OCD Treatment for Children & Teens in Wyckoff, NJ
When Anxiety Becomes More Than “Just Worry”
Parents often tell me, “my child has always been a worrier” or “they’ve always had anxiety.” But when worry grows into time-consuming rituals, overwhelming fears, or behaviors that disrupt daily life, it may be Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
If your child has already received an OCD diagnosis — or you strongly suspect it — you’re in the right place. I provide OCD treatment for children and teens in Wyckoff, NJ, helping both kids and parents find relief.
Schedule a free 15-minute consultation today to learn how I can help your child manage OCD and bring more calm to your home.
What OCD Can Look Like at Home
Parents often notice challenges like:
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Struggling to get out the door because their child needs to repeat things “until it feels right” — such as retying shoes, washing hands, or walking in and out of a doorway multiple times.
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Bedtime routines that drag on for hours, with repeated prayers, arranging stuffed animals in a certain way, or checking doors and lights before being able to fall asleep.
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Constant reassurance-seeking, where children ask over and over, “Are you sure you’ll be okay?” “What if I get sick?” “What if something bad happens?”
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Meltdowns or tantrums in younger kids when things don’t feel “just right,” like pajamas not sitting correctly or toys being slightly out of order.
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Preteens and teens getting irritable with parents when rituals are interrupted — leading to arguments over routines that don’t make sense to anyone else.
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Spending long periods in the bathroom or mirror, such as 45-minute showers, repeated handwashing until skin is raw, or getting stuck checking their hair or appearance late into the night.
These behaviors aren’t just time-consuming — they’re heartbreaking for families. Parents often feel awful seeing their child in tears, knowing something is wrong but also watching them feel stuck, unable to stop doing the rituals and urges. It can leave parents feeling helpless, frustrated, and unsure how to make things better.
Why I specialize in
OCD Treatment
I’m Cheryl Habersaat, LCSW, and I work with children, teens, and families in Wyckoff, NJ who are struggling with anxiety and OCD. Over the years, I’ve seen how overwhelming it can feel for parents to watch their child stuck in routines, worries, or rituals — and how isolating it can be when nothing seems to help. That’s why I use evidence-based approaches like Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and the SPACE program to guide children and parents step by step toward relief, confidence, and calmer family life.
How OCD Therapy Helps Children, Teens, and Families
OCD can make everyday life exhausting — but treatment gives families the tools to take back control. With therapy, your child will learn how to face fears without relying on rituals, and you’ll learn how to support them with confidence.
Here’s what treatment can help your family achieve:
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Kids gain confidence by learning how to manage intrusive thoughts without needing to repeat behaviors.
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Parents feel more in control because they know how to respond to OCD in ways that don’t make it stronger.
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Mornings and bedtimes become smoother, with fewer delays, arguments, and meltdowns.
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Family stress decreases as rituals take up less time and your child starts to feel relief.
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Your child feels less alone, knowing that their worries and urges make sense — and that there are healthy ways to handle them.
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You regain family time for connection, fun, and calm instead of constant conflict with OCD.
OCD doesn’t have to run your household. With the right tools, your child can feel more in control, and your family can finally exhale.
What to Expect: Next Steps in OCD Treatment
Starting therapy for OCD can feel overwhelming, so I make the process clear and supportive from the very first session. Treatment with me includes:
1. Intake & Assessment
We’ll meet to understand your child’s history, symptoms, and your family’s concerns. Together, we’ll create a personalized plan.
2. Psychoeducation
I’ll explain OCD in a way that makes sense for both you and your child, so you can understand why rituals and compulsions happen — and how therapy will help. You’ll also learn the basics of Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard treatment for OCD. It helps kids face their fears step by step, while learning they don’t need to rely on rituals to feel safe.
3. Active Treatment (ERP)
Step by step, your child will practice facing fears (exposures) while resisting compulsions (response prevention). We’ll set goals that feel achievable and meaningful. Parents are guided in how to respond with confidence and support, so the whole family feels part of the process.
4. Progress & Support
We’ll track progress, celebrate small wins, and adjust strategies as needed. The goal is lasting skills that help your child feel more in control — long after therapy ends.
Ready to see your child start feeling more in control?
What Life Can Look Like After Treatment
As treatment progresses, OCD begins to loosen its grip. Families often notice small but powerful shifts that build over time:
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Children start to feel proud of themselves for facing fears without rituals.
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Parents stop feeling like they’re “walking on eggshells” around their child’s anxiety.
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Arguments and power struggles with teens decrease as rituals lose their hold.
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Evenings feel calmer, with less stress around bedtime routines.
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Mornings become less chaotic, making it easier for everyone to get out the door on time.
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Most importantly, parents feel relieved seeing their child happier, less distressed, and able to enjoy life again.
Therapy is not about eliminating every worry — it’s about giving your child and family the tools to live with more ease, confidence, and peace.
