OCD and PTSD
OCD may involve intrusive thoughts or repetitive behaviors, while PTSD may involve trauma-related distress, avoidance, or feeling constantly on guard.
Most appointments are provided by secure video for patients located in California.
Reasons people seek help
- Unwanted intrusive thoughts or images
- Repeated checking, rituals, or reassurance seeking
- Distressing memories, nightmares, or physical reactions
- Avoidance of reminders, places, or conversations
- Emotional numbness, shame, or feeling disconnected
- Hypervigilance, irritability, or a persistent sense of danger
What an OCD or PTSD evaluation may involve
Dr. Yang asks about current symptoms, when they began, what makes them better or worse, time spent managing them, their effect on functioning, past treatment, medication experiences, related medical history, and your goals.
Trauma-related concerns are discussed at a respectful pace. For obsessive-compulsive symptoms, the evaluation considers how distress, rituals, repeated reassurance seeking, and avoidance interact.
How OCD and PTSD care may be approached
Care may include medication management and psychotherapy integrated into psychiatric care. Dr. Yang explains possible benefits, limitations, and alternatives before you decide together based on your priorities.
Psychotherapy-oriented work may help identify how fear, rituals, and avoidance maintain distress and build more workable responses. Dr. Yang uses a respectful, trauma-informed pace that reflects your readiness, symptoms, and goals.
When another setting may be needed
Urgent safety concerns, severe loss of functioning, or a need for intensive trauma-focused or exposure-based psychotherapy may be better served in a setting that can provide that level of treatment. Frequent in-person monitoring or urgent stabilization may also require another setting.
Common questions about OCD and PTSD treatment
Do I have to describe every detail of a trauma at the first visit?
No. The initial focus is on current symptoms, their effect on life, relevant history, and your goals. Details are discussed only when useful and at a pace that fits your situation.
Can I discuss intrusive thoughts without being judged or misunderstood?
Yes. Dr. Yang considers unwanted intrusive thoughts in context and distinguishes thoughts, urges, and actual intent. The purpose is to understand the distress respectfully, not to blame or shame you.
Helpful before scheduling
You don’t have to figure out the next step alone.
If intrusive thoughts, rituals, or trauma symptoms feel overwhelming, a thoughtful evaluation can help.