Opens in a new tab

OCD Therapy in Denver & Englewood, Colorado

Specialized treatment for intrusive thoughts, compulsions, and the need for certainty

At Vivid Psychology Group, our clinicians specialize in treating OCD using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)—a practical, evidence-based approach that helps you spend less time responding to fear and more time living your life.

In-person therapy in Englewood • Online therapy throughout Colorado
Treatment for adults, teens, children, and parents

Request a Free Consultation

Talk with our team about what you’re experiencing, ask questions, and find out whether VPG is a good fit.

(720) 213-6105

How do I know if I have OCD?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) involves 2 parts: obsessions and compulsions.

Obsessions

Obsessions are recurring unwanted thoughts, images, urges, doubts, or sensations that cause distress or uncertainty. They can center on harm, contamination, relationships, morality, health, or sexual intrusive thoughts.

Compulsions

Compulsions are repeated actions or mental behaviors a person feels driven to do in response. That might look like checking, washing, seeking reassurance, mentally reviewing an event, or trying to work out what a thought means. When most compulsions happen in your head, it’s sometimes called Pure O.

Compulsions can bring temporary relief, but the cycle often returns. OCD treatment helps you change how you respond to that cycle.

Types of OCD

OCD can take many forms. We treat the full range of OCD themes, including the experiences below.

Harm OCD

Unwanted thoughts or fears about hurting yourself or someone else, often followed by checking, avoidance, or attempts to prove you are safe.

Relationship OCD

Persistent doubts about a relationship, partner, or feelings, often accompanied by checking, comparing, analyzing, or seeking reassurance.

Sexual intrusive thoughts and OCD

Distressing, unwanted sexual thoughts or questions about their meaning. These experiences can be difficult to talk about, and our clinicians discuss them without judgment.

Scrupulosity and moral OCD

Fears about sinning, being immoral, offending others, or making the “wrong” choice, often accompanied by confession, reassurance seeking, or mental review.

Contamination OCD

Fears about germs, illness, chemicals, or feeling contaminated, sometimes leading to washing, cleaning, avoidance, or reassurance seeking.

“Just right” OCD and perfectionism

A persistent sense that something is incomplete, uneven, or wrong, creating pressure to repeat, arrange, check, or start over.

Checking and responsibility OCD

Repeatedly checking locks, appliances, messages, memories, or decisions because of a fear that you may have made a mistake or caused harm.

Pure O and mental compulsions

OCD that may be less visible to others, with compulsions such as analyzing, reviewing memories, silently repeating phrases, researching, or seeking certainty.

You don’t need to know which label fits before reaching out. OCD themes can overlap and change over time. We’ll help you understand what’s happening and develop a treatment plan around your needs.

Learn more about sexual intrusive thoughts and OCD or Pure O and mental compulsions.

What does OCD therapy look like at VPG?

  1. We understand your OCD.

    We learn about the thoughts, fears, compulsions, avoidance, and situations affecting your life.

  2. We build a plan together.

    Your therapist explains the OCD cycle and helps you identify goals. You don’t need to figure everything out before your first appointment.

  3. We practice responding differently.

    Using ERP, you and your therapist gradually approach situations, thoughts, or uncertainty that OCD wants you to avoid, while practicing a different response to compulsions.

  4. We apply the work to real life.

    Treatment may include practice between sessions, tailored to your goals. When appropriate, we also incorporate ACT and work with family members.

Will I be forced to face my worst fear right away?

No. ERP is collaborative. You and your therapist decide what to work on and build a plan together. The work can be challenging, but it should be purposeful, supported, and tailored to you.

OCD treatment for children, teens, and families

OCD can affect school, bedtime, friendships, family routines, and a child’s confidence. Our clinicians work with children and teens using developmentally appropriate OCD treatment, and we help parents understand how to support progress at home.

When appropriate, we also offer SPACE, a parent-based treatment that helps parents respond differently to anxiety and reduce patterns of accommodation. Parents can participate even when a child is not ready to engage in their own therapy.

OCD therapy fees and payment options

Therapy sessions typically range from $100 to $210, depending on the clinician and service. Sessions with Dr. Alex Littleton are $240.

We offer private-pay services and a separate Colorado Access Medicaid program for eligible clients. Our team can explain current availability, fees, and payment options when you contact us.

Learn about fees and payment options

Vivid Psychology Group team together at the office

Meet Our Team

OCD and anxiety are the center of our practice, and every clinician at Vivid Psychology Group is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP).

Get to know our clinicians and find support that fits your needs.

Meet Our Full Team

Need more focused support?

Dr. Alex Littleton works with severe OCD and offers focused therapy intensives for people who may benefit from a more concentrated approach.

Learn about Dr. Littleton

Frequently Asked Questions 

Take the next step toward OCD support

Talk with our team about what you’re experiencing and find out whether VPG is a good fit.

Request a Free Consultation