OCD Treatment in Bergen County: How ERP & ACT Help
If you or a loved one is struggling with obsessive–compulsive disorder (OCD), you may feel stuck in a cycle of fear, doubt, and endless rituals. The good news is that effective treatment exists—and it works. In Bergen County, NJ, therapists trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)can help you regain control of your life.
This blog reviews statistics from the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) and leading research so you can understand what works, why it works, and how to find the right support here in New Jersey.
What is ERP for OCD?
Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) is the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD. It involves gradually facing feared thoughts or situations (exposure) while resisting rituals (response prevention). Over time, the brain learns that anxiety decreases naturally without needing compulsions.
According to the IOCDF:
ERP is effective for 65–80% of children and teens with OCD.
In adults, about 62% respond to ERP, and 86% of those who complete treatment improve significantly.
ERP is recommended as a first-line treatment for both kids and adults.
For many people in Bergen County, working with an ERP-trained therapist means finally breaking free from OCD’s cycle.
What is ACT for OCD?
Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) is another highly effective approach that focuses on building psychological flexibility. Instead of fighting obsessions, ACT teaches you to make space for uncomfortable thoughts and feelings while moving toward what truly matters—your values.
Research shows:
ACT helps 55–65% of people with OCD improve, even when used without exposure.
ACT is often combined with ERP to increase engagement and motivation during exposures.
IOCDF highlights ACT as an approach that fits naturally alongside ERP, helping people learn to tolerate anxiety while living life fully.
In New Jersey, ACT can be a powerful standalone therapy or a complement to ERP.
Why ERP + ACT Works Best
Many Bergen County therapists use ERP and ACT together. This integrated approach gives you tools to:
Face fears through ERP.
Stay committed to values through ACT.
Reduce avoidance, which is one of the biggest barriers to recovery.
Together, these therapies create lasting change by addressing both behavioral patterns (compulsions) and psychological flexibility (acceptance and values).
The Treatment Gap: Why Early Care Matters
Despite effective treatments, many people wait far too long for help:
On average, people wait 14–17 years from the onset of OCD symptoms to receiving effective care.
For children, there’s often a 2–3 year delay before even getting assessed.
This is why finding a specialized OCD therapist in Bergen County who offers ERP and ACT is so important.
Telehealth Options in New Jersey
If you’re not able to travel for in-person sessions, ERP via telehealth has also been shown to help: about two-thirds of patients experience clinically significant improvement. This means you can access expert OCD therapy across NJ—even from home.
Finding OCD Therapy in Bergen County, NJ
If you are looking for help with OCD in Bergen County, here’s what to keep in mind:
Look for a therapist trained specifically in ERP and ACT.
Check the International OCD Foundation’s provider directory.
Ask about telehealth if in-person visits aren’t convenient.
OCD is treatable. With the right care, many people experience lasting recovery and get back to living meaningful lives.
