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.

Question 8

Where can I be seen in person?

Accepted Answer

Individual general outpatient services are offered at the following locations:

Massachusetts
Greater Boston, 1734 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge and 678 Massachusetts Ave., Cambridge 
North Shore, 612 Main St, Melrose 
South Shore/Cape & Islands, 80 Washington St o54, Norwell

Question 9

What is telehealth and where can I be seen?

Accepted Answer

Telehealth services bring therapy where you are virtually so that you can receive treatment wherever you are. Telehealth services are offered in any state where we have licensed therapists: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Maine, New York, Colorado, Florida, and California.
 
Telehealth sessions are conducted via HIPAA-compliant Zoom meetings.

Question 10

Do you accept insurance?

Accepted Answer

We are a self-pay clinic, which means we do not directly take insurance. However, if you have out-of-network benefits, you may be able to submit a superbill to seek reimbursement from them, though we cannot guarantee reimbursement.

If you would like to reach out to your insurance company and inquire about out-of-network coverage please reach out to support@newenglandocd.org. We can provide you with the information your insurance company will need to determine if you are eligible for reimbursement.

Additionally, there are laws that prohibit us from accepting clients with MassHealth, Medi-Cal, Medicaid, and other federally funded programs, with an exception for Medicare.

Read "The Fight for Insurance Reimbursement" from The Virtual Center for Anxiety & OCD below.
 
.

Question 11

Do you accept Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal payment programs?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, we do not bill Medicare, Medicaid, or other federal payment programs, nor do we accept payments from them. Due to legal regulations, we are unable to provide services to clients who are eligible for these programs.

Question 12

What are my options if I have Medicare, MassHealth, or a similar federal payment program?

Accepted Answer

While we are unable to provide services, we want to help you find the care you need. You may find the following resources helpful in locating a provider who accepts your insurance:

International OCD Foundation (IOCDF): Use their “Find Help” search engine at iocdf.org.

NOCD: Visit treatmyocd.com for specialized OCD treatment options.

We encourage you to explore these options to find the right care for you or your loved one.

Question 13

What is a superbill and how do I get it?

Accepted Answer

Superbills are documents generated by your provider that include much of the information your insurance company may require for you to submit “out-of-network” reimbursement requests. Information includes your clinician's name, license, NPI, the clinic's address, phone number, tax id, the billing code used, dates of service, and proof of payment.

Please ask your clinician or our support team about receiving one-time or regular monthly superbills. We cannot guarantee that any portion of the fees will be reimbursed by your insurance provider. Before services begin, we encourage you to speak with your insurance about their reimbursement policies.

Question 14

What's your fee schedule?

Accepted Answer

Our rates range between $150 - $350 per 45 minute session, depending on licensure and experience, though our average rates are between $150 - $250. Additionally, we conduct a  90 minute diagnostic assessment during intake. This is completed for a rate of $475, though this rate can increase if working with one of our clinic directors.

Question 15

Do you offer a sliding scale?

Accepted Answer

Yes. Please email our support team at support@newenglandocd.org for the application and further assistance.

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

OCD and Anxiety virtual care in Rhode Island

Services Available in Rhode Island

Rhode Island Staff

How treatment begins.

What clients ask before getting started.