Sam Read
Licensed Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Want to work with Sam?
Talk with our team to learn more
My approach to treating OCD is direct but compassionate. In sessions, I'll be non-judgmental and curious to understand how intrusive thoughts have been impacting your daily life. I aim to be collaborative; treatment and recovery should feel like it's a joint effort. I'll hold accountability in areas when it's appropriate, and I'll meet you where you're at in terms of readiness to do the work. In addition to OCD treatment, I also specialize in social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, and depression recovery.
My approach to treating OCD is direct but compassionate. In sessions, I'll be non-judgmental and curious to understand how intrusive thoughts have been impacting your daily life. I aim to be collaborative; treatment and recovery should feel like it's a joint effort. I'll hold accountability in areas when it's appropriate, and I'll meet you where you're at in terms of readiness to do the work. In addition to OCD treatment, I also specialize in social anxiety, generalized anxiety, phobias, and depression recovery.
Location
Licensed in California, Illinois
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Children and Adolescents
Cultural competencies
Christianity
Education
Baylor University
Insurance
Plans accepted by Sam
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Curative, Forest County Potawatomi, Horizon BCBS, Imagine Health, Independence Blue Cross, Kaiser - Northern California Region, Kaiser - Southern California Region, Oscar Health, Partners Direct Health, United Healthcare, Western Health Advantage,
Want to work with Sam?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Sam
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I wanted to become a therapist because of my upbringing and childhood. There were a lot of mental health problems and substance use in my family background. I recognize now that it would have been helpful for me to have additional support through therapy. Seeing that while growing up made me interested in the support that I can provide for others.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
I try to show up in therapy in a way that invites warmth by being myself, being kind, and being personable. In this profession and going through education, we're taught as therapists to be a blank slate. I do think there is a time and place for that, but oftentimes, people want to feel like they're talking to another person, another human being.
What I want to help you see in yourself
I want you to see that you are confident and capable. Even though anxiety or OCD can make you feel like you're not able to do or be capable of doing things, that is the lie that OCD is telling you. Once you're doing ERP therapy, I want you to see that you can do everything OCD tells you that you can't do. I love seeing that confidence building.
My message to you if you're struggling right now
OCD is hard and it can take a lot of bravery to get help. Treatment can also be hard, however, there is evidence that shows that this actually works if people are willing to be brave and do it. I've been helping Members go through ERP therapy for a long time and I've seen it be effective.
Meet the clinical leaders who manage our training program and support your care
Learn more about our training →
Find an OCD specialist in
All of our therapists are personally trained by our team of OCD experts. It's what sets us apart.