Demi Kourtesi, PhD

I am an individual provider within the LifeStance Health network, specializing in the treatment of adults with OCD and co-occurring personality disorders. While my practice is open to all adult mental health concerns, approximately 40-50% of my current caseload is dedicated specifically to OCD and related disorders. My practice focuses on high-acuity cases where OCD intersects with complex personality organization, utilizing a specialized blend of ERP and psychodynamic modalities (TFP/MBT) to address both symptom management and characterological growth.

I provide a multi-layered treatment structure that bridges behavioral action with psychodynamic insight. For OCD, I utilize EX/RP to provide immediate symptom relief and disruption of the ritual cycle. Concurrently, for co-occurring personality disorders or complex trauma, I integrate Psychodynamic, Transference-Focused Psychotherapy (TFP), and Mentalization-Based Treatment (MBT). This dual approach allows us to address the functional ’cause’ of the distress—such as attachment gaps or personality organization—while maintaining the behavioral rigor necessary for OCD recovery. This ensures patients achieve both symptom remission and deeper psychological integration.

I have specialized in the treatment of OCD since 2020. I have been trained by the Baylor College of Medicine during my internship and received direct clinical supervision on complex OCD presentations, such as ‘Pure O’, moral scrupulosity, and sensorimotor OCD. Beyond clinical practice, I am a published researcher in the field; my work, which examines the efficacy of TMS treatment for OCD in Latino populations, reflects my commitment to evidence-based, culturally competent care and staying at the forefront of OCD treatment innovations.