Living in your own head shouldn't feel like a battle every day. Most people with OCD suffer for years before finding the right help. You found it.
Why OCD Needs a Specialist
Most therapists aren't trained to treat OCD — and the wrong approach can make it worse.
Research shows generalized talk therapy either does not improve OCD or can actively worsen it. With over 5 years of specialized experience, I use structured, evidence-based methods clinically proven to work.
OCD is frequently misdiagnosed and goes undertreated for years.
There is hope. With the right support, you can break the OCD cycle.
How We Work Together
A structured path forward
No endless sessions rehashing your past with no clear path forward. A structured, three-step process built around the science of OCD treatment.
01
I Learn About You
1–2 intake sessions to understand your OCD experience and history. You'll begin curated reading and listening resources.
02
You Learn About OCD
~2 sessions becoming an expert in how this disorder works and exactly what it takes to separate yourself from its grip.
03
We Act Together
Guided evidence-based methods to unhook from upsetting thoughts and compulsive behaviors — reclaiming your life.
Do You See Yourself Here?
OCD wears many faces
It's not just about hand washing — OCD touches every corner of human experience.
Contamination OCD
Fear of germs, substances, or feeling contaminated
Harm OCD
Intrusive thoughts about harming yourself or others
Relationship OCD
Obsessive doubts about your relationship or partner
Morality OCD
Fear of violating your values or ethical standards
Health Anxiety OCD
Obsessive fears about illness, symptoms, or death
SO-OCD & More
Sexual orientation, "just right," and other subtypes
Telehealth — New York & Florida
Real therapy, from wherever you are.
I see clients entirely via telehealth — which means you get the same structured, evidence-based OCD treatment without having to commute, sit in a waiting room, or rearrange your schedule. If you're located in New York State or Florida, we can work together.
About Amanda
A therapist who truly specializes in OCD
I'm a licensed therapist passionate about treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder because of how often it goes underdiagnosed and improperly treated. You deserve a clear plan, real tools, and a provider who has walked this road with hundreds of clients.
Maybe you've already been to talk therapy and still find yourself feeling powerless to this recurrent problem. Maybe you've never tried therapy and are hesitant because you're not sure it will actually help. Both experiences make sense — generalized talk therapy is often not the right tool for OCD.
Research shows that OCD either does not improve or can get worse with standard talk therapy. That's not a flaw in you. It's a mismatch between the treatment and the diagnosis. My approach is different: structured, evidence-based, and built specifically for OCD.
With over 5 years of experience, I have seen countless clients finally access a life free from excessive rumination, doubt, and fear. My goal is to help you learn to overcome the cycle of fear OCD pulls you into — and take your power back.
ERPEvidence-based method
NYLicensed in New York State
I work with adults who may look like they have it all together on the outside — while privately battling an internal world that feels completely out of control. If that sounds like you, you're in the right place.
I am also a queer-identifying therapist and warmly welcome LGBTQ+ clients. I understand firsthand the importance of finding a therapist who gets it — a space where you don't have to explain or justify your identity before getting to the real work.
The Therapy Process
Structure, clarity, and a path forward
Unlike traditional talk therapy, working with me follows a clear, intentional structure designed specifically for OCD. Each phase builds on the last — moving you from understanding to action.
1
I Learn About You
In our first 1–2 sessions, I ask thoughtful questions to deeply understand your unique OCD experience — its history, its patterns, and how it has shaped your daily life.
You'll also begin reading a book about OCD and listening to a recommended podcast — starting to understand what you're dealing with at a deeper level.
2
You Learn About OCD
Over roughly 2 sessions, you'll become a true expert in how OCD works — why the compulsions seem to help but don't, and what it takes to break the cycle. The more clearly you understand OCD's mechanics, the less control it has over you.
3
We Act
This is where the real work — and the real relief — happens. I guide you through evidence-based methods (primarily ERP: Exposure and Response Prevention) to unhook from upsetting thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
We move at a pace that challenges you without overwhelming you, gradually reclaiming the life OCD has been holding hostage.
Ready to start?
A free 20-minute consultation is your first step. We'll talk about what you're experiencing, what to expect, and whether we're a good fit.
Understanding OCD
OCD is not what most people think
Most people picture OCD as quirky habits or a love of neatness. The reality is far more painful — and far more varied — than that.
Subtype 01
Relationship OCD (ROCD)
Obsessive doubts and intrusive thoughts about romantic relationships, friendships, or any close bond — even when the relationship is objectively healthy and loving.
