Question 1

What services do you offer?

Accepted Answer

We use evidence-based treatments, such as ACT and ERP, to help those with OCD, anxiety, and related disorders. We offer individual therapy in person at our Melrose and Cambridge (Porter Square) offices. We also provide teletherapy options. We offer multiple different support and therapy groups, which can be found here on our website: here.

We offer an Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) at our Cambridge office and can offer this service virtually as well. The IOP includes a diagnostic assessment, individual therapeutic services, and individual behavioral coaching provided Monday through Friday, totalling 10 hrs of treatment per week for a typical duration of four weeks at a rate of $10,625. If you are interested in more information regarding our IOP services (or any of our other services) please let me know.

Question 2

What is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

Accepted Answer

Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is a type of Cognitive‑Behavioural Therapy (CBT) that differs from traditional CBT in its focus. Rather than primarily trying to reduce or eliminate unwanted thoughts, feelings, or bodily sensations (like obsessions or anxiety), ACT emphasizes changing the way we relate to these internal experiences.

Question 3

What is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)?

Accepted Answer

ERP is a specific form of Cognitive‑Behavioural Therapy (CBT) and is considered the first‑line psychological treatment for Obsessive‑Compulsive Disorder (OCD).

The “exposure” part means you intentionally face the thoughts, images, situations or things that trigger your obsessions. The “response prevention” part means you resist doing the compulsive behaviour (or ritual) you would normally do in reaction to those triggers.

Question 4

What is Cognitive Behavioral Coaching?

Accepted Answer

Cognitive Behavioural Coaching applies the methods of Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Response Prevention (ERP), to support individuals in achieving personal or professional goals.

Within NECOA’s IOP, Cognitive Behavioral coaching complements the work being done with a primary therapist, reinforcing therapeutic skills and helping participants practice them in a structured coaching format. Focusing on how thoughts and beliefs influence feelings and actions, it provides additional support to accelerate progress and build lasting coping strategies.

Question 5

How do ERP & ACT work together in treating OCD?

Accepted Answer

Two of the primary modalities we use – Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) – work together in powerful, complementary ways to support individuals struggling with OCD and anxiety.

ERP, considered the first-line psychological treatment for OCD, is a specific form of Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). The “exposure” part means intentionally facing the thoughts, images, situations, or things that trigger obsessions. The “response prevention” part means resisting the compulsive behaviors or rituals that normally follow. Over time, this helps clients learn that anxiety can rise and fall on its own, without relying on compulsions, and that they are capable of navigating discomfort with confidence.

ACT, also a form of CBT, differs in its focus. Rather than aiming to reduce or eliminate unwanted thoughts, feelings, or physical sensations, ACT emphasizes changing our relationship with these internal experiences. Through mindfulness, acceptance strategies, and values-based action, clients learn to make room for difficult thoughts and feelings while moving toward the meaningful lives they want to build.
When used together, ERP and ACT create a uniquely effective treatment approach.
ACT helps clients build the willingness and psychological flexibility needed to engage fully in ERP, even when exposures feel challenging.
ERP gives clients structured, evidence-based practices that reinforce ACT principles, showing them through experience that they can face discomfort without needing to control or avoid it.
Both emphasize acting in service of your values, even when anxiety shows up.

This integrated approach not only helps reduce symptoms – it strengthens resilience, empowers clients to make choices aligned with what matters most to them, and supports long-term recovery and wellbeing.

Question 6

Do we have psychiatrists on staff or can we provide medication management?

Accepted Answer

NECOA does not have any psychiatrists or other prescribers on staff, and we cannot provide medication management at our clinic.

Our clinicians are happy to provide prescriber referrals and collaborate with outside providers.

Question 7

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Accepted Answer

Eagala is a globally recognized framework for equine-assisted psychotherapy and personal development that integrates horses into mental health treatment. Horses’ natural empathy and ability to read nonverbal cues allow them to co-create space for clients, to help them practice being mindful, to hold difficult emotions more gently, and gain insight into personal challenges and relationships.

Immediate Openings for General Outpatient Services- Email our intake team or fill out our contact form

You’re more than your
OCD & Anxiety.

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

What is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

What is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)?

What is Cognitive Behavioral Coaching?

How do ERP & ACT work together in treating OCD?

Do we have psychiatrists on staff or can we provide medication management?

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Connect with us:

Immediate Openings for General Outpatient Services- Email our intake team or fill out our contact form

You’re more than your OCD & Anxiety.

Frequently asked questions

What services do you offer?

What is Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT)?

What is Exposure Response Prevention (ERP)?

What is Cognitive Behavioral Coaching?

How do ERP & ACT work together in treating OCD?

Do we have psychiatrists on staff or can we provide medication management?

What is Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy?

Connect with us:

You’re more than your
OCD & Anxiety.