Your Next Steps

We Specialize In

Insurance Coverage

Cost Of Care

We Provide

More About Us

Preview Our Treatment Centers Accoss Multiple States

Trichotillomania Hair-Pulling Disorder Treatment, Therapy and Counseling Program

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

14 minutes read
sad young lady laying on the couch.

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. 

If you’re looking for personalized mental health treatment that uses effective and holistic approaches, we welcome you to A Mission For Michael! Our treatment locations are located in California, Washington, and Virginia. Our expert clinical team provides comprehensive and integrative care, addressing the various aspects of your life affected by your mental health challenges.

We provide treatment for a range of mental health concerns including mood disorders, bipolar disorders, trauma related disorders, and dual diagnosis conditions. While we do not provide trichotillomania or OCD treatment as a primary health condition, we may be able to support those who are experiencing mild hair pulling disorder symptoms. We encourage you to contact out admission counselors to review your mental health concerns and determine which treatment options would suit your needs.

What Is Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling) Disorder?

Trichotillomania, also known as hair pulling disorder, is a mental health condition that is known for causing intense urges to pull out hair. Repetitive hair pulling can lead to noticeable hair loss, which can increase emotional distress. Common areas that are affected with this condition include the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, and in some cases, pubic hair.

This condition often develops in response to anxiety and stress, where you may feel as though you have little control. Trichotillomania can lead to a variety of emotions including shame, guilt, embarrassment, and frustration. This is an individualized condition with variations in symptoms. As an example, some may experience relief after engaging in hair pulling, whereas others experience emotional discomfort. These behaviors can occur consciously to cope with distress, or subconsciously during moments of boredom. 

Trichotillomania and OCD do have some similarities, as they are both considered obsessive-compulsive disorders. There are, however, notable differences, with the key feature being that trichotillomania is focused on scalp picking and hair pulling behaviors. Individuals who have tried to stop engaging in this behavior and have been unable to do so can experience a sense of helplessness and a sense of powerlessness. Individuals often avoid situations where others would notice their appearance, which can lead to isolation. If you would like to receive support from a mental health professional, we encourage you to contact AMFM for a confidential and free assessment. This allows us to provide you with insight into your mental health concerns, and review appropriate treatment recommendations.

Trichotillomania treatment can occur in a mental health treatment facility. Counseling services for this condition can specifically target your hair pulling and anxiety symptoms with the use of behavioral therapy, support groups, and specialized therapies. The level of care you receive, and duration of care, can vary due to individual symptoms and level of distress.

There are specific therapies that can be used in psychotherapy sessions including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and more. You may engage in individual therapy and group therapy sessions targeting your specific obsessive hair-pulling behaviors and related anxiety symptoms.

Trichotillomania is most known for compulsive hair pulling. However, there are other symptoms that can occur with this disorder. This is an individualized condition that can look different from case to case. Some of common signs and symptoms of this hair pulling disorder include:

  • Recurrent, irresistible urges to pull out hair, from the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, or other parts of the body.
  • Noticeable hair loss, this can include bald patches on the scalp, thinning eyebrows, and missing eyelashes.
  • Experiencing tension or anxiety before pulling hair, followed by relief or even pleasure after pulling.
  • Previous attempts to stop pulling hair, though this is often unsuccessful.
  • Hair pulling occurs with certain types of hair, such as specific textures or lengths.
  • Having particular rituals or routines related to hair pulling, like examining the hair after pulling it out or chewing on it.
  • Avoiding social situations and activities to avoid having others notice your hair loss. This can also include wearing hats, wigs, or makeup to disguise or hide hair loss
  • Experiencing emotional distress and a significant impairment in daily life, work, or relationships because of hair-pulling behaviors.
  • Unconscious pulling, where hair-pulling occurs while reading, watching TV, or during periods of boredom.
  • Compulsive hair-pulling behavior that continues despite negative consequences, such as embarrassment, shame, or social isolation.

Trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder, typically starts in adolescence or early adulthood and rarely begins after the age of 60. It affects more women than men, with a ratio of about four to one. Some of the more common areas on the body affected include the scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes, which can lead to noticeable hair loss and emotional distress.

This disorder is often accompanied by other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Trichotillomania falls under the category of Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), similar to nail-biting, skin picking, and lip or cheek biting. Although its exact cause remains unknown, research points to genetic predisposition, certain health conditions, age, stress, and environmental influences as potential risk factors.

Does Health Insurance Cover Trichotillomania Hair-Pulling Disorder Treatment Programs?

Health insurance companies often provide insurance coverage for trichotillomania hair-pulling disorder treatment. This may include both inpatient residential and outpatient programs. While there are individual differences among carriers, coverage often includes group therapy, individual therapy, educational sessions, and medication management services.

