Annalise Baumgardt, LCSW

My practice is 100% dedicated to OCD, OCPD, and anxiety-related disorders, with a specialized focus on queer-affirming care.
I provide virtual individual and group therapy in MA and NY, using ERP, I-CBT, and ACT. My style is active and “hands-on.” My clients and I don’t just talk about fears; we work together to face them through real-world exercises between sessions. I prioritize a high-focus environment where the vast majority of my caseload is dedicated to specialized OCD recovery.

I provide specialized care for OCD when it overlaps with other challenges. For clients experiencing panic attacks, I use “interoceptive” work—safely practicing physical sensations (like hyperventilation) until they no longer feel scary or dangerous.

For those struggling with OCPD (perfectionism and a need for control), I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT). Using real-life experiments help clients move away from rigid “rules” and toward a more flexible, meaningful life. My goal is to help clients manage the physical and mental symptoms of these conditions as a cohesive whole.

I have been practicing therapy virtually since 2020 and have specialized exclusively in OCD and OCPD since 2024. My expertise is built on intensive, evidence-based training, including advanced clinical coursework through Massachusetts General Hospital (Psychiatry Academy). I stay at the forefront of the field through regular webinars with the IOCDF and NOCD, and specialized training from PESI and the Psychotherapy Networker.

My practice is rooted in queer-affirming care, and I primarily serve members of the LGBTQ+ community. I understand how sexual orientation and gender identity can intersect with OCD themes, and I provide a safe, nuanced space to navigate these complexities.
I am committed to recognizing how various identities—including race, gender, and neurodivergence—impact a client’s experience with mental health. By fostering a culturally humble environment, I ensure that my clients feel seen and respected as whole individuals while we work through the specific challenges of OCD and OCPD.

My foundation in cultural competency was built while serving diverse populations at a major public hospital in New York City. This experience provided deep exposure to various cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds, teaching me to adapt my approach to each individual’s unique lived experience, with cultural humility.

Virtual OCD Support Group (MA & NY)
When: Fridays, 5:30 PM (1 hour)
Fee: $75 per session
Contact: annalise@reclaimascend.com

Join our weekly online support group for adults in Massachusetts and New York. Held via secure video, this group helps you tackle OCD alongside others who truly understand. We focus on learning how OCD works, practicing tools to face your fears (ERP), and building a life based on your values (ACT). We welcome all OCD themes, including intrusive or “taboo” thoughts. Each session includes education, group sharing, and real-world recovery skills. Email today to learn more or join.