Constantly questioning whether you truly love your partner or whether the relationship is "right"
Obsessive fear that your partner will cheat on you or secretly wants someone else
Analyzing every text, tone of voice, or facial expression for hidden meaning
Friendship ROCD — compulsively checking if a friend has texted back, reading into response time, and fearing the friendship is over
Seeking constant reassurance from your partner, friends, or family about the relationship
Subtype 02
Existential OCD
Obsessive, unanswerable philosophical questions about reality, existence, and consciousness — not curious exploration, but a distressing loop that won't turn off.
Wondering if you are actually real or if life is a simulation
Feeling like you are living in the Truman Show — that none of this is real
Obsessively questioning whether other people have consciousness or if you're the only real person
Panic about the nature of time, death, or the universe that spirals for hours
Derealization — feeling detached from yourself or your surroundings — fueled by OCD loops
Subtype 03
Sexual Intrusion OCD
Unwanted, intrusive thoughts or fears related to sex and sexual performance — not a reflection of desire, but an OCD loop that latches onto sexuality as its theme.
Obsessing over whether you will become aroused in an unwanted or "wrong" situation
Fear of not being able to perform sexually — with a partner or alone — and spiraling about what that means
Worrying your partner is judging your body, performance, or desire during intimacy
Intrusive sexual thoughts about inappropriate people followed by intense shame — even though you find them repulsive
Avoidance of sex or intimacy altogether to escape the anxiety
Subtype 04
Sexual Orientation OCD (SO-OCD)
Intrusive, unwanted doubts about one's sexual orientation or gender identity — not genuine questioning, but obsessive uncertainty that causes distress regardless of evidence.
Excessive questioning of identity even when evidence of clarity exists
Scrolling online for hours seeking the "correct" label or definitive answer
Bisexual individuals doubting which gender they "should" be with
Analyzing every feeling, reaction, or attraction as proof of something
Subtype 05
Pedophilia OCD (POCD)
One of the most distressing and misunderstood subtypes — intrusive thoughts about harming children, despite having no such desire whatsoever. The horror felt about these thoughts is itself evidence they are OCD, not intent.
Unwanted intrusive thoughts about children, followed by extreme shame and self-disgust
Avoiding children, schools, or playgrounds out of fear of one's own thoughts
Repeatedly seeking reassurance: "Am I a bad person? Does this make me a predator?"
The distress felt is the hallmark — people with genuine predatory intent do not experience this horror
Subtype 06
Harm OCD
Intrusive, unwanted thoughts about harming yourself or others — even though you have absolutely no desire or intention to do so.
Ruminating about saying something inappropriate at work and obsessively checking coworkers' reactions
Fear that not saying "I love you" before a goodbye will cause something terrible
Worrying about involuntarily blurting offensive words, leading to going quiet or pressing lips together
Intrusive images of hurting someone you love, followed by deep shame and reassurance-seeking
Subtype 07
Morality OCD (Scrupulosity)
Obsessive fears of violating your own moral code, ethical values, or religious beliefs — often in ways that are impossible to fully resolve.
Spending hours reviewing past actions to confirm 100% ethical behavior
Confessing perceived wrongdoings repeatedly to try to feel absolved
Fear of accidentally offending someone and endlessly analyzing what you said
Religious OCD — intrusive blasphemous thoughts causing intense guilt
Subtype 08
Health Anxiety OCD
Obsessive fears about illness, disease, dying, or physical symptoms — for yourself or people you love — leading to compulsive checking and reassurance-seeking.
Hours researching symptoms online, convinced you have a serious illness like ALS, cancer, or rabies
Compulsive doctor visits or body-checking for lumps, spots, or changes
Fear of contracting disease from everyday exposure — lakes, animals, public spaces
Classic fears: rabies from a bat, brain-eating amoeba from swimming in a lake, flesh-eating bacteria from a cut
Subtype 09
"Just Right" OCD
A persistent need for things to feel balanced, complete, symmetrical, or exactly right — or else something feels deeply off.
Needing to re-read, re-write, or re-say something until it "feels right"
Extreme distress if a daily routine is disrupted in even small ways
Arranging objects symmetrically and being unable to move on if it's not perfect
Obsessive worry about eating "perfectly" — right foods, right amounts, right timing (often treated in collaboration with a dietitian)
Subtype 10
Checking OCD
Compulsive, repetitive checking behaviors driven by the fear that something terrible will happen if you don't verify — again and again.
Checking that the stove is off, doors are locked, or appliances are unplugged multiple times before leaving
Returning home repeatedly to verify something was done
Re-reading emails or texts over and over before sending to catch a mistake
Mentally reviewing conversations to make sure nothing offensive was said
Subtype 11
Superstitious / Magical Thinking OCD
A belief that certain thoughts, numbers, words, or actions are linked to bad outcomes — and that rituals must be performed to prevent catastrophe.
