OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California

Specialized Anxiety Treatment for Adults, Adolescents, and Children

Who We Are

We are a group of compassionate PhD trained clinicians who understand how difficult it can be to live with OCD and anxiety-related disorders. We specialize in diagnosing and treating these disorders and are experts in the field.

What We Specialize In

The treatment team delivers individualized evidence-based treatment for individuals struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), anxiety disorders, Obsessive-Compulsive Spectrum Disorders, phobias, and depression.

What Treatments We Use

The treatment team specializes in Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), particularly Exposure and Response Prevention (E/RP), which is considered to be the gold standard for the treatment of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders. We also utilize other effective treatment interventions, such as mindfulness and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Additionally, in the Fall of 2023 and Spring of 2024, our entire treatment team was also trained in using the treatment techniques used in delivering Bergen 4 Day Treatment format.

Where We Are

We are located in the heart of Los Angeles in Santa Monica, California, right off of Ocean Park Boulevard, a bustling exciting environment that is near shops, restaurants, and the ocean. This offers terrific opportunities to enhance the treatment and complete exposures in the community during the treatment day.

Bergen 4 Day Treatment
now offered in Los Angeles

We are very excited to announce that we will be offering the effective and concentrated Bergen 4 Day Treatment (B4DT) beginning in January 2024. This exciting project, led by the programs directors Thröstur Björgvinsson, PhD, ABPP and Naomi Zwecker, PhD, is in collaboration with Bjarne Hansen, PhD, one of the creators of the B4DT and director of Bergen Center for Brain Plasticity, and its co-director Kristen Hansen, PhD.

Furthermore, with generous support from the Bergen based Kavli Trust, OCD therapists from all over the world will receive training to become certified as B4DT therapists. The Los Angeles program will function as the national and international B4DT training center. Teams, based in these cities, have signed up for training in Los Angeles: Quito, Ecuador; Nairobi, Kenya; Melbourne, Australia. This is in addition to existing B4DT teams in Singapore, Sweden, Germany, Finland, and Iceland.

Additionally, beginning in the spring of 2024 workshops about B4DT and other innovative approaches will be offered, through the LA program, to interested therapists (nationally and globally) to attend.

Please visit socalocdprogram.org or call 310 488 5850 for more information about how to apply to receive the B4DT in Los Angeles and what else is offered.

Disorders We Treat

We specialize in the treatment of the following psychological disorders. Our goal is to use aspects of treatments with proven results to reduce or eliminate symptoms that are interfering with relationships, school or work. Our work with you is to do what we can so that you regain control of your life.

We also specialize in treating other related conditions including:

Body Dysmorphic Disorder
Trichotillomania & Skin Picking

We additionally treat disorders that are similar to OCD because they involve repetitive behaviors that function to reduce anxiety or tension, much like rituals in OCD. These include:

In addition, we treat co-occurring depression, as individuals who struggle with anxiety or obsessive-compulsive related disorders also often have significant depressive symptoms.

Latest News & Events

OCD & Anxiety Program of Southern California at the 2024 International OCD Foundation Annual Conference in Orlando, Florida

The International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) Annual Conference is a cornerstone event for the OCD community. It provides a unique opportunity for professionals, researchers, and individuals with lived experience to come together, share knowledge, and advance treatment and support.

International Dissemination of the Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT): New Developments in South America and Africa

We are dedicated to expanding the reach of B4DT to ensure that more people worldwide can benefit from this innovative and effective treatment for OCD. In August of 2024 we welcomed committed psychologists from Universidad San Francisco de Quito in Quito, Ecuador.

Team from Kenya trained in 4-day OCD treatment and the patients provide positive feedback about their experience

The OCD & Anxiety Program clinical team, alongside Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) patients, clinicians from Kenya and Norway, and B4DT co-creator, Dr. Bjarne Hansen. We are delighted to announce the successful completion of two Bergen 4-day treatment (B4DT) groups for OCD in May and June 2024. This effective, intensive treatment attracted participants from around the … Team from Kenya trained in 4-day OCD treatment and the patients provide positive feedback about their experience

The Bergen 4-Day OCD Treatment group was completed in Los Angeles on April 2nd

We are thrilled to announce that our program recently hosted its first Bergen 4-Day Treatment (B4DT) group for OCD with Dr. Bjarne Hansen, co-founder of the evidence-based, concentrated treatment method. Patients came from across the world, including Australia, Germany, and Switzerland, and from across the United States— as far as Florida, and as nearby as … The Bergen 4-Day OCD Treatment group was completed in Los Angeles on April 2nd

Clients Testimonials

Kathrine M Former Bergen 4-Day Treatment Patient

Before the four treatment days in June each day was about surviving, now each day is about living.

Linn T Former Bergen 4-Day Treatment Patient

When I heard about the Bergen 4-Day Treatment I didn’t believe it was possible – after all, I had lived with my OCD for 14 years and had been through years and years of different therapies. During the four days I was challenged, but never forced and gave 100% effort to battle my OCD. After four days in 2015 my life and my childrens’ lives have been changed forever. I have just one word: magical.

Sarah C Former Bergen 4-Day Treatment Patient

This program has been amazing and life-changing for me. All of the therapists are amazing, thoughtful, kind, and incredibly talented.

Nancy F Former Bergen 4-Day Treatment Patient

The Bergen 4-Day Treatment has finally set me free! I have struggled with anxiety and OCD for nearly 20 years and in 4 days this team has helped me break the cycle and really take my life back. I have learned that my OCD is not me, and that I have the power to live my life on my terms without being controlled by symptoms. I will forever be grateful for this treatment and my new OCD-free life!

Lauren W Former Bergen 4-Day Treatment Patient

June 1st was my first day out of the Bergen 4-Day OCD Treatment and my world has gone from a grayscale of predictable despair to bright beautiful technicolor in literally four days

Erik Olsen Former Bergen 4-Day Treatment Patient

I’m a doctor and I have suffered from OCD since I was a kid. Four days with the OCD team in 2014 changed my life. Since then I have been able to complete my training as a cardiologist, and I have followed their research and been part of their Scientific Advisory Board. All I can say is: If you suffer from OCD and get the opportunity be a part of the Bergen 4-day treatment: Take it!