John Tzanos, PhD

Over half of my telehealth practice is dedicated to helping adults with OCD and related concerns, including BFRBs (skin picking/hair pulling), health anxiety, and perfectionism. I offer structured, goal-focused care that combines Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) with Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and CBT skills. Together we’ll build a clear plan, learn how OCD works, and practice facing fears and urges in a gradual, supported way, without getting pulled into rituals, reassurance, or avoidance. The goal isn’t to eliminate intrusive thoughts, but to change your relationship with them so you can get your time, freedom, and life back

I often treat OCD alongside co-occurring ADHD, anxiety disorders, mood disorders and more. My approach blends ERP with ACT and CBT: we build a clear case formulation, then practice facing feared triggers while changing the relationship to intrusive thoughts (making room for discomfort rather than debating it). We strengthen flexibility, values-based action, and daily structure, especially when ADHD impacts follow-through. CBT tools (behavioral activation, sleep/stress routines, problem-solving) support mood and anxiety so ERP stays doable. Treatment is collaborative, measurable, and paced to keep progress steady without reinforcing avoidance.

I specialize in treating OCD and related disorders, including harm, sexual-orientation, POCD, contamination, perfectionism, and intrusive thoughts. My training includes advanced workshops in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and CBT, with an emphasis on evidence-based, measurement-informed care and ongoing consultation with other psychologists. I completed BFRB-specific training through The TLC Foundation for BFRBs and additional OCD-focused training through high-quality professional programs and continuing education. I stay current through regular CE, peer consultation, and ongoing skills refinement to provide effective, individualized treatment.

I work with adults and young adults from diverse backgrounds, including neurodivergent clients. I strive to create a respectful, affirming space where you can bring your full self to treatment. When relevant, we integrate culture, identity, immigration/acculturation experiences, and family values into our shared understanding of what’s happening and what you want from therapy while keeping care practical and evidence-based. As a bilingual provider (English/Greek), I’m mindful of how language and culture can shape symptoms and help-seeking, and I tailor treatment accordingly.

I’ve completed graduate coursework and continuing education focused on culturally responsive care, and I’ve worked with clients from a wide range of backgrounds in diverse clinical settings. In treatment, I stay curious about how culture, identity, family values, and life experiences may shape what a client is dealing with and what feels helpful. I aim to practice with cultural humility, checking assumptions, inviting feedback, and adapting evidence-based approaches to fit the person in front of me. I also continue to seek training and consultation to strengthen inclusivity and provide respectful, effective care.