Complete our AMFM Mental Health Treatment Center insurance verification form. This allows our admission counselors to contact your insurance company and inquire about the details of your coverage, including out-of-pocket expenses, limitations, exclusions, and required prior authorizations.

Trichotillomania Hair-Pulling Disorder Therapy and Treatment Programs Near Me

Similar to other mental health conditions, behavioral health treatment for managing trichotillomania urges comes in a spectrum of intensity. This allows you to receive individualized support during the different stages of your recovery. Examples of common trichotillomania therapy programs include:

Outpatient treatment programs, including evening options, can provide you with flexible support for mild to moderate symptoms. Treatment can include talk therapy and trichotillomania support groups. These treatment programs generally support you while you navigate your typical routine of work, school, or other responsibilities.

Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOPs) are an intensive outpatient treatment option that includes multiple hours of psychotherapy, multiple days each week. These treatment programs can introduce you to emotion regulation and trichotillomania coping skills. These treatment programs can serve as a transition from higher levels of care, to outpatient treatment.

Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHPs) are the most intensive treatment option available in an outpatient treatment facility. These mental health counseling programs provide you with a full day of structured therapy throughout the day, while allowing you to return home in the evenings. Treatment can include psychotherapy, support groups, and medication management services.

Inpatient residential treatment programs are an immersive treatment option. The duration of treatment is based on your unique needs. Those who are experience self-harm and trichotillomania behaviors may require additional support compared to others. Medication management services are often available to address specific symptoms, like intense anxiety.

Online therapy and teletherapy programs may be available for those who are unable to access in-person care. This can be due to geographical location, or other personal circumstances. Providers may offer individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management services through specific applications. These programs are not ideal for everyone because they do not provide the same level of support.

How to Find Trichotillomania Disorder Treatment Facilities Near Me

A Mission For Michael (AMFM) provides comprehensive and holistic therapy programs for those experiencing a range of mental health concerns, including co-existing conditions. Our inpatient residential treatment programs offer 24/7 support and guidance, to help you get your feet on the ground and develop a foundation for long-term recovery. Dial (866)478-4383 to explore available treatment options today.

Counseling and Therapy Programs for Trichotillomania Disorder Near Me

There are several trichotillomania therapies that can be used in treatment programs to address underlying trichotillomania causes. These therapeutic approaches can address specific thoughts and behaviors, making them ideal for varying presentations of this mental health condition. Therapies may be used as a standalone-treatment, but are often combined with other treatments. Commonly used therapies include:

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) Programs

Habit Reversal Training (HRT) is a therapy often used to specifically to address hair loss due to trichotillomania. This approach uses behavioral modification techniques to help you gain awareness of your experience. This allows you to utilize replacement strategies in response to hair pulling urges.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a commonly used therapeutic approach that can help you learn emotion regulation skills to cope with hair pulling urges. This approach can help you improve your impulse control and reduce the anxiety you feel regarding hair pulling behaviors. DBT also includes distress tolerance skills, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills.

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a therapeutic approach that can help you learn to accept your hair pulling urges when they occur, and subsequent anxiety, without acting on these urges. This approach can help you align your behaviors with your values, rather than on the urges or compulsions that you experience.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Cognitive behavioral therapy for hair pulling can address specific thoughts and feelings associated with your trichotillomania. Once you identify unhealthy thoughts and beliefs, you can work to reframe or dispute these beliefs, leading to a reduction in compulsive behaviors and hair pulling disorder acts.

Mindfulness-Based Therapy

Mindfulness-Based Therapy can help you learn how to be aware and present in the moment so that you can reduce unconscious hair-pulling behaviors. This approach will teach you to use meditation techniques to improve your emotional control, and reduce impulsivity.

Group and Family therapy

Trichotillomania support groups can help you connect with others who are experiencing similar challenges. This can be a valuable source of support, encouragement, and validation. Family therapy can help everyone understand what trichotillomania is, and how they can support you in your recovery.
Table of Contents
    Add a header to begin generating the table of contents

    General Inquiry Form

    Complete the form below to receive a prompt call back from a member of our experienced and compassionate admissions staff. All communication is 100% Confidential.

    Contact Us

    More Resources

    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. 

    What Happens at a Trichotillomania Treatment Program?

    Trichotillomania treatment programs focus on helping you learn to reduce your hair-pulling behaviors and effectively cope with triggers. These programs often use structured therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Habit Reversal Training (HRT), and Mindfulness-Based Therapy. Treatment programs can be available in inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

    Within these treatment programs, you’ll work closely with mental health professionals to understand your trichotillomania causes and emotional triggers. This can help you recognize when you can use healthy strategies to cope with your symptoms. Treatment programs can introduce you to relaxation techniques and coping strategies that allow you to manage your symptoms. Reach out to treatment providers directly with inquiries about their treatment programs.

