OCD treatment in Arizona.

OCD is far more than a quirk about cleanliness or orderliness. It's a cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors that can consume hours of your day and make normal life feel impossible. Angela Marton, PMHNP-BC provides psychiatric care to help people across Arizona break free from that cycle. Online across Arizona: 5.0★ on Zocdoc across 88 verified reviews, $179 initial evaluation, and same-week openings often available.

What is OCD?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) involves two core elements: obsessions and compulsions. Obsessions are unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that cause significant distress. Compulsions are behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce that distress — temporarily. The relief doesn't last, and the cycle keeps going.

OCD looks very different from person to person. Common themes include contamination fears, harm obsessions (fear of hurting yourself or others), symmetry and order, and intrusive sexual or religious thoughts. The content of the obsessions isn't what defines OCD — it's the pattern.

One of the cruelest things about OCD is that it often targets the things people care about most. People with harm obsessions don't actually want to hurt anyone — it's the opposite. The obsession is so distressing precisely because it goes against everything they value.

What this can look like.

  • Intrusive thoughts you can't stop, even though you know they're irrational
  • Repetitive behaviors that feel impossible to resist
  • Spending significant time each day on rituals
  • Avoiding situations that trigger obsessions
  • Seeking reassurance repeatedly from others
  • Feeling temporary relief after compulsions, then the obsession returning
  • Shame or secrecy about your thoughts or behaviors
  • Difficulty completing normal tasks because of rituals
  • Distress if you try to resist a compulsion
  • OCD eating up your time, energy, and relationships

How we treat OCD.

Treatment for OCD typically involves a combination of medication and therapy, though medication alone can provide significant symptom relief. Angela manages the psychiatric medication side of OCD treatment.

SSRIs are the primary medications used for OCD, often at higher doses than for depression. They work by reducing the intensity and frequency of obsessions, making it easier to resist compulsions. Some patients also benefit from augmentation with other medications.

Angela may also recommend working with a therapist who specializes in ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention), which is the gold-standard therapy for OCD. Many patients do best with both medication and therapy running simultaneously.

What to expect.

  1. Comprehensive evaluation (45–60 min)

    Angela will ask about your obsessions, compulsions, how much time they take, and how they're affecting your life — without judgment.

  2. Discussion of symptoms and history

    You'll talk through the patterns you've noticed, any previous diagnoses or treatment, and what's worked or not.

  3. Collaborative treatment plan

    Angela will explain the options — medication, therapy referral, or both — and help you decide what to start with.

  4. Follow-up scheduled

    Regular follow-ups to monitor response and adjust medication as needed. OCD treatment often takes a few months to optimize.

Frequently asked.

Do I need medication for OCD?

Medication can significantly reduce the intensity of OCD symptoms, making it easier to function and often making therapy more effective. Many people with OCD benefit from a combination of medication and therapy. Angela will walk through what works best for your situation.

How long does OCD treatment take?

OCD is a chronic condition for most people, but that doesn't mean symptoms can't get much better with treatment. Many patients see significant improvement in 2–3 months. Ongoing medication management helps maintain those gains.

Can I do appointments online?

Yes — all appointments are via HIPAA-compliant telehealth. Many people with OCD find that telehealth reduces barriers to care, since it removes triggers that can come with leaving home or waiting in public spaces.

What if I've tried medication for OCD before and it didn't work?

OCD often requires higher doses of medications than are used for depression, and it can take longer to see the full effect. If you've tried medication before without success, there are other options worth exploring — including different medications and combination strategies.

For more information, visit International OCD Foundation, NIMH OCD resources.

Using insurance? Commercial plans that may be accepted include Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, UnitedHealthcare, and Cigna. View insurance verification and pricing details, then call the member-services number on your card before care. Coverage and network participation vary by exact plan and are not guaranteed. Medicare, Medicaid, and AHCCCS (Arizona Medicaid) are not accepted; patients with those plans are still welcome to book as self-pay.

You don't have to manage this alone.

Book an appointment today — most patients in Arizona can be seen within a few days.

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