Treatment options: it’s up to you

We’re happy to accommodate you and your family to ensure that your experience is as positive – and importantly – effective as possible.  We offer several treatment options for you: Weekly sessions: this is the most commonly used approach, both in our center and by therapists nationwide.  Typically 45-50 minutes in length, each of our…

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Upcoming (and links to past) events

With all of the recent changes at OCAC, we’ve neglected to keep everyone informed of the events we’ve been involved in over the past few weeks and upcoming ones that you can come see us.   February 25, 2024: Hope for Mental Health Community Gathering https://saddleback.com/event/11231/hope-for-mental-health-february-community-gathering?occurrenceId=183227&startDateTime=2024-02-25T13%3A00%3A00-08%3A00&endDateTime=2024-02-25T15%3A00%3A00-08%3A00 A recording of the event is posted here: https://kaywarren.com/community/ We’ll…

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Agoraphobia: I’m trapped!

Many people think that people with agoraphobia can’t leave their house and are afraid of ‘the outside’.  In fact, agoraphobia is much more nuanced and broad, with approximately 1.5% of people worldwide meeting criteria for its diagnosis.  What to know about agoraphobia: While it is now its own diagnosis as of DSM-V-TR, it is helpful…

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Ms. Ogata presents research at the 2023 California Psychological Association Conference

Congratulations to our own Katie Ogata, who presented her research in September at the California Psychological Association Conference.  Her research detailed perceived vs actual outcome of treatment for teenagers, comparing online, hybrid and inperson treatment modalities.  While teenagers (n=80) believed at a statistically significant rate that inperson treatment would have better outcomes, we found at…

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Exposure is hard! Why should I even do it?

Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) therapy is a form of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) that has been proven to be effective in treating a variety of anxiety disorders. This therapy involves systematically exposing a person to their feared stimuli or situations (Confronting thoughts, images, objects) and preventing them from performing their compulsive or avoidance behaviors. By…

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We’re IOCDF bound!

Next week from July 7-9th,  the International OCD Foundation will be having its annual conference in San Francisco at the Marriott Marquis , and the OC Anxiety Center will be there. Drs. Hsia and Davis and Ms. Portillo will not only be attending, but all three will be giving presentations. Additionally, OCAC will have a…

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New staff at the OC Anxiety Center

We’re happy to announce that the OC Anxiety Center will be adding another new staff member in November of this year.  Unlike our other therapists, Daisy will likely gladly accept a pat on the head or a tummy rub from you. Daisy is a 1.5 year-old golden retriever, currently being trained at Joys of Living…

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Emetophobia: a crippling illness

The fear of vomiting, or emetophobia is one of the most often treated phobias at the OC Anxiety Center.  Many people are surprised by its frequency and its devastating effects.  It stops people from attending work and school, makes people avoid driving and traveling, and prevents individuals from attending social gatherings. Its affects can vary…

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Not all data is equal

Data is data.  Or is it? As is the case in many things, yes and no. When speaking with a scientist, the term “data” implies objective data.  This means that the information is quantified in a manner that is universally agreed upon.  For example the unit of a kilogram is not relative and does not change. …

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Stress is….good?

We most commonly hear about stress being bad and to be avoided.  It actually turns out stress can be useful in specific, time limited situations – and an unavoidable part of life. As the year winds down, many of us have looming projects and deadlines that create stress:  Final exams, annual sales goals and reports…

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Uncertainty in Uncertain Times

“Unprecedented” “Trying” “Uncertain” “Challenging” “Difficult” As we adjust to a “new normal”, all of the above words have been used repeatedly in advertisements, by newscasters, politicians and neighbors to describe significant shifts in our lives due to the pandemic, significant political shifts, social upheaval and even how we discuss these issues.  One of the most…

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Pavlov, our therapy dog

Pavlov has been part of our treatment team for many years but has never gotten a proper introduction. Our golden retriever Pavlov was initially adopted by Dr. Hsia when he was a puppy in 2010 from a deploying Marine at Camp Pendleton. At that time, he was enrolled at Little Angels Service dogs to be…

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Health(y) Fears

These past few weeks have seen the stock market crash, the stores empty of staple goods, bars and restaurants close, schools and workplaces go online.  It’s unprecedented in our lifetime and many of us are unsure of how to respond or what to do that will make our families safer. As we make choices, we…

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COVID-19 Information

During this trying time the OC Anxiety Center remains open.  We are primarily seeing patients virtually, utilizing both teletherapy and HIPAA compliant video platforms to ensure your confidentiality.  For some specific situations we are also seeing patients in the office but is the exception and not the rule until we are through this time.  Please…

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