How to Find ERP Therapy Near Me or Online?

Written By

Saba Imran

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erp therapist excited to connect and help patients

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Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy provides lasting relief for OCD, anxiety, depression and more. While finding an in-person ERP therapist nearby has advantages, online ERP therapy is also worth considering. This convenient, accessible option has unique pros and cons.

Below, we’ll explore what ERP therapy entails, the case for localizing treatment, and how to find reputable online and in-person ERP practitioners. Comparing these modalities can help you determine the best approach.

What is ERP Therapy?

ERP is a specialized cognitive behavioral therapy where patients are gradually exposed to fears and intrusive thoughts while resisting compulsive rituals. This retrains the brain’s response over time. Exposures may involve:

  • Touching “contaminated” objects without hand washing
  • Tolerating uncertainty around numbers
  • Resisting urges to pull hair

With multiple sessions, ERP builds tolerance, reduces anxiety, and improves quality of life.

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Potential Benefits of Online ERP Therapy

While finding an in-person therapist nearby has some advantages, online ERP therapy is also worth considering given factors like:

Convenience

  • Attend video therapy sessions easily from home or anywhere with wifi access
  • Flexible scheduling outside 9-5 hours
  • Avoid commute to appointments

Accessibility

  • Connect with therapists beyond just your locale
  • Options still available if local providers are booked
  • Can attend from other cities while traveling

Affordability

  • Potentially lower session rates
  • Avoid gas costs of in-office visits
  • Reduced barrier for uninsured individuals

Discreet

  • Total comfort attending therapy from home
  • May help some patients feel more comfortable

How to Find Qualified Online ERP Therapists

Reputable platforms offering ERP therapy via telehealth include:

  • Talkspace – Message or video chat therapists
  • BetterHelp – Leading online counseling platform (Currently offering 20% off)
  • NOCD – Specialized in online OCD treatment

Be sure to vet credentials, read reviews, and set initial consults to gauge fit.

Key Factors to Consider: Online vs. In-Person

Two happy people sitting down and reviewing online therapy for erp

Below is a comparison of factors to weigh when deciding between local or online ERP treatment:

FactorOnline ERPIn-Person ERP
ConvenienceHighLow
AccessibilityHighLow
AffordabilityHighVaries
DiscreetHighLow
Real-World PracticeLowHigh
Ongoing SupportMediumHigh
Customized CareLowHigh

How to Find ERP Therapy Near Me

Finding a qualified, convenient ERP therapist is easier than ever with online resources. Here are some top techniques:

Online Directories

Websites like Psychology Today allow you to search for therapists by treatment approaches, issues addressed, location, insurance, personalized filters, and more. This makes finding local ERP practitioners simple.

Association Databases

Organizations like the International OCD Foundation and Anxiety and Depression Association of America connect patients to properly vetted, certified therapists practicing ERP.

Office Websites

If you have a local mental health office or clinic in mind, check their website to learn about treatment options and browse provider bios for ERP experience.

Online Reviews

Before selecting any provider, read through online reviews on Google, Facebook, or third-party sites like HealthGrades or RateMDs. This can help surface feedback on quality and bedside manner.

Key Factors to Consider

As you compare ERP therapists in your locale, keep the following criteria in mind:

  • Official ERP Training and Certification: This specialized modality requires proper, rigorous preparation.
  • Experience Treating Your Condition: Opt for an provider thoroughly trained and confident with your specific diagnosis.
  • Comfort Level: Connecting with your therapist makes a big impact, especially for ERP’s challenging process.
  • Availability: Find a provider that can offer consistency of weekly appointments.
  • Insurance Acceptance: Verify in advance that your insurance or budget aligns.

Making the Decision

Ultimately, identifying the best ERP therapist nearby combines research, comparison, and instinct.

Set Consultations

Once you’ve identified 2-3 promising matches, schedule intro sessions to determine if you feel understood, aligned with treatment approaches, and work well together.

FactorTherapist 1Therapist 2Therapist 3
Official ERP trainingYesNoYes
Familiarity with my diagnosisHighModerateHigh
Comfort levelModerateLowHigh
Availability for regular sessionsLowHighModerate
Accepts my insurance planYesNoYes
Total Alignment Score3/52/55/5

Trust Your Gut

Put in the work vetting credentials, but also tune into your instinct. The right fit just feels right.

Ad, keeps our community free. The perspectives presented on this website are genuinely our own and we do not accept money for reviews.

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✓ Over 35K licensed professionals

✓ Financial aid available

✓ Subscriptions as low as $65/week, billed every four weeks

✓ Cancel plan or change therapist anytime

20% off your first month through Therapy Helpers

Conditions Effectively Treated by ERP

ERP is most commonly used in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) which affects 2-3% of people. Research shows ERP helps 85% of OCD patients significantly reduce symptoms.

But applications extend further to other disorders fueled by anxiety, intrusive thoughts and ritualistic behaviors, including:

  • Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
  • Social anxiety
  • Phobias
  • Trichotillomania (compulsive hair-pulling)
  • Some eating disorders
  • Addictive behaviors

ERP gives patients constructive tools to manage thoughts and behaviors causing distress.

The ERP Therapy Process

ERP is a short-term, focused therapy spanning 8-20 sessions. It follows 3 core phases:

Assessment

Identifying symptom triggers, problematic thought and behavior patterns. Goals are established.

Exposure

Patients confront triggers in gradually intensifying exercises while limiting rituals. Exposure activities may be imaginal, in vivo, informational or interoceptive.

Integration

Patients solidify learnings into everyday life and create relapse prevention plans.

ERP sessions often begin by rating Subjective Units of Distress (SUDs) on a 0-10 scale to gauge patient anxiety levels while completing exposures. SUDs scores inform progress.

Conclusion: Choose What Works Best For You

Online platforms such as Betterhelp.com make ERP therapy more convenient and accessible, while local providers enable real-world practice and customization.

Reflect on your needs, lifestyle, and budget to determine if virtual or in-office treatment suits you. With many reputable options, lasting relief through ERP is within reach.

References

Exposure and Response Prevention in the Treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder: Current Perspectives https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6935308/

APA Dictionary of Psychology https://dictionary.apa.org/exposure-and-response-prevention

A systematic review and meta-analysis on the effectiveness of exposure and response prevention therapy in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jocrd.2021.100684

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ERP for Scrupulosity

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About the author

Saba Imran

Saba Imran

I'm passionate about medical research and writing. I earned my Master's degree in Microbiology because I love learning about tiny microbes and how they impact health. With over 7 years experience as a healthcare researcher and medical writer, I've published many times in international journals. Participating in research projects has given me in-depth knowledge to make complex topics easy to grasp. In my free time, I volunteer at the community science museum to get kids excited about science and discovery. My goal is to take difficult concepts and make them understandable through meticulous research, hopefully benefiting people across the globe. I believe clear science writing can empower us all. Social

5 thoughts on “How to Find ERP Therapy Near Me or Online?”

  1. I believe this website contains some rattling good information for everyone :D. “Nothing great was ever achieved without enthusiasm.” by Ralph Waldo Emerson.

    Reply
  2. As someone who has been struggling with OCD for years, I’ve been considering ERP therapy but didn’t know where to start. This article has been incredibly helpful

    Reply
    • Remember, you’re not alone in this journey and there are professionals ready to support you along the way. I wish you all the best in your path to recovery and healing.

      Reply

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