OCD, Hair Pulling, & Skin Picking

Specialized, evidence-based treatment for obsessive-compulsive symptoms and body-focused repetitive behaviors.

Now accepting clients in-person in Boston and Waltham & telehealth across Massachusetts

STARt TREATMENT

Open availability for appointments · CARF accredited · most major insurances accepted

Does Your Child Need Treatment?

Signs To Look For

  • Repetitive, intrusive worries or rituals
  • Hair pulling, skin picking, or nail biting that's hard to stop
  • Significant time spent on compulsions or rituals
  • Avoidance driven by fear of “something bad happening”

Quick Facts

  • Ages: 6-18
  • Format: Individual + parent involvement
  • Length: 12-20 sessions on average
  • Delivery: In-person or telehealth

What Does Treatment Look Like?

We use Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and Habit Reversal Training for hair pulling and skin picking, both gold-standard, evidence-based approaches.

What You'll Learn

Skills for managing obsessions and compulsions, and techniques to reverse hair pulling and skin picking habits.

What It Can Help With

Those with OCD, trichotillomania (hair pulling), and excoriation (skin picking).

Backed By Science

ERP and Habit Reversal Training are the leading treatments in clinical research.

What To Expect

45-50 Minutes

Typical session length

12-20 sessions

Standard length of treatment

1:1 + parent involvement

Standard treatment format

In-person or telehealth

Multiple options to suit your needs and schedule

How We Treat OCD

We Accept Insurance!

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  • Blue Cross Blue Shield

  • Harvard Pilgrim

  • Health Plans, Inc.

  • Tufts Health Public Plans

  • Tufts Commercial

  • Sliding scale private pay

Don't see your insurance listed? We are committed to making our services accessible and offer a sliding scale based on income. Reach out to speak with a member of our team today!

Contact Us

Frequently Asked Questions

  • ERP gradually and safely helps your child face overcome obsessions and compulsions, safely. This is done in a way they can handle, building confidence along the way.

  • No, both conditions are related to OCD, but are distinct conditions that respond best to a different, specialized treatment called Habit Reversal Training.

  • OCD symptoms are typically frequent, distressing, and interfere with daily life; an evaluation can clarify what you're seeing.

  • No, treatment builds up gradually, always at a pace your child and clinician agree on together.

  • Yes, it's common, and our clinicians are experienced in treating overlapping OCD and body-focused repetitive behaviors.

  • We accept Blue Cross Blue Shield, Harvard Pilgrim, Tufts Health Public Plans, and Tufts Commercial plans. If you have a different insurance plan, we can provide documentation that you may be able to submit for out-of-network reimbursement. We also offer a sliding scale to help make treatment more affordable for families paying out of pocket.

  • Reach out to our intake team, and we'll schedule your first session and walk you through what to expect.

Related Conditions

Anxiety, Worries, & Fears

All kids feel anxious, but if they have specific fears that prevent them from living their lives, it may be time to seek help.

Learn More

Behavioral Challenges

Your child's behavior may cause tension and make you feel like you're walking on eggshells. Getting support from a therapist can help improve these behaviors.

Learn More

Depression, Sadness, & Mood Changes

If your child is struggling with long lasting sadness or mood changes, it may be time to seek help.

Learn More

Ready To Get Started?

Choose the option that feels right to you.
 

I'm Ready To Schedule

The first step is a brief call with our intake team. We’ll learn about what you’re looking for, review insurance, explain the process, and help schedule you with a therapist.

Schedule An Intro Call

I Have Questions First

Not sure where to start? Get in touch with our team and we're happy to answer any questions you may have about treatment within one business day. 

Contact Our Team