The Bottom Line
NOCD is the leading specialized platform for Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, offering Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy—the gold standard OCD treatment. Unlike generalist platforms where therapists may have minimal OCD training, NOCD therapists are rigorously trained in ERP. The platform accepts insurance (a rarity for specialty care) and includes between-session support features. If you have OCD, this is where you should start.
Why OCD Needs a Specialist
Here's the uncomfortable truth: generalist talk therapy often makes OCD worse. Traditional therapy might explore "why" you have intrusive thoughts or help you process anxiety—but OCD responds to a specific, counterintuitive approach called ERP (Exposure and Response Prevention).
ERP involves deliberately exposing yourself to anxiety-triggering situations while resisting compulsions. It's uncomfortable, but it works—and it requires a therapist specifically trained in the methodology. NOCD exists because most therapists aren't.
Pricing
NOCD uses a pay-per-session model:
- 30-minute session: ~$120
- 60-minute session: ~$240
Insurance Coverage
NOCD accepts major commercial insurance plans—a significant advantage for specialty care. Covered plans include:
- United Healthcare
- Cigna
- Blue Cross Blue Shield (many plans)
- Aetna (select plans)
- Many Medicaid plans
With insurance, out-of-pocket costs may be just a copay ($20-$50 typically).
Key Features
ERP-Trained Therapists
All NOCD therapists complete rigorous ERP training. This isn't a checkbox—it's the entire model. Therapists understand OCD subtypes (Pure O, contamination, harm, relationship, etc.) and can create hierarchies for exposure work.
Between-Session Support
- SOS features: In-app guidance during OCD episodes
- Therapist messaging: Between sessions for quick support
- Peer community: Connect with others doing ERP
What NOCD Doesn't Offer
- No psychiatry: Talk therapy only—no medication prescribing
- Not for general anxiety: Designed specifically for OCD
What Users Say
What People Like
- Life-changing access to ERP (often impossible to find locally)
- Therapists actually understand OCD—no explaining from scratch
- Insurance acceptance makes it affordable
- Supportive community of others who get it
Common Complaints
- ERP is hard—it's intentionally uncomfortable
- Occasional app glitches and technical issues
- Expensive without insurance ($120-$240/session)
- No medication management—need separate psychiatrist if wanted
NOCD vs. Generalist Platforms for OCD
Can you use BetterHelp or Talkspace for OCD? Technically yes, but it's often a mistake. Most generalist therapists have limited ERP training. You might get supportive talk therapy that feels good but doesn't address the core OCD cycle.
NOCD costs more per session, but if you have actual OCD (not just general anxiety), specialized treatment usually works faster and better than months of generalist therapy.
Final Verdict
If you have OCD, NOCD should be your first call. The combination of ERP-trained specialists, insurance acceptance, and between-session support makes it the clear leader in online OCD treatment.
The caveat: ERP is hard. You'll deliberately face your fears. But that's how it works—and NOCD therapists are trained to guide you through it safely. For most OCD sufferers, it's the path to actually getting better, not just coping.