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OCD Evaluation & Medication Management in Alaska

Psychiatric evaluation and treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. Statewide telehealth for adolescents and adults. Alaska Medicaid accepted.

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Understanding OCD

More Than Just Wanting Things Organized

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is fundamentally misunderstood. It's not about being neat, organized, or perfectionist. OCD is a condition in which intrusive, unwanted thoughts — obsessions — cause significant distress, and people develop repetitive behaviors or mental rituals — compulsions — to reduce that distress. For many people with OCD, these rituals can occupy hours each day and profoundly interfere with work, relationships, and daily functioning.

One of the most difficult aspects of OCD is the paradox that many people with OCD know their thoughts and fears are irrational, yet feel unable to stop the cycle. The thoughts feel real and pressing, even when the person recognizes intellectually that they don't make sense. This gap between knowing and being able to stop is a defining feature of the disorder and often leads to shame and isolation.

OCD is frequently misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression, which delays effective treatment. The average time from symptom onset to accurate diagnosis is years. Additionally, OCD commonly co-occurs with other conditions: ADHD, anxiety, depression, and PTSD can all occur alongside OCD. In adolescents, OCD may present differently than in adults — sometimes starting suddenly after an infection or stressor, and sometimes manifesting as social withdrawal or school avoidance rather than obvious compulsions.

OCD is treatable. With a thorough psychiatric evaluation, the right combination of medication and therapy, and proper coordination of care, people with OCD can experience significant improvement.

Common Presentations

Types of OCD

OCD manifests in many ways. These are the most common patterns we see in practice.

Contamination & Cleaning
Obsessive fear of contamination (germs, bodily fluids, environmental toxins) leading to excessive washing, cleaning rituals, avoidance of certain places or people, or difficulty touching objects. The compulsions provide temporary relief but the anxiety returns.
Harm & Checking
Intrusive thoughts about causing harm to oneself or others (through accident or direct action), combined with compulsions to check (doors locked, stove off, brake pedal, etc.) repeatedly. The checking provides only brief reassurance before doubt returns.
Symmetry & Ordering
Compulsive need for things to be symmetrical, aligned, or "just right." This can lead to ritualistic organizing, rearranging, or repetitive movements. The discomfort that arises when things are not perfectly ordered drives the compulsion.
Intrusive Thoughts (Pure O)
Unwanted, distressing thoughts about violence, sexuality, religion, death, or harm — without obvious external compulsions. The compulsions are often mental (rumination, thought suppression, reassurance seeking) rather than visible behaviors, making this form harder to recognize and diagnose.

Recognizing the Signs

Common Signs of OCD in Adults and Adolescents

If several of these have been present for weeks or months, a psychiatric evaluation may help clarify what's going on.

✓ Intrusive thoughts that are unwanted, disturbing, and difficult to dismiss
✓ Compulsive rituals or behaviors performed to reduce distress from the thoughts
✓ Rituals that occupy significant time each day (sometimes hours)
✓ Avoidance of situations, places, or objects that trigger obsessive thoughts
✓ Significant distress when rituals are interrupted or prevented
✓ Mental compulsions (rumination, thought-checking, mental counting, reassurance-seeking)
✓ Repeatedly seeking reassurance from others about fears or doubts
✓ Extreme difficulty tolerating uncertainty or ambiguity
✓ Awareness that the thoughts and behaviors are excessive or irrational, but inability to stop
✓ Significant interference with work, school, relationships, or daily functioning

Treatment Approach

How We Approach OCD Treatment

OCD treatment begins with a thorough psychiatric evaluation. We assess the specific nature of your obsessions and compulsions, how long you've experienced them, how much time they consume, how much distress they cause, and what effect they have on your daily life. We also screen for co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, or ADHD that may be present alongside OCD.

Medication is one important component of OCD treatment. A psychiatric provider can evaluate whether medication is appropriate for your situation and, if so, determine which approach is most likely to help based on your symptom profile and medical history. Follow-up appointments monitor your response, screen for side effects, and make adjustments as needed.

We also work with therapists and other providers. If therapy is part of your treatment plan, we can help with referrals and coordinate care. We maintain communication with your other providers to ensure a consistent, coordinated approach to your treatment.

Common Questions

OCD Treatment FAQ

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is characterized by two core features: obsessions (intrusive, unwanted thoughts that cause distress) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental rituals aimed at reducing that distress). It's not about being neat or organized — it can be profoundly debilitating and interfere significantly with daily life.
Yes. Psychiatric evaluation and medication management for OCD are well-suited to telehealth. All appointments are conducted via secure HIPAA-compliant video. You need a reliable internet connection and a private space.
Yes. We are in-network with Alaska Medicaid, Premera Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna, TRICARE/TriWest, Optum/UnitedHealthcare, Cigna, and MultiPlan.
No. While OCD and anxiety disorders share some features — both involve distress — they are distinct conditions requiring different approaches. OCD is characterized by the specific pattern of obsessions and compulsions. A thorough psychiatric evaluation clarifies the diagnosis.
That history is important and directly informs your treatment plan. We review what was tried, at what doses, for how long, why it was discontinued, and what the response was. Prior treatment failure doesn't mean treatment won't work — it means the approach needs to be adjusted.
No. You can book directly. If your PCP or therapist has referred you, we welcome that context — but a referral is not required to schedule.
Related Services
ADHD Anxiety Depression PTSD Medication Management
Statewide Alaska Telehealth
Secure HIPAA-compliant video appointments from wherever you are in Alaska. You must be physically located in Alaska at the time of your appointment.
Appointments Within 1–2 Days
New patient appointments are typically available within 1–2 days of booking. No referral required.
Insurance Accepted
Alaska Medicaid, Premera BCBS, Aetna, TRICARE/TriWest, Optum/UHC, Cigna, MultiPlan. See fee schedule →

Ready to Schedule?

New patient appointments available within 1–2 days. No referral required. Alaska Medicaid accepted. Statewide telehealth.

Book Appointment → Call (907) 600-5227