Constance Abruzzese, PhD

A significant portion of my clinical practice focuses on the assessment and treatment of OCD and related disorders. I provide evidence-based treatment using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and other behavioral approaches tailored to each client’s needs.

In addition to OCD treatment, I utilize CBT, DBT, ACT, and mindfulness-based approaches to treat trauma and PTSD, anxiety disorders, relationship concerns, and life transitions.

I have treated OCD and related disorders since 2014. I completed the IOCDF Behavior Therapy Training Institute, an intensive training program in ERP. I also completed a postdoctoral fellowship at The Reeds Center for OCD and Anxiety Disorders (2016–2017).

From 2017–2019, I served as Staff Psychologist and Coordinator of OCD and Related Disorders Programs at Cognitive & Behavioral Consultants, where I co-developed intensive OCD treatment programming and supervised psychology trainees.

From 2019–2025, I was the Co-Director of Training at the Columbia Day Program where I developed and led OCD/anxiety treatment groups, provided individual therapy, and supervised graduate students.

Cultural humility is central to my work. As the child of a Greek immigrant, I appreciate how culture, identity, and community shape how people understand themselves and others. I strive to provide an inclusive and affirming therapeutic environment for individuals from diverse ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds. I am committed to providing LGBTQ+ affirming care and welcome clients of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions. I view cultural competence as an ongoing process of learning and self-reflection and engage in continuing education and consultation focused on bias reduction.

My training and professional experience have included working with children, adolescents, and adults from diverse racial, ethnic, cultural, religious, socioeconomic, and LGBTQ+ backgrounds. Across outpatient and hospital settings, I have provided evidence-based treatment while considering the cultural and contextual factors that influence mental health. My professional training has included diversity, equity, inclusion, and bias-reduction initiatives at Columbia University Irving Medical Center, and I continue to pursue consultation and continuing education focused on culturally responsive and affirming care.