Is OCD the same as just liking things clean or organized?

No. Clinical OCD involves genuinely distressing, intrusive thoughts and compulsions that interfere with daily functioning — not a personal preference for order, which is how the term gets used casually.

What is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)?

ERP is a specific, structured form of CBT where you gradually face situations that trigger obsessions while deliberately not performing the usual compulsion, allowing your anxiety to decrease naturally over time rather than through ritual. It's considered the gold-standard treatment for OCD.

Will I have to face my worst fear right away?

No. ERP is built as a gradual hierarchy, starting with less distressing situations and building up at a pace that's actually manageable for you.

I have intrusive thoughts that feel disturbing or shameful — does that mean something is wrong with me?

No. Intrusive thoughts are a core feature of OCD, and having a disturbing thought says nothing about your actual character, values, or intentions. This is one of the most common and most misunderstood presentations of OCD, and it responds well to treatment.

Is this covered by insurance?

Sessions with a Registered Psychologist or Registered Provisional Psychologist are covered by most extended health benefit plans. Solasta offers direct billing to 30+ insurers. Visit our fees page to confirm coverage.

Is OCD therapy available online?

Yes — available online across Alberta, as well as in person at our Calgary office.

How long does OCD treatment usually take?

It varies significantly depending on the severity and type of OCD, but many people begin noticing meaningful reductions in compulsions within the first several weeks of consistent ERP work, with continued progress over a longer course of treatment.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

OCD can resurface, particularly during high-stress periods, but the skills learned in ERP are durable — most people who complete treatment are equipped to recognize and interrupt a returning cycle much faster than the first time around.