You can get diagnosed with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) by meeting with a licensed mental health professional, such as a psychiatrist, psychologist, or therapist. The diagnosis is made through a clinical assessment, where the provider asks about your intrusive thoughts, compulsions, how often they occur, and how much they interfere with daily life.
There’s no blood test or brain scan that confirms OCD–the diagnosis relies on symptom patterns that meet the criteria in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Below, we explain who can diagnose OCD, what to expect during an evaluation, and how long it usually takes.
How can I get diagnosed with OCD?
Getting an accurate diagnosis is the first step toward effective treatment for OCD. OCD is characterized by a cycle of intrusive thoughts and compulsions. The mental health condition is diagnosed through a clinical evaluation and must meet specific criteria defined in the DSM-5.
OCD affects about 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children, yet it can often go undiagnosed for years. If you’ve dealt with intrusive thoughts or compulsive behaviors for a long time—or you’re just beginning to wonder if OCD could explain what you’re experiencing—getting a formal diagnosis can provide clarity, validation, and a plan to help you move forward.
Who can diagnose OCD?
Only trained mental health professionals can diagnose OCD. This includes:
- Psychiatrists (can diagnose and prescribe medication)
- Psychologists (diagnose and provide therapy)
- Licensed therapists and counselors (diagnose and treat, depending on state laws)
Primary care providers or general practitioners may rule out medical issues, but they usually refer patients to specialists for an official OCD diagnosis.
What criteria are used to diagnose OCD?
OCD is diagnosed using DSM-5 criteria, which include:
- Experiencing obsessions, compulsions, or both.
- Having obsessions or compulsions that take up a lot of time (more than an hour per day).
- Experiencing significant distress or difficulty functioning in areas like work, school, social activities, or daily responsibilities.
- Symptoms that aren’t caused by substances or another medical or mental health condition.
How long does an OCD diagnosis take?
An initial diagnostic assessment usually takes one to two clinical sessions. Some people receive a diagnosis in their first appointment if their symptoms are apparent. In contrast, others may need additional sessions for a provider to rule out other conditions such as generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), depression, or attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD).
What tests are used to diagnose OCD?
There are no lab tests for OCD, but clinicians often use structured interviews and questionnaires to support diagnosis, such as:
- Dimensional Obsessive-Compulsive Scale (DOCS): Assesses the severity of OCD symptoms
- Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS): Measures symptom severity
- Structured Clinical Interview for DSM Disorders (SCID): Ensures accurate diagnosis
Can you self-diagnose OCD?
You cannot officially self-diagnose OCD. Online quizzes and symptom checkers may help you identify patterns, but only a qualified mental health professional can make an official diagnosis. If you suspect you have OCD, seeking an evaluation is the best next step.
What to expect after diagnosis
After receiving an OCD diagnosis, the next step is getting the proper treatment. While there isn’t a “cure” for OCD, there are methods to manage symptoms and decrease the intensity of the condition. The most effective treatment for OCD is exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy.
ERP is a specialized form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) proven to be effective for OCD. General CBT, if not tailored for OCD, can sometimes be unhelpful or even worsen symptoms.
Studies show that ERP therapy is highly effective, with 80% of people with OCD experiencing a significant reduction in their symptoms.
Other approaches that may help include:
- Medication (typically SSRIs)
- Mindfulness-based strategies
- Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT)
These are typically done in combination with ERP therapy, depending on the individual’s needs.
Severe or treatment-resistant OCD may benefit from the following therapies:
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOPs)
- Partial hospital programs (PHPs)
- Residential treatment centers (RTCs)
- Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS)
- Deep brain stimulation (DBS)
- Gamma knife radiosurgery (GKRS)
Find the right OCD therapist for you
All our therapists are licensed and trained in exposure and response prevention therapy (ERP), the gold standard treatment for OCD.
Bottom line
For many people, receiving an OCD diagnosis marks the start of a journey toward clarity, relief, and healing. Working with a specialist who truly understands OCD and can guide you through treatment is essential.
It’s also important to remind yourself that you’re not alone. Supportive communities can provide connection, validation, and empowerment by allowing you to share experiences with others who understand what you’re going through.
With the right help, you can break free from the grip of OCD, rebuild your confidence, and create a life that aligns with your goals and values.
Key takeaways
- OCD affects about 1 in 40 adults and 1 in 100 children, but many people go undiagnosed for years.
- Only licensed mental health professionals (psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists) can diagnose OCD.
- Diagnosis is based on clinical evaluation and the DSM-5 criteria, rather than medical tests.
- Receiving a diagnosis can provide validation, clarity, and access to effective treatments, such as ERP therapy and medication.