Teen OCD Treatment in Menlo Park
Helping teens in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and San Mateo County manage OCD symptoms and regain control of their lives.
Or Call 650-507-3888
Understanding OCD in Teens
Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, is more than just a preference for neatness or an occasional intrusive thought. For teens struggling with OCD, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) can interfere with daily life—affecting school, relationships, and overall well-being.
Common types of teen OCD include:
Contamination OCD (fear of germs, excessive hand-washing)
Checking OCD (repeatedly verifying locks, appliances, or schoolwork)
Perfectionism OCD (fear of making mistakes, excessive corrections)
Harm OCD (intrusive thoughts about harming self or others, seeking reassurance)
Just Right OCD (needing things to feel symmetrical or "perfect" before moving on)
When OCD goes untreated, compulsions become more rigid and time-consuming, making it harder for teens to focus, engage with friends, and enjoy life.
If OCD symptoms are holding your teen back, early intervention is key. Get started today.
Signs Your Teen May Be Struggling with OCD
OCD symptoms in teens can be difficult to recognize, especially when compulsions are internal (mental rituals) rather than physical (visible behaviors). Signs include:
Spending excessive time performing rituals (handwashing, checking, counting, repeating actions).
Extreme distress when routines are interrupted or things feel “off.”
Avoiding situations that trigger anxiety, such as school, social events, or responsibilities.
Repetitive reassurance-seeking (“Are you sure I didn’t say something wrong?”).
Intrusive, distressing thoughts that won’t go away, even when they don’t make sense.
Many teens hide their compulsions out of shame or fear of being misunderstood. The good news is OCD is highly treatable with the right therapeutic approach.
How We Treat Teen OCD at Guide Behavioral Health
At Guide Behavioral Health, we use evidence-based therapies designed specifically for OCD, helping teens break free from compulsive patterns and regain confidence.
Exposure & Response Prevention (ERP)
ERP is the gold standard for OCD treatment. It helps teens face their fears in a gradual, controlled way, allowing them to resist compulsions and reduce anxiety over time.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for OCD
CBT helps teens recognize unhelpful thought patterns and develop healthier ways to manage intrusive thoughts without resorting to compulsions.
Mindfulness & Acceptance Techniques
We incorporate mindfulness and distress tolerance skills to help teens observe their thoughts without reacting to them.
If your teen is struggling with OCD, treatment can help them regain control. Schedule a consultation today.
OCD Treatment Programs for Teens
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) offer structured support for teens with OCD.
Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Therapy after school, 3-4 days per week
Individual ERP sessions, group therapy, and skills training
Best for teens who need structured support without disrupting school
Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
Full-day treatment, Monday-Friday
Intensive ERP and CBT-focused therapy
Best for teens with severe OCD symptoms who need more intensive care
For teens with mild to moderate symptoms, we also offer flexible after-school therapy options.
If you’re unsure which program is right for your teen, we can help. Contact us today.
Serving Families in Menlo Park, Palo Alto, and San Mateo County
Guide Behavioral Health provides trusted teen OCD treatment for families in:
Menlo Park
Palo Alto
San Mateo County
Redwood City
Mountain View
Los Altos
Our Menlo Park center offers expert, evidence-based treatment in a safe, welcoming environment. Learn more about our locations.
Helping Teens Break Free from OCD
OCD can feel overwhelming, but it doesn’t have to control your teen’s life. At Guide Behavioral Health, we provide personalized, evidence-based care to help teens reduce anxiety, resist compulsions, and regain confidence.
FAQ: Answers to Common Questions About Teen OCD Treatment
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Obsessive-compulsive disorder, or OCD, involves persistent, intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions) meant to reduce anxiety. It’s not just about liking things tidy. Teens with OCD may feel driven to perform rituals like checking, counting, or hand-washing to feel safe or “just right.” Learn more about how we treat OCD using CBT and ERP on our therapy methods page.
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The gold standard for treating OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP), often combined with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). ERP helps teens gradually face their fears while resisting compulsive behaviors. CBT teaches them to reframe anxious thoughts. At Guide Behavioral Health, we specialize in these evidence-based approaches. Learn more about how we treat teens in our intensive outpatient program.
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Everyone has routines and preferences, but OCD goes further. If your teen’s thoughts or behaviors are causing them distress, taking up a lot of time, or interfering with school, friendships, or sleep, it may be more than just a quirk. Our team can help assess whether your teen is dealing with OCD or something else. Visit our get started page to schedule a consultation.
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Yes. Our Menlo Park location serves families throughout San Mateo County, including Palo Alto, Redwood City, Foster City, and beyond. Teens receive expert, evidence-based care in a supportive outpatient setting. Learn more about our San Mateo County and Menlo Park locations.
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Not always. Many teens improve significantly through therapy alone, especially with ERP and CBT. In more severe cases, medication can help reduce symptoms enough to make therapy more effective. Our medical team will talk with you about what’s right for your teen. If you’re unsure where to start, visit our treatment options page to explore how we personalize care.
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Every teen is different, but many begin to see changes within a few weeks of consistent treatment. Our programs are designed to provide the right level of support at the right pace—whether through PHP, IOP, or after-school interventions. Visit our PHP and IOP pages to learn more about which option might be right for your family.
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It starts with a conversation. Visit our get started page to fill out the consultation form or call us at 650-507-3888. We’ll guide you through the intake process and help determine the best level of care for your teen.