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OCD Intrusive Thoughts Treatment, Therapy and Counseling Program

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

14 minutes read
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We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

At A Mission For Michael, we provide comprehensive and personalized care for those experiencing a range of mental health challenges. With treatment locations available in California, Washington, and Virginia, our programs address a variety of mental health conditions. While we don’t offer programming for OCD treatment  we can support those experiencing mild symptoms, like intrusive thoughts.

Mood disorders, personality disorders, trauma-related conditions, and dual diagnosis conditions are some of the mental health conditions our treatment programs focus on. Intrusive thoughts are commonly associated with OCD. However, it is possible to struggle with these thoughts without meeting criteria for OCD, and when you’re experiencing other mental health conditions. We will spend time talking about intrusive thoughts, and how they can impact your day. This will be followed by an overview of treatment options that could help you if you’re experiencing persistent intrusive thoughts.

What Is OCD - Obsessive Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition that generally includes the presence of obsessive thoughts, or obsessions, and compulsive behaviors, also known as compulsions. These symptoms can cause significant disruptions to your day, and be time-consuming. While you may experience relief from obsessions by engaging in compulsions, this relief is often temporary.

There are a number of themes that can be present for these unwanted thoughts, each of which are connected to different behavioral compulsions. Compulsions are an urge that many have a hard time coping with. The distress that this can cause can affect your emotions, behaviors, relationships, and personal responsibilities. It is not uncommon for those living with OCD to have their symptoms intensify during periods of high stress.

While the effects of OCD can feel debilitating, there is hope. Evidence-based practices like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) can be used in both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Mental health treatment helps you develop the skills and knowledge you need to effectively manage and cope with your OCD symptoms.

Intrusive thoughts are unwanted, and often distressing thoughts or images that come to mind involuntary. These repetitive negative thoughts may not be related to your personal values, beliefs, and knowledge, which can increase anxiety symptoms and cause guilt. Some even have awareness that their intrusive thoughts are not healthy or realistic, but they still struggle to manage them.

While intrusive thoughts are most commonly associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder, they can be a part of other mental health conditions. This includes Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), depression, body dysmorphic disorder, social anxiety disorder, schizophrenia, and other psychotic disorders.

The nature of intrusive thoughts can vary greatly. You may experience persistent negative or self-critical thoughts, repetitive thoughts about being judged or embarrassed in social settings, or have distressing thoughts about harming others. If you have been struggling with intrusive thoughts, we encourage you to contact A Mission For Michael to access our confidential and free assessment to discuss how mental health treatment programs could support you.

OCD intrusive thoughts are individualized experiences, that can look different for everyone. The nature of unwanted thoughts can provoke a range of emotional and psychological responses, which can significantly impact your everyday life. Some of the common repetitive negative thoughts people experience include, but are not limited to:

  • Fear of contamination: You may worry excessively about germs, dirt, or being infected, which can lead to compulsive cleaning or avoidance behaviors.
  • Harming others unintentionally: Intrusive thoughts could focus on accidentally hurting loved ones or strangers, even though there is no desire to cause harm.
  • Sexual intrusive thoughts: This can include distressing, unwanted thoughts about inappropriate sexual behavior. This often causes guilt or shame, though you may have no intention of acting on them.
  • Religious or blasphemous thoughts: Obsessive thoughts about sinning, offending religious figures, or violating moral or religious rules can occur. This can contribute to compulsive prayer or rituals for reassurance.
  • Fear of causing harm to oneself: You may have concerned thoughts of self-harm or suicide that do not align with your true desires. This can lead to feelings of confusion and anxiety.
  • Perfectionism and fear of making mistakes: Intrusive thoughts about doing things perfectly or fearing making mistakes. This can contribute to compulsive behaviors like repetitive checking or correcting behaviors.
  • Harmful thoughts towards children or loved ones: Fear of acting inappropriately or aggressively toward children or family members, despite having no intent to do so.
  • Doubts about relationships: Constantly doubting one’s feelings or actions within relationships. You may worry about whether you love your partner, or that they love you.
  • Unwanted aggressive thoughts: Thoughts may include violent acts, which can be distressing because they go against your values and beliefs.

Insurance Providers Near Me That Cover Intrusive Thoughts Treatment, Therapy and Counseling Programs

There are a number of insurance companies that commonly cover some, or most, of the costs associated with intrusive thoughts treatment. This includes carriers like BlueCross BlueShield, Aetna, UnitedHealthcare, Cigna Health Insurance, and Kaiser Permanente. It is important to note that each of these carriers offers their own assortment of products and services, which accounts for the range of coverage options.

