OCD Care, Including the Thoughts No One Talks About
OCD. Including the intrusive thoughts that can arrive in pregnancy and postpartum. Is treatable, and far more common than the silence around it suggests. Compassionate, evidence-based care by telehealth across Minnesota.
What OCD Can Actually Look Like
OCD can show up as intrusive, unwanted thoughts; repetitive behaviors or mental rituals; a persistent sense that “something isn’t right” until a compulsion is carried out; or hours lost to checking, counting, washing, or reassurance-seeking. The thoughts are often distressing precisely because they feel so at odds with who you are. For many women, the most isolating form is postpartum-onset intrusive thoughts: sudden,
frightening images or fears about harm coming to their baby. These thoughts are surprisingly common, rarely discussed openly, and deeply misunderstood. Having them does not mean you are dangerous or that something is wrong with you as a person or a mother. In OCD, these thoughts are unwanted. They horrify you because they run against your values.
We offer a safe, validation-first space to speak about intrusive thoughts without judgment or shame, pairing medication with practical coping strategies.
How OCD Shows Up Differently in Women
OCD often emerges or worsens at times of reproductive change, especially during pregnancy and the postpartum period. Perinatal OCD frequently centers on the baby’s safety, leading to exhausting avoidance, checking, or mental reviewing. Because these symptoms carry so much shame, many women never tell anyone, and so never get the straightforward, effective help that exists. We name this directly because being able to say it plainly. Without fear of judgment. Is often the first step toward relief.
How We Help
We provide compassionate evaluation and evidence-based care for OCD, including:
Generalized OCD
Perinatal OCD
Postpartum Intrusive Thoughts.
Coordinated Medication & Therapy.
Because specialized therapy (such as ERP, exposure and response
prevention) is a frontline treatment for OCD, we will help connect you with a therapist trained in it when that’s the right fit, and coordinate care alongside medication management.
What to Expect
Your initial 60-minute evaluation is a place to speak honestly. Including about
thoughts that may feel impossible to say out loud. We listen without alarm or judgment, build an accurate understanding, and create a plan.
60-Minute Initial Evaluation
Unhurried, judgment-free space to speak honestly.
Understand Your Experience
At a pace that feels safe. You set the lead.
Build an Individualized Plan
Medication, support, and referrals as needed.
30-Minute Follow-Up Visits at the Pace You Need.
Tracking progress as your care evolves.
Common Questions About OCD Care
Clear, compassionate answers to help you feel informed, supported, and empowered
in your care.
I’m having scary thoughts about my baby. Does that mean I’m dangerous?
In OCD, intrusive thoughts are unwanted and distressingprecisely because they go against your values. They are a symptom, not an intention. This is treatable, and you can say it safely here. (If thoughts come with confusion, hallucinations, or a sense of being out of touch with reality, please seek emergency care, see our note on
postpartum psychosis.)
Will I have to go into detail about my intrusive thoughts?
Yes. And planning ahead is exactly the right approach. We discuss medication options and reproductive safety proactively so decisions aren’tOnly at a pace that feels safe. We follow your lead, and being heard without judgment is
part of the treatment itself. made under pressure.
Do you provide ERP therapy?
ERP is a specialized psychotherapy. We provide psychiatric evaluation and medication management, and we
help connect you with an ERP-trained therapist when that would benefit you.
