Rachel A Simmons PhD

About 70% of my practice involves treating individuals with BDD, OCD, or related disorders. I also treat co-occurring conditions, such as mood, anxiety, and eating disorders, trauma, and alcohol abuse. In addition to diagnostic evaluation and individual therapy, I also run a group for individuals seeking support in coping with BDD. I use cognitive-behavioral therapy, as well as mindfulness and self-compassion approaches.

I have been treating OCD, body dysmorphic disorder (BDD), and related disorders since 2005. I completed specialized training in CBT and exposure and response prevention (ERP) at the University of Pennsylvania and the Anxiety and Agoraphobia Treatment Center in Bala Cynwyd, PA. On postdoctoral fellowship, I had OCD training with adults and adolescents at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Cornell Medical College. I worked as a CBT study therapist at the Body Dysmorphic Disorder Program at Rhode Island Hospital. Currently I supervise residents and fellows at Butler Hospital and regularly give talks on BDD at Brown’s medical school and in the community.

Diversity Statement:

I was trained primarily in urban and VA hospital settings serving diverse multicultural populations. I also have worked with many individuals from the LGBTQIA community. I am committed to inclusive practice and affirm all aspects of identity and culture that are important to individuals, including ethnic, racial, sexual, gender, and religious identities.

Treatment Groups:

I am currently running a group for individuals with body dysmorphic disorder (BDD). The group runs for 60 minutes and includes the introduction of a topic related to BDD, discussion of personal coping experiences, and ends with goal setting. Additional BDD groups may be offered in the future. For more information, see https://www.nenepsychology.com/services.