Avoiding certain numbers, colors, or phrases because they feel "unlucky" or dangerous
Needing to repeat an action a specific number of times to "cancel out" a bad thought
Believing that thinking about something bad will make it happen
Touching objects in a particular order or saying specific words as a protective ritual
Subtype 12
Contamination OCD
Intense fear of germs, dirt, chemicals, or substances — leading to compulsive cleaning, avoidance, or rituals to feel "clean." The most commonly recognized subtype, but often more complex than it appears.
Avoiding cooking meat despite knowing how to cook safely
Excessive hand washing after touching safe surfaces like doorknobs
Fear of public bathrooms, other people's homes, or shared objects
Tapping or wiping hands in a specific pattern as a ritual after contact
Don't see your experience here?
OCD is endlessly varied and can attach to virtually any theme. If you're experiencing intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors, or overwhelming doubt and fear — reach out. We'll figure it out together.
Investment in Your Care
Rates & Insurance
I offer services as a private-pay, out-of-network provider. Many insurance plans reimburse a significant portion of out-of-network therapy costs.
Session Rates
My rates reflect the specialized, evidence-based care I provide. As a private-pay therapist, sessions are paid directly at the time of service.
Please reach out during a free consultation to discuss current session fees — I'm happy to walk you through what to expect.
Out-of-network benefits: Your insurance plan may cover a portion of my fees. I work directly with a service that handles the OON reimbursement process for you, automatically.
Before committing to therapy, let's talk. A free 20-minute consult is an opportunity to:
✓ Hear what to expect from therapy with me
✓ Ask questions about my approach
✓ Determine if we're a good fit to work together
✓ Schedule your intake session if we both feel ready
Why private pay?
Choosing a private-pay therapist means your care is never dictated by an insurance company. Sessions aren't limited by arbitrary restrictions, diagnoses don't need to be filed in your medical record without consent, and your treatment can be as long or as focused as you actually need.
Get in Touch
Let's find out if we're the right fit
A free 20-minute consultation is the first step. I'll explain my approach, ask a few questions, and you'll have space to briefly share what's been going on.
Telehealth OnlyAccepting clients located in New York State and Florida
Psychology TodayVerified therapist profile
Free 20-Minute Consult
A focused conversation to see if we're the right fit.
✓ I'll walk you through what therapy with me looks like
✓ You'll briefly share what's been going on
✓ You can ask me anything about my approach
✓ If it feels like a fit, we'll schedule your intake
Currently booking new clients. Schedule directly through Psychology Today.
Secure scheduling · HIPAA compliant
Phobia Treatment
You don't have to live a life ruled by fear.
Phobias are among the most treatable conditions in mental health — and with the right approach, most people experience a dramatic, lasting reduction in fear. I have seen countless clients go from completely controlled by their phobia to living freely, doing the things that once felt impossible.
My Approach
Exposure therapy — at your pace, with your readiness leading the way
The gold-standard treatment for phobias is Exposure Therapy — a structured, evidence-based method where we gradually and intentionally face your fear together. The key word is gradually. We build a personalized roadmap that moves at your pace, and you will never be pushed into something before you feel ready.
The reason exposure therapy works so well is simple: your brain learns by doing. Each time you face the fear and survive it, your brain quietly updates its threat assessment. Over time, the alarm stops going off.
Exposure therapy is the destination — but how we get there is entirely up to you. Some clients need to build confidence first, and we have plenty of ways to do that.
We build your ladder
Together we create a step-by-step hierarchy of your fear — from least to most anxiety-provoking — so there's always a clear, manageable next step.
You lead the pace
You will never be forced into anything before you're ready. Your readiness guides every step. This is collaborative — we work as a team.
Fear loses its power
Countless clients have gone from unable to function around their fear to doing things they never imagined possible. That is the goal — reclaiming your life.
Phobias I Treat
Common phobias we can work through together
If your fear isn't listed here, that doesn't mean I can't help. Phobias come in endless varieties — reach out and we'll talk about whether exposure therapy is right for what you're experiencing.
🩸
Blood
Fear of blood, injuries, or medical procedures involving blood
💉
Needles & Injections
Fear of syringes, injections, blood draws, or IV lines
🕷️
Spiders & Bugs
Spiders, cockroaches, bees, wasps, ants, beetles, moths, and other insects
🐍
Snakes
Fear of snakes, even in photos or on screens
🐕
Dogs
Fear of dogs or other animals, including avoidance of parks or public spaces
🏔️
Heights
Fear of high places, bridges, balconies, escalators, or flying
Fear of contamination, illness, or being unclean — beyond typical OCD
Ready to stop letting fear make your decisions?
