Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center
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  • Home
  • ABOUT THE CENTER
    • About Oak Creek
    • Working with OCRCC
    • Telehealth
    • Directions
    • Take a Tour
    • Payment Methods
  • Meet Our Therapists
    • Julie Beach (Trainee)
    • Tiffany Castillo (Trainee)
    • Sara Diaz (Trainee)
    • Madison Gluck (Trainee)
    • David Libby (Associate)
    • Sondos Nemati (Associate)
    • Donna V. Norona (Associate)
    • Dawn Orlando (Associate)
    • Hanna Ma (Trainee)
    • Maddy Mellema (Associate)
    • Jennifer Mellin (Associate)
    • Leila Mohajerany (Associate)
    • Angelina Rinaldi (Trainee)
    • Tasal Sherzad (Associate)
    • Desiree Tatarazuk (Trainee)
    • Francis Toal (Associate)
    • Sara Zavala (Trainee)
  • Forms
    • Individual Intake Forms
    • Couples Intake Forms
    • Minors Intake Forms
    • Formularios de admisión españoles
    • Additional Forms
  • Client Hub
  • LEARN
    • Resources
    • Open Groups
    • CBT Homework Packs
    • Blog
  • Contact Us

Why Californians—Especially in the Bay Area—Are Googling OCD

8/1/2025

 
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Photo by Markus Winkler on Unsplash
We live in a high-pressure region. The Bay Area is home to a culture of innovation, but also one of perfectionism, overstimulation, and burnout. That environment can magnify Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) tendencies, especially when stress is already high.

Other contributors include:
​
  • Post-pandemic anxiety
  • Work-from-home isolation
  • Uncertainty about safety and control
  • Increased social awareness about mental health

With more people recognizing symptoms in themselves or loved ones, it’s no surprise that online searches are surging.

How Teletherapy Is Changing Access to OCD Treatment

Across California, more people now access therapy via video than in person. This is especially helpful for OCD, since symptoms can sometimes make it difficult to leave home or break out of repetitive routines.

At Oak Creek, our therapists offer secure, HIPAA-compliant telehealth sessions that meet you where you are—literally and emotionally.

What Treatments Work for OCD?

Evidence-based approaches like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)are considered gold standards for OCD treatment. These methods help you:


  • Understand the triggers behind your obsessions and compulsions
  • Learn strategies to reduce distress without relying on compulsive behaviors
  • Rebuild a sense of trust in your own thoughts and choices

In some cases, mindfulness-based approaches can also help clients build tolerance for uncertainty and discomfort—two common struggles in OCD.

When to Reach Out

You might benefit from therapy if:


  • You feel stuck in thought loops that are hard to break
  • Compulsive behaviors are interfering with work, relationships, or rest
  • You feel shame, anxiety, or exhaustion around your thoughts
  • You’ve tried to manage symptoms on your own, but they keep resurfacing

OCD is treatable, and you don’t have to manage it alone.

Support Is a Call Away

If you or someone you care about is dealing with symptoms of OCD, Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center is here to help. We work with individuals and families across the Bay Area—and through telehealth, across California.

You’re not broken. You’re not alone. And healing is possible.

If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.

To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
​
  • Call our Intake Line at 1-408-320-5740​
  • Contact a therapist directly. Contact information for each therapist is provided on his/her profile page.
  • Email us at i[email protected]

Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected].
​

Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.

Is Telehealth a Good Fit? A Thoughtful Look from Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center

7/9/2025

 
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At Oak Creek Relational Counseling Center in Pleasant Hill, we honor your story, identity, and needs. We’re committed to offering accessible, culturally humble, and relational care—whether in person or through telehealth. The California Board of Behavioral Sciences (BBS) recently updated its Telehealth FAQ (June 23, 2025), offering clear answers about how teletherapy works in our state.

What “Telehealth” Means in California

Telehealth refers to mental health services delivered through a secure video platform. In California, therapists must hold an active state license, follow all confidentiality and ethical standards, and obtain informed consent at the start of telehealth services. Since July 1, 2023, California therapists are also required to complete at least three hours of telehealth-specific training.

Why Telehealth Offers Real Benefits
​
  • Relational Access & Flexibility: You can meet with your therapist without commuting or arranging child care—making therapy more consistent and easier to fit into your life.
  • Inclusive & Safe: Telehealth can offer a more accessible and comfortable space for those navigating systemic barriers, personal safety concerns, or logistical challenges. It allows each person to engage in therapy from a setting that feels familiar and supportive—on their own terms.
  • Effective & Supportive: Research shows that telehealth can be just as effective as in-person care for many mental health concerns. The healing connection between therapist and client remains central—no matter the format.

When Telehealth Might Not Be Ideal

In-person sessions may be more helpful in situations involving emergencies, poor internet access, or a strong preference for face-to-face connection. We’ll work with you to determine the best fit.


At Oak Creek, we understand that each client’s needs are different—and we’re here to support you in the format that feels most comfortable and effective. Whether you’re new to therapy or exploring telehealth as a returning client, we invite you to reach out with questions or schedule a consultation to see if virtual sessions are the right fit for you.


If you are experiencing an emergency or are in crisis: please call 988, 911 or call Crisis Support Support Services at 1-800-309-2131.

To speak to one of our therapists about our counseling services and to schedule an appointment, please choose one of the following options. A therapist will contact you within two business days.
​
  • Call our Intake Line at 1-408-320-5740​
  • Contact a therapist directly. Contact information for each therapist is provided on his/her profile page.
  • Email us at i[email protected]

Business inquiries: call 408-320-5740 or email i[email protected].
​

Associate and traineeship inquiries, please visit the Clinical Internship page.

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