SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Edited and reviewed:
June 10, 2026
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
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ERP VS I-CBT FOR OCD
ERP vs i-CBT for OCD in Tennessee
Two evidence-based OCD therapies, compared honestly — and matched to you by licensed specialists, all by secure telehealth anywhere in Tennessee.
You've read about ERP and i-CBT and feel unsure
WHICH APPROACH FITS YOU?
What you get either way, at ScienceWorks
Both ERP and i-CBT offered, by clinicians trained in each
An honest recommendation based on your OCD and your preferences
Weekly telehealth sessions and a treatment plan you actually agree with
Licensed Providers
Telehealth Nationwide*
Neuro-affirming
Private & Secure
HOW THEY DIFFER
ERP and i-CBT: two routes to the same goal
Both ERP and i-CBT are evidence-based treatments for OCD; they work on different parts of the cycle. ERP (exposure and response prevention) is the most-studied, first-line approach: you gradually face triggers while not performing the ritual, and your brain learns that the feared outcome doesn't depend on the compulsion.
i-CBT (inference-based CBT) starts one step earlier — with the obsessional doubt itself. It targets inferential confusion, the reasoning that makes an imagined possibility feel more real than your senses, and rebuilds trust in reality, without an exposure component. Research finds the two work comparably, and many people who find exposure too daunting do better beginning with i-CBT. We help you pick the starting point — and you can change course as you go.
KEY STATISTICS ABOUT ERP AND I-CBT
2.3%
of U.S. adults experience OCD in their lifetime
Source:
~15%
refuse or drop out of exposure-based OCD therapy
Source:
1 in 2
reach remission with standard OCD therapy
Source:
WHAT TO EXPECT
From unsure to a plan you trust
1
Free 15-minute consult.
We talk through your OCD and what you have tried so far.
2
3
Your chosen approach, delivered securely anywhere in Tennessee.
You're paired with a clinician trained in ERP and i-CBT.
Matched with an OCD specialist.
Weekly telehealth sessions.
Payment options
As a specialty practice, we're out-of-network so we can offer the most effective, customized services.
Our payment options are transparent and flexible:
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Self-Pay: All major credit cards; FAS/HSA eligible
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Payment Plans: 6-months interest-free for approved clients via CareCredit
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Superbills Provided
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Out-of-Network: Up to 90% reimbursement for qualifying plans
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
OCD specialists, supervised and reviewed
Your OCD care is delivered by licensed Tennessee clinicians with specialized training in ERP and inference-based therapy (i-CBT), and experience supporting neurodivergent clients. You're matched with a clinician experienced in OCD — not a generalist.
Dr. Kiesa Kelly (she/her)
Owner & Psychologist
Ryan Burns (he/him)
Practice Director
WHY CLIENTS CHOOSE SCIENCEWORKS
Evidence-based, flexible, affirming
Because we're independent and out-of-network, your treatment follows what actually works for you — not insurance limits or session caps.
You're matched with a clinician trained in both ERP and i-CBT, so the recommendation fits your OCD — not just what we happen to offer.
Care is neurodivergent-affirming and delivered by secure telehealth across Tennessee, so specialized OCD support reaches you at home.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Which is better for OCD, ERP or i-CBT?
Research finds ERP and i-CBT work comparably for OCD, so there's no universal winner. ERP is the most-studied option; i-CBT may suit you better if exposure feels too daunting or your obsessional doubt is strong. We recommend based on your symptoms and preferences.
Is treatment available online, or do I need to come in person?
Both ERP and i-CBT are provided entirely online by secure telehealth, to clients located in Tennessee during sessions. There's no in-person option — you meet from wherever you're comfortable, which removes travel as a barrier to starting.
Can I switch approaches if the first one isn't working?
Yes. The choice isn't permanent. Your clinician tracks how you're responding, and you can shift from one approach to the other, or blend elements, if that serves your recovery better. It stays collaborative throughout.
*Therapy and assessments available in the following states (coaching available worldwide):
AL, AZ, AR, CA, CO, CT, DE, DC, FL, GA, ID, IA, IL, IN, KS, KY, ME, MD, MI, MN, MS, MO, NE, NV, NH, NJ, NC, ND, OH, OK, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WV, WI, WY
Disclaimer: This page provides general educational information and is not a substitute for mental health diagnosis or treatment. Reading this page does not create a therapist–client relationship with ScienceWorks Behavioral Healthcare. S If you are in crisis or may be at risk of harm to yourself or others, call 911, go to your nearest emergency room, or call/text 988 (U.S.). Additional emergency support can be found here: Emergency Resources.