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Seaside Psychiatry
Psychiatry Designed Around You.

OCD

OCD Psychiatry in Encinitas & North County San Diego

Understanding Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition involving unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges and/or repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed in response to distress.

OCD is often misunderstood. It is not simply being highly organized, particular, or concerned about cleanliness.

​​​​​​​At Seaside Psychiatry, we provide individualized psychiatric evaluation and treatment for children, adolescents, and adults experiencing symptoms of OCD.

OCD Symptoms
ADHD care at Seaside Psychiatry may include:

Obsessions may involve themes such as:

  • Fear of contamination
  • Fear of harm
  • Excessive responsibility
  • Doubt or uncertainty
  • Perfectionism
  • Religious or moral concerns
  • Relationship concerns
  • Intrusive thoughts
  • Fear of making mistakes

Compulsions may include:

  • Repetitive checking
  • Washing or cleaning
  • Counting
  • Repeating actions
  • Seeking reassurance
  • Avoidance
  • Mental reviewing
  • Silent rituals or prayers

The content of OCD varies significantly from person to person.

OCD in Children and Adolescents

Young people may have difficulty explaining intrusive thoughts or may feel embarrassed or frightened by them.

OCD can interfere with school, friendships, family routines, sleep, and participation in everyday activities.

​​​​​​​Parents may unintentionally become involved in rituals or reassurance-seeking. Understanding the cycle of OCD can help families respond in ways that support recovery.

Our Approach to OCD Care

Treatment planning may include:

  • Comprehensive psychiatric evaluation
  • Medication management when appropriate
  • Psychotherapy and behavioral approaches
  • Coordination with therapists when specialized OCD therapy is indicated
  • Family education and support
  • Identification of avoidance and reassurance patterns
  • Ongoing monitoring of symptoms and functioning

Because OCD can overlap with anxiety and other conditions, careful evaluation is important.
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OCD Care in Encinitas

Seaside Psychiatry provides psychiatric care for OCD in Encinitas and throughout North County San Diego, with telehealth available throughout California.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is OCD the same as being a perfectionist?

No. While perfectionism can occur alongside OCD, OCD involves obsessions and/or compulsions that can cause significant distress or interfere with functioning.

Can children have OCD?

Yes. OCD can begin during childhood or adolescence.

Does OCD require medication?

Not necessarily. Treatment is individualized and may include psychotherapy, medication, or both.

Can OCD occur with anxiety or depression?

Yes. OCD can occur alongside other psychiatric conditions, which is why a comprehensive evaluation is valuable.

Who We See

Executives · Entrepreneurs · Physicians · Attorneys · Parents · Professionals · High-Performing Adults

We work with adults across Encinitas, Carlsbad, Cardiff, Solana Beach, Del Mar, Rancho Santa Fe, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Oceanside and Point Loma.

Get Started

Call (858) 225-6168 or request a consultation. Accepting a limited number of new patients.
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Schedule a Consultation

Telehealth Available


Secure telehealth for new and established patients throughout California.

Psychiatry designed around your life.

Call (858) 225-6168 or request a consultation. Accepting a limited number of new patients.