Obsessive compulsive disorder - OCD treatment and therapy from NOCD
OCD therapist Dr. Sara Conley, Licensed Therapist, Ph.D., Licensed OCD Therapist

Dr. Sara Conley

She/Her

Licensed Therapist, Ph.D.

About

As a therapist, I'm warm, compassionate, and empathic, but I balance that by being very direct. I hold my members accountable for the goals they want to meet. At the same time, I like to infuse humor and have a little bit of fun in sessions. The journey doesn't have to be super serious. Above all, I want to help you feel comfortable, understood, and empowered to push back against OCD. Fun facts about me: My favorite dessert is chocolate chip cookies, and for fun, I do country line dancing on the weekends.

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Making a change—even that first step of seeking help—can feel overwhelming. But if you've done that, your mindset is already in the right place. You're committing to yourself. Therapy is going to be hard work, but it's so, so worth it.

Get to know Dr. Sara Conley

I'm a psychologist, and a Psych 101 class in high school drew me to that role. I love the opportunity it gives me not to only serve members directly, but also to teach and train others in ERP for OCD, and to do treatment-related research. For my entire career, I've also been focused on research to help make treatment more available, to further specialize treatment, or to existing treatments.

When I was an undergrad in college, I realized how beneficial ERP was. It can be so empowering and life-changing for individuals who are going through it. I also saw there were few resources available for those who needed them. That lit my fire for focusing on OCD.

In addition to OCD, I have experience with anxiety disorders, depression, mood disorders, BFRBs, and hoarding.

You get out of it what you put into it. Therapy can feel scary. Making a change—even seeking help, that first step—can feel overwhelming. But if you've done that, your mindset is already in the right place. You're committing to yourself. We take a very collaborative approach to treatment here. It's going to be hard work, but it's so, so worth it. The changes that come are worth the short-term discomfort that you may experience by completing ERP.

First, know that it is so normal to be fearful of sharing thoughts. OCD creates very unwanted thoughts and feelings that can cause fear, shame, and guilt. I encourage all of my members to be as open and honest as they feel comfortable with, knowing that as our relationship develops, hopefully, that feeling of comfort will increase. Chances are, I've probably heard something similar before. If not, I know how OCD operates. I know these thoughts are the very last thing you want to do, and the very last thoughts you want to think. My goal is to help you to push back against them. I'm always coming from a place of non-judgment and support.

NOCD therapists are trained by our world-renowned clinical leadership team.

Learn more about our training

Insurance Coverages

  • Kaiser - Northern California Region
  • Beacon Health (Medi-cal)
  • Magellan
  • Kaiser - Southern California Region
  • Blue Shield of California

States

California
Vermont

What our members say about
Dr. Sara Conley

G.C.

Dec 19, 2022

Dr. Conley & NOCD has changed my life for the better. OCD had taken over my life before I discovered NOCD. I never thought I would get better and was struggling so much but Dr. Conley gave me the tools to fight OCD and I learned to take back control of my life. I don’t know where I’d be if I didn’t find Dr. Conley & this program. I would most definitely recommend this program to anyone out there struggling but don’t know where to begin.

Badges and training

Specialties

These designations signify the therapist's expertise in treating specific mental health conditions, ensuring you receive the personalized care you deserve.

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Cultural competencies

We've partnered with Violet, a health equity platform, to offer training to all NOCD therapists. These comprehensive training programs foster professional development and champion inclusivity in the healthcare industry. Learn more.

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Languages spoken

  • English

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