Rina V. Pesce PhD

My practice is focused on evidence-based treatment and support of people with OCD and related anxiety disorders. I do both short-term and long-term treatment and have worked with about 125 people over the years. About 95% of my clientele has OCD or a related anxiety disorder.

I have specialized in treatment of anxiety for 15 years, helping people with OCD, hair pulling, skin picking, and a variety of other anxiety disorders. I was clinically trained by psychologists on the Advisory Board for ICODF, regularly consult with local colleagues on the Mid-Atlantic regional affiliate of IOCDF, and participate as a member of the IOCDF Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Action Council (DEIAC).

I am South Asian, and immigrated as a child from India to the United States. Aside from the personal experience of growing up bicultural, I am well-versed in treatment of multicultural populations due to my training at an APA Center of Excellence for Minority Fellowship. Over the years, I have enjoyed working with people across the spectrum of diversity, including but not limited to people of various ethnicities, spiritual traditions, gender identities, sexual orientations, and abilities.

I was trained at a treatment-oriented Ph.D. program – one that was invested first and foremost in training treatment providers and making care accessible for all populations. I have presented at the National Conference on Race and Ethnicity in Higher Education and completed a doctoral dissertation on the White experience of growing diversity. I continue to keep the intersection of identity, culture, and treatment at the forefront of my continuing education.