Evidence-Based Treatment for Anxiety and OCD
Hello, I’m Lori Butterworth
I’m a licensed clinical psychologist specializing in evidence-based treatment for OCD, anxiety, trauma, and related challenges in youth and young adults. I use proven approaches, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure with Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and parent-based work such as SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions).
What matters most to me is helping young people build resilience in the face of life’s challenges. My work is grounded in values-based living and the belief - shaped in part by my master’s thesis on post-traumatic growth - that struggle can lead to strength, clarity, and purpose. Read full bio
Evidence-Based Treatments
I specialize in treating anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). OCD involves intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges paired with repetitive behaviors or mental rituals meant to reduce distress. I use ACT-informed Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), the gold-standard, evidence-based treatment for OCD. This approach helps patients gradually face feared thoughts or situations while learning to relate differently to discomfort, reduce compulsions, and move toward a more flexible, values-driven life. Treatment is structured, collaborative, and tailored to each person’s goals and needs.
I also treat generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety, phobias, and PTSD. Evidence-based approaches such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Prolonged Exposure Therapy, and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) focus on building practical skills, reducing avoidance, and increasing confidence and psychological flexibility so anxiety no longer runs the show.
Articles by Dr. Butterworth
Dr. Butterworth is a featured columnist in many publications, including Times Publishing Group.
Finding the Right Therapist: Knowing What Matters
“I Just Want to Be Happy” Really?
What Can We Do About Social Media?
Mindfulness: Why Do We Avoid It?
Frequently Asked Questions
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I provide evidence-based therapy for children, adolescents, young adults, and families, with a focus on anxiety, OCD, trauma, and grief. Treatment is individualized and practical, grounded in approaches that are supported by research and tailored to each person’s needs.
Because of their proven efficacy, I use Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD and anxiety, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and parent-based interventions such as SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions). I integrate skills-based strategies to support resilience, flexibility, and long-term growth.
I work collaboratively with clients and families, helping build real-world coping skills while responding to anxiety and distress in ways that foster confidence, self-efficacy, and independence.
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Evidence-based means the therapy approaches I use are backed by real science, not trends or guesswork. They’re supported by peer-reviewed research, clinical studies, and established treatment guidelines showing they’re effective for concerns like anxiety, OCD, trauma, and emotional overwhelm.
At the same time, therapy isn’t one-size-fits-all. Evidence-based care also means adapting those research-supported tools to you - your personality, goals, values, culture, and what’s actually happening in your life. The goal is to use methods that are proven to work and make sense for who you are.
In short, evidence-based therapy combines solid research with a personalized, practical approach, so you’re learning skills that are effective, realistic, and usable in the real world.
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Yes, although in-person is preferred, telehealth is available for people who are unable to come to my office. Keep in mind, I am licensed in California, so I am limited to providing care in California.
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A standard 50-minute therapy session is $195. Extended 90-minute sessions, which are often used for intake appointments or intensive exposure (ERP) work, are $275.
I do not bill private insurance directly. Instead, I provide a Superbill that you can submit to your insurance company for possible out-of-network reimbursement, depending on your plan.
Before starting therapy, you will receive a Good Faith Estimate outlining the expected costs of services, as required by law. This ensures transparency so there are no surprises and you can make an informed decision about care.
Sliding scale options are available on a limited basis, depending on income and level of need. I also see a limited number of Medi-Cal (CCAH) patients through the Center for Child and Adolescent Mental Health (CCAMH). Availability is limited, and eligibility is assessed individually.
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We begin with a 90-minute intake session, where I take the time to really understand what’s going on. This includes a thorough assessment, discussion of patterns and strengths, and your goals for change. After the intake, I provide clear treatment recommendations, including goals, an estimated timeline, and what therapy will likely look like moving forward.
My style is professional, warm, and collaborative. I’m friendly, down-to-earth, and I genuinely enjoy the work I do—I also have a good sense of humor and believe therapy can be meaningful without being heavy all the time. I hold my clients in high regard and bring a lot of experience to the table.
At the same time, I have high expectations for participation. Therapy works best when clients show up, practice skills between sessions, and are willing to engage—even when it’s uncomfortable. I’ll support you every step of the way, but I won’t do the work for you. The goal is real, lasting change and growing confidence in your ability to handle life’s challenges.
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You can reach out by filling out the contact form on this website or by calling 831-222-0052. I make every effort to respond within 48 hours.
If we decide that treatment is a good fit, clients (or families, when appropriate) are responsible for scheduling appointments online according to the agreed-upon treatment plan. For example, a plan might include weekly individual sessions and occasional parent or support-person check-ins. Appointments are scheduled using the provided scheduling link.
Clients are also responsible for managing their appointments, including cancelling or rescheduling sessions. A 24-hour cancellation notice is required.