OCD & Anxiety Specialist
Meet Josh Kaplan, LCSW
Anxiety and OCD Specialist
Hi, I’m Josh Kaplan, LCSW. I specialize in helping teens and adults break free from OCD and anxiety using Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and other evidence-based treatments so they can regain confidence, experience lasting relief, and get back to living the life they want.
For nearly 15 years, I have dedicated my career to helping people overcome OCD and anxiety. I understand how exhausting it can feel to be trapped in cycles of fear, uncertainty, avoidance, and overthinking—and I also know that meaningful change and lasting recovery are possible.
My approach is warm, compassionate, collaborative, and active. Together, we will develop a clear treatment plan, face the fears that have been holding you back, and build the skills and confidence needed to reclaim your life from anxiety.
Available in CO, UT, AZ, NV, WA, NJ, IL
At the heart of effective therapy is a genuine, trusting relationship. I can know every skill, tool, and intervention in the world, but if you don't feel safe with me, we won't get anywhere - Josh Kaplan, LCSW
My Approach and Commitment to You
As a therapist, I’m often described as calm, warm, professional, and occasionally funny. I bring empathy and compassion to every session, paired with a direct, structured, and evidence-based approach. My goal is to teach you the skills and strategies I have developed over nearly 15 years of specializing in OCD and anxiety, so that over time, you feel confident facing life’s challenges without needing me by your side.
I believe my clients are some of the bravest people I know. Choosing to face anxiety, uncertainty, and fear head-on requires tremendous courage. I deeply value the therapeutic relationship and strive to create a space where you feel understood, supported, and challenged. I show up as my genuine self because I believe the most meaningful change happens in a relationship built on trust, honesty, and connection.
While our work will always be grounded in science and evidence-based treatment, I also recognize that no two people are the same. My role is to tailor therapy to your personality, values, and life experiences while walking beside you as you face your fears, build confidence, and reclaim your life from anxiety.
My commitment is simple: to combine proven treatments with compassion, authenticity, and expertise to help you achieve lasting change and regain the freedom to live the life you want.
Education and Professional Experience
Education
I earned my Bachelor’s degree from Colorado State University and went on to complete my Master of Social Work (MSW) at the University of Denver, graduating in 2011. My graduate training focused on clinical mental health, with a specialty in interpersonal trauma and recovery. This foundation continues to shape my work today, informing the evidence-based approach I use to help clients understand their symptoms, build resilience, and create lasting change.
Post Graduate Anxiety and OCD Training
I completed post-graduate training at the University of Pennsylvania’s Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety. I received advanced, OCD and anxiety specific training under the guidance of psychologist Edna Foa, a pioneer in the anxiety field. My training focused on gold-standard, evidence-based treatments, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Exposure Therapy, and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Direct Clinical Practice (2013-present)
I’ve always worked directly with clients, because this is the work I’m most passionate about. Since 2013, I’ve maintained a private practice focused specifically on the treatment of anxiety disorders and OCD. Even while serving in leadership roles within larger behavioral health organizations, I made it a priority to continue seeing clients every week. Direct clinical work has remained the core of my professional identity; it's my passion, and it’s where I find the most meaning, helping teens and adults break free from fear-driven anxiety patterns and reclaim their lives.
Clinical Leadership (2019-2023)
In addition to my work in private practice, I’ve spent years helping advance the quality of evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders and OCD on a broader scale. I served as Director of Clinical Operations and later Vice President of Clinical Operations at NOCD, where I helped train, supervise, and provide clinical oversight for a team of more than 200 OCD therapists. In these roles, I contributed to the development of training programs, refined clinical protocols, and ensured therapists were delivering consistent, research-supported OCD and anxiety care. This leadership work strengthened my commitment to high-quality, evidence-based treatment and deepened my understanding of what clients need to make meaningful, lasting progress.
Ongoing Contributions to Anxiety and OCD Awareness and Education
I am proud to have contributed to OCD and anxiety disorder awareness and education through presentations at two International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) conferences. My presentations focused on two critical topics: Harm OCD, shedding light on its unique challenges and effective treatment approaches, and co-morbid Social Anxiety with OCD, emphasizing the nuanced interplay between these conditions and tailored intervention strategies.
Take the First Step Toward Freedom from Anxiety
Recovery begins with a single step. If you’re ready to start CBT or ERP therapy for anxiety or OCD, I invite you to schedule a free 20-minute online consultation. We’ll discuss your symptoms, goals, and what effective treatment can look like for you. Together, we’ll take the first step toward lasting relief and renewed peace of mind. I'm fully licensed in Colorado, Arizona, Nevada, Utah, Washington, New Jersey, and Illinois.