OCD Treatment in Columbus, OH
Get unstuck from intrusive thoughts and rituals with Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP), targeted CBT, and personalized medication management.
Provider: Joshua Ndematebem, PMHNP-BC — Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Contact & Location
Address: 3184 West Broad Street, Columbus, OH 43204
Phone: 614-655-4524
Email: info@arizonwellness.com
What Is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?
OCD is characterized by obsessions—unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges—and compulsions—repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to reduce distress or prevent feared outcomes. OCD can significantly impact time, relationships, school, and work; effective treatment helps you reclaim your life.
Common Symptoms & Subtypes
- Contamination fears and washing/cleaning rituals
- Checking (locks, appliances, safety) and reassurance seeking
- Harm/pedestal thoughts (e.g., “What if I hurt someone?”), mental review, avoidance
- “Just right” ordering, arranging, repeating
- Religious/scrupulosity doubts; excessive confessing or praying
- Sexual or taboo intrusive thoughts with neutralizing rituals
- Symmetry, counting, touching, number rules
Good to know — Intrusive thoughts are common; in OCD they become sticky and lead to compulsions. Treatment targets the cycle, not your values.
Contributing Factors & Co-Occurring Conditions
- Genetic and neurobiological factors
- Stressful life events; intolerance of uncertainty
- Co-occurring anxiety, depression, tic disorders, ADHD
- Family accommodation (others assisting rituals or providing reassurance)
We address the whole picture—skills, environment, and biology—to support lasting change.
Evaluation: How We Assess OCD
- Collaborative interview mapping obsessions, compulsions, triggers, and avoidance
- Severity measures (functional impact, time spent, distress)
- Screening for co-occurring conditions and medical contributors
- Goal-setting and safety planning; family involvement when helpful
A clear understanding of your OCD pattern guides a practical, phased treatment plan.
OCD Treatment at Arizon Wellness
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
Stepwise exposures to feared thoughts/situations while resisting rituals—reducing anxiety and breaking the obsession–compulsion cycle. We tailor ERP for children, teens, and adults (including imaginal exposure and scripting when indicated).
CBT & I-CBT Skills
Target unhelpful beliefs (inflated responsibility, overestimation of threat, intolerance of uncertainty) and build acceptance-based strategies to navigate intrusive thoughts without engaging compulsions.
Medication Management
SSRIs at therapeutic doses and clomipramine can reduce obsessions and compulsions. We individualize options, monitor side effects, and combine with ERP for best outcomes.
Family & Lifestyle Support
Reducing reassurance and accommodation, sleep and stress management, school/work coordination, and telehealth options across Columbus.
Request an AppointmentWhen to Seek Help
- Intrusive thoughts or rituals consume an hour+ per day or disrupt life
- Avoidance, reassurance seeking, or checking keeps growing
- School/work, relationships, or health are impacted
- Past benefit from ERP/medication but symptoms are returning
If you feel at risk of harming yourself or others, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is OCD?
A condition with intrusive obsessions and compulsive rituals performed to reduce distress or prevent feared outcomes.
What is ERP?
Gradual exposure to feared triggers while resisting compulsions, allowing anxiety to decline and confidence to grow.
Do medications help?
Yes—SSRIs and clomipramine can reduce symptom intensity. Combining meds with ERP often yields the strongest results.
Do you treat children and adults?
Yes. We adapt ERP/CBT developmentally and involve families to reduce accommodation and support progress.
Is telehealth effective?
Many ERP protocols translate well to secure virtual visits. We also offer in-person care.
