Ariel Almarakeshy
Licensed Therapist, MSW, LCSW
Want to work with Ariel?
Talk with our team to learn more
I approach OCD therapy with patience, understanding, collaboration, and a non-judgmental framework. That treatment is not always linear — it will likely include some experiences that are distressing before they get better — but the goal is to experience pain without suffering. Growing up, I had first-hand experience with therapy, so I do everything I can to create a safe space. It's a privilege to work with those with OCD as they begin to see their strengths. My other focus areas include trauma and PTSD, addiction, borderline personality disorder, and criminal history.
I approach OCD therapy with patience, understanding, collaboration, and a non-judgmental framework. That treatment is not always linear — it will likely include some experiences that are distressing before they get better — but the goal is to experience pain without suffering. Growing up, I had first-hand experience with therapy, so I do everything I can to create a safe space. It's a privilege to work with those with OCD as they begin to see their strengths. My other focus areas include trauma and PTSD, addiction, borderline personality disorder, and criminal history.
Location
Licensed in California
About
Clinical Expertise
OCD, Anxiety, Depression, Phobias, Skin picking, Hair pulling, Nail biting, Tics, Children and Adolescents
LGBTQ+ affirming
Cultural competencies
Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Agnosticism
Education
University of Wisconsin-Madison
Insurance
Plans accepted by Ariel
Aetna, Ascension SmartHealth, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Oklahoma, Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, Blue Shield, Blue Shield of California, Cigna, Curative, Florida Blue, Forest County Potawatomi, GEHA, Horizon BCBS, Independence Blue Cross, Kaiser - Northern California Region, Kaiser - Southern California Region, Oscar Health, Partners Direct Health, Positive Healthcare, UHC Student Services, UMR - The Alliance, United Health Care Student Services, United Healthcare, Western Health Advantage,
Want to work with Ariel?
Talk with our team to learn more.
Get to know Ariel
My personal connection to OCD and mental health
I have experience with anxiety, and I can really relate to feeling isolated. Working with exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy has helped me integrate it into my own life and empathize with Members facing and conquering a variety of challenges.
How I create a safe, supportive environment in therapy
I'll take the time to get to know you and your expectations for therapy. We'll delve into your past experiences with therapy if you have any to figure out what wasn't as helpful and what you expect with me. My approach can be playful, but I also know when to lean into sitting with discomfort and silence. I also enjoy the role community plays in Members' lives, leaning into what's important to people and looking at meaningful change, because that's what's helped me.
What I want to help you see in yourself
That the change you want is possible, and your experience with OCD doesn't define everything about you. You can absolutely change your experience and be more present in your life.
My message to you if you're considering therapy
Try not to worry; we won't jump into the deep end right away. First, we work together to understand what ERP is, then gain more insight into it, and finally, we develop a treatment plan based on your priorities.
Meet the clinical leaders who manage our training program and support your care
Learn more about our training →
Find an OCD specialist in
All of our therapists are personally trained by our team of OCD experts. It's what sets us apart.