Call us today for assistance in understanding the extent of your insurance coverage, and how it applies to the treatment program you’d benefit from at this time.

What is a Treatment Center for OCD Intrusive Thoughts?

Behavioral health treatment centers that provide intrusive thoughts treatment can utilize a range of therapeutic approaches. This can include cognitive behavioral therapy for intrusive thoughts, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and mindfulness-based therapy. Treatment can include educational sessions, individual therapy, and group therapy for whole-person care.

Managing intrusive thoughts can be incorporated into both inpatient and outpatient treatment programs, allowing you to access the level of care you need to effectively address your negative thought patterns. If you have specific questions about how obsessive intrusive thoughts treatment can help you, we encourage you to call us today.

How to Find Treatment for Intrusive Thoughts Near Me

A Mission For Michael provides residential treatment programming in several locations in the United States. While our programs are not ideal for those whose primary mental health concern is OCD, we may be able to provide you with treatment if you’re experiencing mild intrusive thoughts. We invite you to call (866)478-4383 to discuss your treatment needs with our admission counselors.

Common Treatment Programs for Intrusive Thoughts

Treatment programs specifically designed to provide OCD intrusive thoughts therapy can help you learn to manage distress, reduce anxiety and intrusive thoughts, and improve daily functioning. Some of the common programs with counseling services and other treatments for intrusive thoughts include:

Outpatient and Evening Treatment Programs

Outpatient treatment and evening treatment programs can provide you with flexible treatment options while you’re managing intrusive thoughts within your home environment. These programs provide you with time to manage your daily responsibilities, and engage in mental health counseling. The frequency and duration of treatment is dependent on your needs, highlighting the individualized nature of these treatment programs.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) and Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP)

Intensive Outpatient Programming (IOP) and Partial Hospitalization Programming (PHP) can provide you with intensive care, while you live in your home environment. PHPs are more intensive than IOPs, providing a full day of care most days of the week. IOPs focus on group therapy, with additional time for individual therapy when necessary.

Day Treatment Programs

Day treatment programs, also known as Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) can provide you with a full day of support for mental compulsions and ruminating thoughts. These controlled settings often provide you with a variety of therapeutic activities in your day, including psychotherapy, psychiatric care, and skill building sessions.

Residential and Inpatient Treatment Programs

Residential and inpatient treatment programs can provide you with professional support and guidance throughout the day and evening hours. These programs are ideal for those experiencing severe symptoms, who are unable to cope with their intrusive thoughts within their home environments. There are often variations in treatment length, available amenities, and specialized treatment options.

Common Therapy Approaches for OCD Intrusive Thoughts

Treatment for OCD intrusive thoughts focus on reducing your overall level of distress and learning to cope with intrusive thoughts and anxiety symptoms. There are a number of techniques to stop intrusive thoughts, some of which belong to the following therapeutic approaches: 

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a form of talk therapy that can be used to help identify and challenge irrational beliefs and cognitive distortions that are tied to your intrusive thoughts. You can learn to restructure your thoughts to decrease the emotional impact they have, and the intensity of behavioral and mental compulsions you experience.

Exposure and Response Prevention, or ERP, can help you gradually face your unwanted thoughts without later engaging in the compulsions commonly associated with OCD. This approach can help build resilience and decrease your use of avoidance behaviors with continued talk therapy sessions.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be used for OCD intrusive thoughts therapy. This approach helps you learn to accept your thoughts as they arise, rather than avoiding them or using thought suppression strategies. This is a values-driven approach that can help you change how you respond to your intrusive thoughts.

Mindfulness for intrusive thoughts can help you learn to observe intrusive thoughts as they arise, without judging or criticizing yourself for them. This can help decrease the intensity and severity of your emotional responses to these unwanted thoughts, helping you learn to stay calm and in control with their present.

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    Find out about our free assessments and admissions process

    We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.

    If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help. 

    Does Insurance Cover OCD Intrusive Thoughts Treatment Programs Near Me?

    Yes, most insurance plans provide insurance coverage for OCD and intrusive thoughts treatment. The coverage that you’re eligible for is dependent on who your insurance carrier is, and the details of your insurance policy. Generally, inpatient residential and outpatient treatment programs are included in coverage options.

