loops for relief. Over time, your brain learns that you can handle uncertainty and discomfort without giving OCD all the power.
And you’re never expected to do this on your own.
At Aspire Psychotherapy, our therapists are specially trained in ERP — a niche skill set that many providers don’t have. We take the time to understand your experience and build a treatment plan that matches your goals and values. Nothing is ever forced. Progress is made one step at a time, together.
Many of our clients are surprised by how effective ERP feels — not just in reducing symptoms, but in giving them back time, energy, and confidence they thought they’d lost for good.
Take the first step towards relief from OCD
30-minute virtual assessment with Dr. Scolaro, including a personalized therapist match with an Aspire OCD specialist.
Start With an Expert – Get Matched With the Right ERP Therapist
Starting therapy for OCD can feel overwhelming — especially when you're unsure who to trust or where to begin.
At Aspire, your care begins with Dr. Anya Scolaro, a psychologist and Clinical Director with advanced training in ERP and membership in the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF).
Rather than scrolling endlessly through therapist profiles, your first session is a focused intake with Dr. Scolaro. She’ll take time to understand what you're going through, clarify your goals, and personally match you with an ERP-trained therapist who fits your needs and style.
You don’t have to figure this out alone — you’ll have an expert guiding you from the very first step.
We know therapy is an investment — and we understand that many people start by looking for in-network options.
But most in-network therapists aren’t trained in ERP or may not specialize in OCD — especially when it comes to complex or taboo symptoms.
When you schedule an intake at Aspire, you’re not just booking an appointment — you’re gaining:
✅ A personalized care plan, built by an OCD expert
✅ A therapist hand-matched to your needs and symptoms
✅ Specialized ERP therapy with a strong evidence base
✅ Ongoing measurement-based care to track your progress — so you know it’s working
This approach helps many of our clients feel better faster and avoid the frustration of starting over with the wrong therapist or a treatment that doesn't stick.
30-minute virtual assessment with Dr. Scolaro, including a personalized therapist match with an Aspire OCD specialist.
What Our Clients Say About ERP Therapy at Aspire
“I am diagnosed with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and when I first reached out to Aspire, I was at the peak of my suffering. And I can confidently say that in a world where getting quality mental health services is extremely difficult, the folks at Aspire stand out as gems – they are true professionals, and the treatment works.”
Both Dr. Goodman and Dr. Scolaro consistently listened to my story week-after-week, gave actionable feedback, and administered scientifically-backed treatment methods. Using the techniques I’ve learned from Aspire, I’ve achieved recovery in my OCD journey.
I’ll always have OCD — but my experiences at Aspire taught me how to shift my mindset to recover, and how to stay on top of my mental health consistently. 5/5 experience.”
“I was having anxiety, panic attacks and insomnia last year and started seeking help. I am now a much more balanced, mindful and calm person who feels empowered with an armada of useful strategies and techniques to manage and regulate stressful situations in my life.”
“Dr. Scolaro is an incredibly gifted therapist who has helped me learn and practice vital CBT skills that have changed my life”
30-minute virtual assessment with Dr. Scolaro, including a personalized therapist match with an Aspire OCD specialist.
Frequently Asked Questions About ERP and OCD Therapy
-
ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention) is the gold-standard therapy for OCD. It helps you gradually face anxiety-provoking thoughts or situations while learning to resist compulsions — breaking the OCD cycle over time.
-
Not at all. ERP is collaborative and tailored to your comfort level. You’ll work with your therapist to build trust and progress at a pace that feels safe and sustainable.
-
Yes — ERP is highly effective for a range of OCD presentations, including intrusive thoughts (e.g., harm, sexual, religious), contamination fears, checking, relationship OCD, health anxiety, and more.
-
Yes! We offer ERP therapy both in-person (Upper East Side and Hudson Valley) and virtually across New York and New Jersey.
-
You’ll meet with Dr. Anya Scolaro, our Clinical Director and an OCD expert. She’ll listen to your story, help clarify your needs, and match you with the right ERP-trained therapist.
-
Aspire Psychotherapy is a self-pay practice. Many of our clients submit superbills for potential out-of-network reimbursement. We’re happy to provide guidance on how to do this.
Ready to Take the First Step?
30-minute virtual assessment with Dr. Scolaro, including a personalized therapist match with an Aspire OCD specialist.