SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Edited and reviewed:
June 10, 2026
Reviewed by:
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
Therapy | Assessments | Coaching
EXISTENTIAL OCD & I-CBT
I-CBT for Existential & Philosophical OCD in Tennessee
When unanswerable questions trap you in analysis, inference-based CBT works on the reasoning that keeps them looping — by secure telehealth across Tennessee.
Unanswerable questions about reality or meaning loop
IS I-CBT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Our approach to existential OCD
I-CBT centered on the doubt fueling your existential questions
A weekly video appointment with a provider versed in this method
Tools to leave the rumination spiral rather than solve the unsolvable
Licensed Providers
Telehealth Nationwide*
Neuro-affirming
Private & Secure
HOW I-CBT WORKS
What I-CBT is, and how it works for existential OCD
Existential and philosophical OCD fixes on questions that can’t be settled — “what if none of this is real?”, “what if I don’t truly exist?”, “what is the point of anything?” Inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) approaches these not as knowledge you’re missing but as a reasoning trap.
The pull comes from treating an abstract possibility as a problem that demands a solution, which sends you into hours of mental analysis that never lands. I-CBT teaches you to recognize that move and step back into your grounded, lived experience, so the question loosens its hold. Throughout, the work stays neurodivergent-affirming and paced to what feels manageable for you.
KEY STATISTICS ABOUT EXISTENTIAL OCD
94%
of people worldwide report unwanted intrusive thoughts
Source:
On par
comparable to gold-standard CBT for OCD in research
Source:
12.8 yrs
typical gap between first OCD symptoms and diagnosis
Source:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Simple to start, structured throughout
1
Free 15-minute consult.
We listen to what keeps looping and outline how I-CBT can help.
2
3
Weekly by secure telehealth statewide, or in person in Nashville.
A clinician experienced with existential OCD takes you on as a client.
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:
-
Self-Pay: All major credit cards; FAS/HSA eligible
-
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
Specialized, supervised, clinically reviewed
Your I-CBT for existential OCD care is delivered by licensed providers with specialized training in inference-based CBT and experience supporting neurodivergent clients. We match you 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
Specialized in the doubt, not the philosophy
Because we work out-of-network, the plan stays fixed on your rumination cycle instead of being shaped by coverage caps.
Your provider knows inference-based CBT for existential obsessions, so the work is precise rather than a generalist's approximation.
Care affirms neurodivergent minds — by secure telehealth statewide, with in-person visits at our Nashville office when you prefer them.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Common questions
Is I-CBT for existential OCD online or in person?
Existential-OCD sessions are held by secure video for clients across Tennessee, with in-person visits available at our Nashville office. Most people value joining online from a calm, familiar space without travel; in-person in Nashville is there if you prefer it.
Is existential OCD just deep thinking or overthinking?
The difference is distress and compulsion. Curiosity comes and goes; existential OCD pulls you into hours of analysis and reassurance-seeking that never settle. I-CBT targets that loop rather than the questions themselves.
Can exposure therapy even work on a philosophical thought?
That's the catch — you can't really expose yourself to an abstract “what if,” so exposure-based therapy often stalls here. I-CBT instead dismantles the reasoning that makes the question feel urgent.
*Therapy and assessments available in the following states (coaching available worldwide):
Work with us locally:
AL, AZ, AR, 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
2603 Elm Hill Pike, Suite C
Nashville, TN 37214
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. 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.