    If you would like to learn about the scope of your insurance, and how it applies to treatment for intrusive thoughts, we encourage you to complete the insurance verification form offered by AMFM. With this information, we can contact your insurance carrier directly and inquire about the extent of your coverage, including out-of-pocket expenses.

    How Much Does Intrusive Thoughts Treatment Cost Without Health Insurance Coverage?

    The cost of treatment for those struggling with intrusive thoughts is dependent on the care that you receive. This includes the intensity of treatment, duration of care, use of specialized services, the location, and the credentials of your clinical team. Outpatient psychotherapy sessions often cost between $100 to $200 per day, with intensive outpatient treatment costing more.

    Inpatient and residential care generally has higher expenses because of the added amenities, intensity of treatment, room and board. These programs can range from $500 to $2000 per day, with those who receive specialized care having higher treatment expenses. Contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers today by dialing (866)478-4383 for a personalized quote for mental health treatment.

    Knowing what to expect during the admission process can decrease some of the anxiety and worry that comes with this transition. We have created a list including steps that are commonly included in the admission process to intrusive thought treatment programs. Keep in mind that there may be variations among different providers.

    • Initial contact: The first step is to reach out for help. You can often do this online, or with a phone call.
    • Preliminary consultation: After you reach out for help, admission counselors will inquire about the symptoms you’re experiencing, and the toll they’re having on your day-to-day life. This helps them determine if their program would be a good fit for you.
    • Intake assessment: You will then be scheduled for an intake assessment that takes a deep dive into understanding your unwanted, intrusive thoughts, along with your mental health history and overall level of functioning.
    • Evaluation and diagnosis: The information gathered is then used to determine if their treatment program is appropriate for your unique needs. Your clinical team will then determine if your symptoms align with a mental health condition or concern, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder.
    • Personalized treatment plan development: Using the information learned in your intake assessment, your clinical team will develop your personalized treatment plan. This will guide your treatment, and provide you with goals to work towards.
    • Insurance verification and financial counseling: Your insurance will be verified before you engage in treatment. This allows you to make an informed decision, knowing the costs of treatment.
    • Admission approval and scheduling: Once the previous steps are completed, you’ll be given an admission date.
    • Admittance to the program: Once you arrive at the treatment facility, you’ll receive a brief orientation and introduction to familiarize yourself with your surroundings.
    • Ongoing monitoring and adjustments: Your clinical team will monitor your progress throughout your treatment to ensure that your needs are being met and that you’re working towards your clinical goals.

    If you have been struggling with persistent unwanted thoughts, mental health counseling could be beneficial. Treatment could provide you with the tools and support you need to manage your mental health and intrusive thoughts. We encourage you to try using some, if not all, of the following steps, in your search:

    • Search for Mental Health Treatment Centers: Use popular search engines to look for “OCD intrusive thoughts treatment near me” or “Intrusive thoughts OCD treatment near me.” For more specific results, you can add in your location or region of interest.
    • Explore Local Mental Health Clinics and Hospitals: Reach out to mental health clinics or hospitals in your area and inquire about their available therapy programs. They may offer counseling services for unwanted thoughts, or know of appropriate treatment providers. 
    • Check Local University Mental Health Programs: Look into mental health treatment services offered at local universities. These institutions may provide specialized treatment options for those living with OCD or intrusive thoughts.
    • Contact Community Health Centers: Contact your community health centers offering affordable mental health services and inquire about treatment options for intrusive thoughts.
    • Search for Specialized OCD Clinics: Look for specialized clinics in your area that focus on OCD treatment, including obsessive thoughts.
    • Consider Telehealth Options: Many local clinics offer teletherapy services, allowing you to access therapy services from the comfort of your home. 
    • An estimated 6 million adults in the U.S. experience intrusive thoughts.
    • One study indicated that 80% of participants who did not have a mental health condition, such as OCD, experience intrusive or unwanted thoughts. A key difference was that these individuals were able to cope with and manage these thoughts with ease unlike those who are living with OCD.
    • Multiple research studies have been done exploring the prevalence of intrusive thoughts among  college students. One study found that about 99% of participants experienced at least one intrusive thought, and the other found that 94% experienced intrusive thoughts in the previous 3 months.
    • Studies have shown that the prefrontal cortex is an area of the brain that is that controls our ability to control our thoughts, and may play a role in the occurrence of intrusive thoughts.
    • Rumination often contributes to the continual presence of unwanted, intrusive thoughts.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.