OCD Assessment in Ontario

I am fully aware that seeking OCD treatment can feel intimidating, especially when symptoms involve intrusive thoughts that are often uncomfortable to discuss. I’d like to think that I have heard it all and the truth is that little phases me when it comes to OCD obsessions and the odd angles it can sometimes take. Perhaps, because I’ve been doing this for many years, it’s just part of the work. That’s good news for you, because I’ve heard that my comfort can often make it more comfortable for my patients to discuss some of their distressing thoughts and images. What is most important to note is that treatment for OCD is structured, collaborative, and paced carefully. The goal is not to eliminate thoughts, but to change the way you respond to them over time.  

Who OCD Assessment Is Helpful For

  • Individuals with intrusive thoughts and doubt

  • People stuck in reassurance-seeking loops

  • Those unsure whether symptoms “count” as OCD

When OCD Assessment May Not Be the Right Fit

  • Looking for reassurance or certainty

  • Not ready to work with uncertainty

What Does OCD Treatment Look Like?



Step 1: Comprehensive Assessment

I will complete a full evaluation (assessment) with every patient at our first meeting. This will help me better understand the nature of your intrusive thoughts, images, and urges. I will also ask questions about your physical and mental compulsions. We'll also talk about what situations and things you stay away from, and what reassurances you seek.  I will also ask you how your symptoms affect your daily functioning. Lastly, I will determine if there are additional anxiety or mood issues present

Step #2: Understanding How OCD Works

I will provide you with an explanation regarding how your OCD or anxiety related disorder works. I explain why complusions/safety behaviours and avoidance provide short term relief but long term only worsen your symptoms. I'll also talk with you and your family (if you want) about why reassurance and certainty seeking usually don't help in the long run. Lastly, I will speak about how treatment will be paced and adjusted to make treatment as comfortable as possible. My approach is focused on meaningful and lasting improvement rather than partial symptom reduction. OCD is highly treatable when evidence based approaches are applied consistently, though treatment requires effort and a willingness to tolerate uncertainty.

Step #3: Cognitive and Acceptance Based Treatment

We will discuss and implement Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (I-CBT) in our work together. This will assist in helping you identify unhelpful patterns of thinking that reinforce compulsions and avoidance. I will also assist in helping you meet each intrusive thought differently. The intent is to help you reduce the negative emotions you have towards each intrusive thought and help you recognize that the OCD is simply attempting to protect you from what you believe you are unable to cope with.

Step #4: Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)

We work together on the exposure and response prevention (ERP) elements of treatment. With care and compassion, we work collaboratively to reduce your rituals. Once all of the rituals have been decreased, we introduce some of the triggers that were causing distress. This is done when you are completely ready to do so. It’s important to know that once my patients complete the cognitive work, they are often eager to want to do the exposure work needed to complete treatment.

Length of OCD Treatment:

Treatment length varies depending on symptom severity, complexity, and engagement. Many patients complete focused OCD treatment in approximately 10–15 sessions, though this is reviewed collaboratively throughout therapy.

If you are considering OCD treatment and would like to discuss whether this approach is right for you, you are welcome to get in touch to book a consultation. OCD treatment is available to adults in Ontario through secure virtual sessions.

This page was written, reviewed, and authored by Robert Roopa, Clinical Psychologist, Ontario, Canada.