I know this sounds really weird, but I’m scared that…

Very often during my first interaction with potential patients on the phone, I’ll hear them say something like “I’m sure you’ve never heard this one before” or “I’m really embarrassed, but I’m really scared of…” I can understand the embarrassment and shame of different fears and worries, especially with OCD.  However, after years of clinical practice…

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Cognitive Behavioral Therapists:  what to look for in a competent therapist

Looking for a provider on websites like “Psychology Today” can be daunting:  the different types of degrees, specialties and vast number of therapists can be overwhelming. Recently, the benefits of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as a treatment modality has become more prevalent on television, in magazines and when viewing online resources.  While this is good,…

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Position Opening

The OC Anxiety Center is currently looking to hire a psychology assistant, psychologist or experienced Master’s individual to work with children through adults in the area of anxiety and related disorders.  Areas of responsibility include treatment of anxiety, OCD, and impulse control disorders using CBT and ACT as primary modalities, with an emphasis on ERP.  …

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OCD So Cal Conference: March 30th

The Southern California chapter of IOCDF is hosting it’s annual conference in Irvine on Saturday March 30th. They keynote speaker is Jeff Sparr, an artist and co-founder of PeaceLove. You’ll get to choose two presentation to attend, enjoy a continental breakfast, and lunch. Dr. Davis will be speaking on how to use an OCD contract…

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Transitions

As we move towards the end of the year, we often think of relationships with family and friends, nostalgia for the past year, and hope for the future. With that said, we sadly announce that Dr. Shana Daves will be leaving the OC Anxiety Center with all of the above in mind. It has been…

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“But my problem IS real!”

Not unsurprisingly, people with anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorders do have real issues just like everyone else: • Relational issues with friends and family members • Work and school stressors • Health and financial concerns What is different for those with anxiety and related disorders, however, can be the inability to differentiate between the issue,…

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New Social Anxiety Group

The OC Anxiety Center has started a wait list for a social anxiety group! We’re excited to start a new social anxiety treatment group, focusing on young adults. We currently have three people interested: when we have several more we can begin sessions. It will consist of 75-minute sessions at a cost of $125 per…

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Conference Meetup

Dr. Hsia will be part of the “Depression and the Church” conference at Yorba Linda Friends Church on October 27th, from 8a-4p. It’s open to the public (last year had 250 attendees and they’re anticipating more this year). Come by our booth and ask us questions or just say hello!

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NAMI Walk

This past weekend we had the privilege of meeting of meeting numerous individuals who united for the NAMI walk in Anaheim, California to raise awareness on mental illness. It was a wonderful experience and we look forward to more like it as we enjoy connecting with others as well as sharing more about our contribution…

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School Anxiety: what’s normal?

As our children head back to school, there’s a range of emotions for both the children and us as parents. While we expect some feelings of nervousness, uncertainty and fear, the question we often hear is “what’s normal?”. Approximately 40% of our patient load is pediatric: we have children entering elementary school in Newport Beach…

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Going ‘naked’: safety items

We often have individuals engaging in driving exposures for both panic disorder and fear of driving.  From our office in Mission Viejo, we have people driving locally south to  San Clemente, north through Newport Coast, Irvine, and east to Rancho Santa Margarita.  As they head farther afield, they are driving to Los Angeles, the Inland…

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OCAC Updates

Dr. Hsia will be speaking at the UC Irvine Medical Center on August 15th and the 29th at grand rounds for the psychiatry residents.  The first talk focuses on the appropriate application of exposure and response prevention.  The second will explain how to differentiate and treat social anxiety and autism spectrum disorders.   We are…

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Introducing Dr. Lauren DeSilva

The OC Anxiety Center is excited to welcome Dr. Lauren DeSilva to our staff. After a careful and extensive search, we are happy to announce that Dr. DeSilva will be working with us.  Originally from Orange County, she is happy to be back.  We will soon be posting her bio, but a few notes of…

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