Table of Contents

Medical Reviewer

Marjorie Gies, M.D. Psychiatrist & Medical Director

Professional & Experienced Staff

Women’s OCD Treatment in Los Angeles

Mental health disorders can affect anyone at any time. However, there are some populations that are uniquely predisposed to mental health conditions – and others that experience them in unique, complex ways. One needs to look no further than the realities of OCD in women to see how mental health needs can create additional challenges or combine with other stressors. For many women with OCD, it’s challenging to cope with symptoms over time. As a result, some women turn to substances to manage their needs. Casa Serena is a top choice for women’s OCD therapy and OCD treatment in Los Angeles, thanks to our compassionate staff and commitment to serving women from all walks of life. We understand firsthand how the challenges that can come with womanhood may affect mental health and addiction. That’s why we’ve created treatment programs that consider women’s needs above all else. To learn more about our treatment programs or see if they’re a good fit for you, call us at (805) 966-1260 today.
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Understanding OCD in Women: Causes & Challenges

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a mental disorder that causes thoughts (obsessions) and rituals (compulsions) that interfere with daily life. The individual experiencing these thoughts and rituals cannot control or stop them, even if they want to. OCD is a complex condition, and its exact cause is unknown. However, experts believe that a combination of factors like genetics, environment, and brain biology or chemistry likely plays a role. OCD symptoms usually appear during a person’s teen or young adult years, but many girls and women develop symptoms later than their male counterparts. Some risk factors that can increase a woman’s risk of OCD include the presence of other mental health disorders, trauma, and a family history of mental illness. No matter what causes OCD or how it manifests, it’s important to seek help sooner rather than later. Our options for those seeking OCD treatment in Los Angeles can help you identify unwanted thoughts and behaviors as you find ways to manage them.

Signs and Symptoms

What Are the Signs of OCD?

OCD symptoms fall into two main categories: obsessions and compulsions. People with OCD can experience symptoms of either category individually or live with both. The first piece of OCD is obsessions, which are repeated thoughts, urges, or mental images that typically cause anxiety. The focus of obsessions can vary and be unique to each person, but some of the most common themes they center around include:

  • Fear of losing or misplacing items
  • Fear of losing control of your own actions
  • Worries about harming yourself or others
  • Fear about harm coming to yourself or others
  • Fear of germs or contamination
  • Needing things lined up or arranged in a particular, precise manner

Meanwhile, compulsions are the behaviors that individuals feel they need to do over and over to reduce their anxiety. They may also repeat behaviors to try and stop the obsessions. Common OCD compulsions may include:

  • Excessive cleaning or hand washing, which is especially common for women with OCD
  • Compulsive counting
  • Ordering and arranging things in a precise way
  • Repeatedly checking on things, like whether the oven is off or the door is locked

It’s important to note that OCD obsessions and compulsions are not the same things as being tidy or neat. They’re also distinct from other forms of anxiety or mental illness. OCD can be an incredibly draining and consuming disorder, preoccupying the minds of those who experience it for large portions of their days. The toll that OCD takes on mental and physical well-being can have unintended consequences, including the development of a substance use disorder (SUD).

A woman attends therapy for OCD treatment.

Dual Diagnosis Care

The Relationship Between OCD and Substance Abuse

It’s not uncommon for women with OCD to avoid situations and environments that they fear may trigger their symptoms. But sometimes, avoiding these circumstances can be challenging or even impossible. The stress that comes with not being able to quell obsessions or compulsions drives many individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope. This is especially true because many adults with OCD can recognize that their thoughts and behaviors do not make sense. The frustration that can come as a result may further motivate substance abuse. And it’s also true that living with a mental health disorder can overall increase your risk of developing another, including a SUD.

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How Casa Serena Can Help

You or your loved one deserves substance abuse and mental health treatment that puts the client's needs first. At Casa Serena, we offer comprehensive and tailored care that seeks to treat the whole of a person, not just their addiction or mental health needs. We know that there is no single path to recovery, so we adopt a variety of therapy modalities that target mental, physical, and spiritual well-being. How you reach your goals is up to you – we’re here to give you the resources and support you need to get there. Our team understands women because we are women. We know what it’s like to walk a mile in your shoes, and we’re here to be a safe space at the end of the road.

OCD Treatment for Women

Compassionate Women’s OCD Therapy

At Casa Serena, we offer more than addiction treatment for women. We also deliver women’s mental health treatment programs designed with the unique obstacles many women face in mind. We know that women’s needs are often overlooked, misunderstood, or brushed off. We also know that women are almost two times more likely to experience OCD compared to men.

That’s why we’ve created OCD treatment in Los Angeles that’s focused on a woman’s experience. Addressing things like trauma, abuse, sexism, and other challenges that disproportionately affect women is an important part of the healing process for many of our clients. Casa Serena is here to help you get to the heart of your mental health needs, no matter what that looks like for you.

Levels of Care

Substance Abuse Treatment That Makes a Difference

Our women’s substance abuse treatment programs focus on giving clients the coping skills, mental health support, and confidence they need to thrive. We’ll work with you to determine which level of care is best for your needs. Some of our options for substance abuse and OCD treatment in Los Angeles include, but are not limited to, the following:

  • Residential treatment
  • Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
  • Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
  • Traditional outpatient treatment
  • Dual-diagnosis treatment
  • Sub-acute detoxification
  • Aftercare and sober living services
A woman attends therapy for OCD treatment.

Contact Us Today

See Why Women Choose Casa Serena for OCD Treatment in Los Angeles

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, you can count on Casa Serena to deliver. We’re dedicated to providing the highest-quality care for women. We know that supporting women means supporting future generations of mothers, sisters, educators, friends, and thought leaders. If you’re looking for OCD treatment in Los Angeles, look no further than Casa Serena. Through individualized care, a woman-centric culture, and a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies, we drive real results that last a lifetime.

To learn more about our mental health and substance abuse treatment options for women, call us today at (805) 966-1260. Or, contact us directly with any questions or concerns. We’d be honored to be a part of your recovery journey, and we can’t wait to hear how we can help you.

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