Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Therapist in San Jose & Los Gatos, CA
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Support and Treatment
At Lumos Psychiatry, we understand that obsessive-compulsive disorder is more than just wanting things in their place, as social media would have you believe. Patients living with OCD experience unwanted obsessions, which lead to compulsive behaviors that interfere with daily life. We offer comprehensive treatment in the comfort of your own home for those struggling with OCD in California.
What is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is characterized by cycles of obsessions and compulsions. These obsessions are unwanted or intrusive thoughts that cause the individual stress or fear. Patients often understand their thoughts are illogical but cannot brush them aside. These obsessions may be broken down into different types, including contamination obsessions, sexual obsessions, violent obsessions, religious obsessions, and more. These obsessions are time-consuming, often interfering with daily life.
This stress caused by these obsessions leads to the compulsions that the individual performs to reduce their distress. These compulsions are repetitive behaviors or thoughts intended to counteract the obsessions, such as repeating activities a certain number of times, excessive cleaning, or praying to prevent harm. Unlike the peace and pleasure that can come from the comfort of following your normal routine, individuals with OCD don’t want to perform these repetitive, time-consuming acts. Instead, they view them as necessary to prevent negative consequences. If this sounds familiar, contact us to learn more about our clinical OCD study.
How is Obsessive Compulsive Disorder Diagnosed?
There is no test for OCD. Instead, Dr. Sarbani Maitra and her dedicated team at Lumos Psychiatric will assess your complete medical history and symptoms. The criteria for diagnosis include:
- Experiencing obsessions and/or compulsions
- Compulsions or obsessions that take up more than an hour of your day
- Symptoms aren’t caused by substance abuse or other mental health disorders
- Compulsions or obsessions cause distress
Many people feel embarrassed by their OCD symptoms, but it’s essential to be honest with your healthcare provider. A diagnosis can help you get the treatment you need to return to a better quality of life.
Does Therapy Treat OCD?
While Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) can’t be cured, it can be managed through therapy and medications. Cognitive behavioral therapy uses exposure and response prevention techniques to help you learn skills to ignore compulsions, and acceptance and commitment therapy to help you recognize obsessive thoughts as just thoughts. Medications provided are often the same ones used to treat anxiety and depression, though in higher doses. Trying a few medicines before finding one that works for you is not unusual.
What is Life Like with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?
An Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) diagnosis can feel like a life sentence, but it’s far from that. With proper treatment, patients with OCD can live happy and fulfilling lives. Your Lumos Psychiatric therapist works with you to create an effective plan to help you manage your symptoms and reach your goals.
Professional OCD Counseling
If you or a loved one is experiencing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Lumos Psychiatric is here to help. Our top-rated therapists are available for in-person and telehealth appointments to support your healing journey. Schedule an appointment to get started today.
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Lumos Psychiatric Reviews
Dr. Maitra is awesome! I can't say enough about her. She cares about her patients and has a great team of co-workers. Swati goes above and beyond and handles extra tasks for me. More than recommended for anyone who wants a great professional at an accommodating clinic with a lovely team of staff members. Thanks for everything, guys!
-A. A.
I didn't want to consult a psychiatrist because my lifestyle demanded mental health therapy. I thought I could do it all, handle it all, and be the superwoman everyone thought I was and my family expected of me...anxiety and depression took over my life and I tried everything to rise above it. In my 20s, I was diagnosed with ADHD. Left untreated, the symptoms tormented my life and hurt people I loved. Dr. Maitra is compassionate and the best psychiatrist around. She helped me understand I had a biological imbalance, not just a mental illness. She gave me the strength to share my journey without shame. Dr. Maitra has also been helping me with other private concerns, so I'm confident and hopeful I can overcome these too. Her office is gorgeous and her team handles the important aspects! I would recommend her to anyone who needs a second or third opportunity, is hesitant about a diagnosis, fears judgment, or has lost hope!
She's humble and kind. If you trust her, she can change your life too!
-I. A.
Dr. Sarbani Maitra,
MD, Psychiatrist
Meet Dr. Maitra
Sarbani Maitra, MD is a board eligible psychiatrist. She has a Bachelors in Science from Tennessee Technological University in Chemistry leading up to her doctorate of medicine from the American University of the Caribbean Medical School. She then went on to gain clinical experience at Queen’s Hospital (erstwhile Old Church Hospital), London U.K. for a period of three years. She pursued her residency in Psychiatry at Meharry Medical College in Nashville Tennessee after working in research on women’s health issues at the Center of Women’s Health and Research. Dr Maitra has extensive experience working in both inpatient and outpatient settings managing patients across the spectrum with psychotic disorders, mood disorders, trauma-related disorders and patients struggling with substance use disorders. She believes in an integrated approach to mental health which includes the biopsychosocial approach. [Read More]