SCIENCEWORKS
BEHAVIORAL HEALTHCARE
Edited and reviewed:
June 10, 2026
Reviewed by:
Complete Care for all Neurotypes
Therapy | Assessments | Coaching
CONTAMINATION OCD & I-CBT
I-CBT for Contamination OCD and Cleanliness Anxiety in Tennessee
When nothing ever feels clean enough, inference-based CBT works on the doubt behind the fear — by secure telehealth across Tennessee, without forced exposure.
Fears of germs or contamination drive your day
IS I-CBT RIGHT FOR YOU?
Our approach to contamination OCD
I-CBT focused on the doubt behind your contamination fears
A weekly video session with a clinician trained in this method
A path to trust your senses again without touching feared triggers
Licensed Providers
Telehealth Nationwide*
Neuro-affirming
Private & Secure
HOW I-CBT WORKS
What I-CBT is, and how it works for contamination OCD
Contamination OCD keeps you on guard against germs, dirt, or illness, with a constant pull to wash, clean, or steer clear. Inference-based cognitive behavioral therapy (I-CBT) goes after the doubt underneath — “what if it’s still not clean?” — treating it as a reasoning glitch rather than a real warning.
Even when something looks and feels clean, an imagined “it might be dirty” gets believed over the evidence in front of you, and washing only buys a few minutes before the doubt is back. I-CBT helps you trust what your senses are actually reporting, so the urge to clean or avoid settles — and because the work targets reasoning, it doesn’t require handling anything you fear. We adapt the approach for neurodivergent clients and pace it with you.
KEY STATISTICS ABOUT CONTAMINATION OCD
2.3%
of American adults experience OCD in their lifetime
Source:
On par
matched standard CBT for OCD in a randomized trial
Source:
12.8 yrs
average wait from OCD onset to formal diagnosis
Source:
WHAT TO EXPECT
Simple to start, structured throughout
1
Free 15-minute consult.
We learn what the fear looks like day to day and answer your questions.
2
3
You meet weekly by secure telehealth statewide, or in person in Nashville.
A clinician who treats contamination OCD becomes your therapist.
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
-
Superbills Provided
-
Out-of-Network: Up to 90% reimbursement for qualifying plans
WHO YOU'LL WORK WITH
Specialized, supervised, clinically reviewed
Your I-CBT for contamination 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 just the washing
Because we're out-of-network, your plan stays aimed at the contamination-doubt cycle rather than at coverage limits.
Your provider is trained in inference-based CBT for contamination fears, so the care is specialized, not a generalist's default.
Sessions affirm neurodivergent clients — 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 contamination OCD online or in person?
Contamination-OCD care is provided by secure video to clients across Tennessee, and in person at our Nashville office if you prefer. Most people take part online from home, which removes travel and lets you start sooner; in-person in Nashville is available on request.
Does I-CBT make me touch germs or dirty things?
No. Unlike exposure-based therapy, I-CBT doesn’t require contact with feared triggers. It works on the reasoning that makes the contamination doubt feel real, so the urge to wash or avoid eases without forced exposure.
Is contamination OCD just about being clean?
No. It’s driven by distressing doubt and the compulsions used to relieve it, not by hygiene preferences. I-CBT targets that doubt cycle, and we can adapt the plan if you also have anxiety, ADHD, autism, or trauma.
*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.