I have seen this work over and over. Clients who finally took the trip their fear had stopped them from taking, conquered the appointment they had been avoiding for years, faced the thing that once felt impossible — and the pride, relief, and accomplishment that follows is unlike anything else. That is waiting for you too.
Blog
Insights on OCD, anxiety, and finding your way back to yourself
Written by Amanda Boeing Panos, licensed therapist and OCD specialist serving New York and Florida via telehealth.
Relationship OCD · ROCD
What Is ROCD (Relationship OCD) — and How Is It Treated?
Do you feel like you obsessively doubt your relationship, even though you know it's a healthy, good one? You may be experiencing Relationship OCD — one of the most misunderstood and undertreated OCD subtypes.
Relationship OCD · ROCD
What Is ROCD (Relationship OCD) — and How Is It Treated?
By Amanda Boeing Panos, Licensed Therapist | OCD Specialist | Telehealth – New York & Florida
Do you feel like you obsessively doubt your relationship, even though you know it's a healthy, good relationship? Do you feel like no matter how hard you try to solve it — how much you think it through, write about it, or talk about it — you can't figure out if you want to be with your partner, or whether your partner wants to be with you, or if you are in the "right" relationship?
You may spend hours thinking about it, and other moments you feel totally fine. If this sounds familiar, you may be experiencing Relationship OCD, or ROCD.
What Is ROCD?
ROCD is a subtype of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder in which intrusive doubts and fears center on your romantic relationship. It's not cold feet. It's not intuition. It's OCD latching onto the thing that matters most to you and using it as fuel for an endless loop of anxiety and doubt.
There are several ways Relationship OCD manifests:
Other-Focused ROCD
You love your partner and feel like it's a healthy, good relationship — and yet you can't stop asking yourself: Do I really? Are they the right person? What if I'm making a mistake? Are they the one? Maybe I'm not attracted to them. Do they annoy me too much? Do we fight too much? Will this love last?
Self-Focused ROCD
You know your partner loves you — they tell you, they act like it, they're committed — and yet you worry you're not good enough, that they'll leave or cheat, that they want to be with someone else. You think: "They don't want to be with me," "They'd rather be with their ex," "They wish I looked different."
Relationship-Focused ROCD
You ask yourself: Is this the "right" relationship? Are we really happy? Should I be with someone else? The doubt isn't about a specific person — it's about the relationship itself.
ROCD can also show up in friendships — obsessing over whether a friend is pulling away, reading into response times, or constantly seeking reassurance. Relationship OCD can translate to practically any relationship: family, friends, coworkers, bosses, children.
Why It's Often Misunderstood
ROCD is frequently mistaken for genuine doubt, ambivalence, or incompatibility. People spend years — sometimes entire relationships — thinking they just need to "figure out their feelings." Therapists who aren't OCD specialists sometimes reinforce this by encouraging clients to explore why they feel unsure, which keeps the OCD loop running.
I am also trained in several relationship-strengthening methods rooted in the Gottman Method. Sometimes these obsessive doubts flare up because there are genuine areas where the relationship can grow. I can teach you skills that improve the quality and good feelings in your relationship — while also helping you break the cycle of doubt that is harming both you and your relationship.
The hard truth: reassurance-seeking is a compulsion. Every time you seek reassurance — from your partner, a friend, a search engine, or even just try to solve the problem in your own head over and over — you teach your brain that the doubt was worth responding to. This makes the obsession stronger over time.
What Actually Helps: ERP
The most effective treatment for ROCD — and all forms of OCD — is Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), a structured, evidence-based method clinically proven to work.
2. Tolerate uncertainty rather than trying to resolve it through compulsions
3. Gradually face feared thoughts and situations without performing the usual rituals
This doesn't mean forcing yourself to "just stop worrying." It's a step-by-step process done with a trained therapist who understands exactly how OCD operates.
General talk therapy, while valuable for many issues, often isn't the right tool for OCD and can sometimes make it worse. Working with a specialist is the recommended treatment.
Working with an OCD Specialist via Telehealth
I work with adults experiencing ROCD and other OCD subtypes throughout New York State and Florida — entirely via telehealth.
Many of my clients look like they have it together on the outside while privately battling an internal world that feels out of control. They've often spent years in therapy that didn't quite address what was actually going on. If that resonates — I have seen quite a few clients with these exact thoughts, and I can show you how to get out of this loop just like I did with them.
If you're in New York or Florida and wondering whether what you're experiencing might be OCD, I'd love to talk. I offer a free 20-minute consultation so we can figure out together whether we're a good fit.
Amanda Boeing Panos is a licensed therapist and OCD specialist serving adults in New York and Florida via telehealth. She uses structured, evidence-based methods — primarily ERP — to help clients break free from OCD and reclaim their lives.
