Maria Meinerding, PhD

My practice specialized in treating OCD and anxiety-related disorders, which currently make up 80% of my active caseload (60% dedicated specifically to OCD and co-occurring disorders, and 20% with closely related disorders). Throughout my career, I have treated more than 100 individuals with OCD and related disorders in both individual and group treatment. I utilize evidence-based treatments, specifically ERP and I-CBT, and frequently incorporate ACT.

We begin with a comprehensive assessment to understand clients’ unique demographic and contextual influences, and core fears driving their behaviors. I utilize an inhibitory learning approach to ERP and incorporate third-wave CBTs, tailored to the co-occurring condition. For example, substance use is often framed as a safety behavior maintaining the OCD cycle. For clients needing additional support before engaging in exposures, I incorporate distress tolerance skills and ensure these skills support engagement, rather than become ritualized avoidance. Exposures are guided by the client’s values, and are designed to prevent compulsions, reduce avoidance, and generally improve mood and promote psychological flexibility.

I have 7 years of experience treating OCD and related disorders. I completed my internship and postdoctoral fellowship at the San Diego VA, receiving specialized training in inhibitory learning-based anxiety protocols under a supervisor trained at UCLA’s Anxiety and Depression Research Center. Currently, I engage in clinical consultation groups led by a local affiliate of IOCDF. I also work as a research psychologist within a research lab directed by the director of the PTSD Consultation Program for the National Center for PTSD. My background in treating severe, co-morbid conditions informs my specialized, nuanced approach to OCD treatment.

Currently, over 60% of my clients identify as LGBTQ+ and 25% identify as neurodivergent. In addition to working with queer and ND folx, I work extensively with Veterans, new parents, and individuals from diverse racial, ethnic, economic, and religious backgrounds. My practice focuses heavily on how intersecting identities shape a client’s worldview and impact their OCD. For example, I frequently support individuals navigating religious deconstruction or trauma who struggle with scrupolosity and moral perfectionism, as well as new moms managing perinatal OCD and identity shifts.

My doctoral and postdoctoral training included dedicated, ongoing seminars on multicultural counseling, intersecting identities, and systemic trauma. I sought opportunities to expand on this training, including active involvement with the Diversity Action Committee and LGBTQ+ Clinical Consultation Committee within the San Diego VA. In my clinical practice, I routinely adapt evidence-based protocols to be neuroaffirming and culturally responsive to each individual’s unique intersection of identities.