    How Much Does Trichotillomania Hair-Pulling Disorder Treatment Cost With Health Insurance Support?

    Individuals who are using health insurance to pay for their trichotillomania treatment generally have lower expenses compared to those who don’t. Your plan will identify your specific insurance coverage benefits, which can affect your out-of-pocket costs. This can include copay, deductibles, and premiums.

    Insurance carriers tend to offer a range of products and services, which contributes to the variations in prices. AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers can help you understand the scope of your insurance coverage so that you can make informed decisions about your care. Dial (866)478-4383 today.

    teenage girl in therapy with a psychologist

    How Much Does Trichotillomania Disorder Treatment Cost Without Insurance?

    The cost of trichotillomania disorder treatment without health insurance is dependent on several factors. This includes the severity of your symptoms, presence of co-existing conditions, level of care provided, and your use of specialized treatment programs. There may also be variations for treatment providers located in different pockets of the treatment center. Inpatient care generally costs more than outpatient treatment.

    We encourage you to contact treatment providers directly to receive a personalized treatment cost based on your needs.

    Asking for help for a mental health concern can be difficult, and even uncomfortable. For many, knowing what to expect can help reduce some of the uneasiness that can come with seeking help. While AMFM does not provide treatment for those whose main concern is hair pulling disorder, we may provide treatment for mild symptoms. Our admission process includes:

    • Initial contact: The first step is to reach out for help. Depending on the facility, this may be done online, via email, and phone call.
    • Intake assessment: You’ll be scheduled with an admission assessment with a trained and qualified professional. Assessments focus on exploring your current symptoms, level of functioning, and mental health history. This allows professionals to determine which treatment option is ideal for you.
    • Evaluation and diagnosis: During your assessment, your therapist will guide your conversation to align with diagnostic criteria. They may use a screener, questionnaire, or other diagnostic tool to reach an appropriate diagnosis.
    • Personalized treatment plan development: Using the information gathered during your assessment, your clinical team will develop your personalized treatment plan.
    • Insurance verification and financial counseling: Before you begin treatment, your insurance will be verified to ensure that you have a full understanding of your financial responsibilities.
    • Admission approval: Your admission approval will occur once the necessary paperwork and related steps have been completed.
    • Admittance to the program: The next step is to arrive at your admission date, and begin engaging in treatment. This step can vary between inpatient and outpatient treatment programs. Either way, you’ll be provided with an individualized treatment schedule outlining your counseling and therapy activities.
    • Ongoing monitoring and adjustments: Your clinical team will continuously monitor your symptoms and progress to ensure that you’re receiving the care you need. When necessary, adjustments can be made to your treatment schedule.

    Alternative Ways to Find Trichotillomania Treatment Options Near Me

    If you’re looking to explore your nearby trichotillomania hair-pulling disorder treatment, there are several steps that we recommend you take. Keep in mind that the care you receive now can have lasting effects on your emotional wellness and quality of life. Try using some, or all, of the following steps in your search for a trichotillomania treatment program:

    • Search Online: Use search engines using phrases like “Trichotillomania treatment near me” or “Treatment for trichotillomania near me in Orange County,” specifying your location for more accurate results.
    • Ask for Referrals from a Doctor or Therapist: Reach out to your primary care physician, or mental health provider for referrals to specialized treatment centers focused on how to stop trichotillomania.
    • Contact Local Mental Health Clinics: Reach out to local mental health clinics or psychiatric hospitals in your area and ask about available trichotillomania treatment programs.
    • Check with Your Health Insurance Provider: Those who are planning to use their health insurance are encouraged to ask your insurance provider for a list of in-network therapists and treatment centers that address services for compulsive behaviors like hair-pulling.
    • Call National Mental Health Helplines: Helplines including NAMI or SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) can help you find Trichotillomania treatment options within your vicinity.
    • Explore Online Therapy Options: Teletherapy treatment options may be a viable option for those with limited treatment options and those looking for flexible treatment options.
    • Trichotillomania symptoms can affect individuals of all ages, but has not been found to start over the age of 60.
    • Hair-pulling disorder affects more women than men, with prevalence rates at an estimated four to one ration for women compared to men.
    • Common comorbid conditions include obsessive compulsive disorder, anxiety, ADHD, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
    • Common  Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) include nail-biting, skin picking, and biting lips or cheeks.
    •  Trichotillomania causes are not clear, but research has indicated risk factors include a family history of this condition, certain health conditions, age, stress, and environmental factors. 

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