What OCD Really Looks Like in Kids and Teens

By Genesis Counseling – Serving Coral Springs, Boca Raton, Delray Beach, Pompano Beach, and offering virtual therapy across Florida

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, or OCD, is often misunderstood—especially in children and teens. Many people picture OCD as simply being overly neat or a “germaphobe,” but in reality, it’s a complex mental health condition that can deeply impact a young person’s daily life, emotions, and sense of control.

At Genesis Counseling, we work with kids, teens, and families across South Florida and the state of Florida to help recognize and treat OCD with compassion, education, and evidence-based care. Early intervention can make a huge difference, but first, it’s important to understand what OCD really looks like in young people.

What Is OCD?

OCD is a mental health disorder characterized by obsessions (unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges) and compulsions (repetitive behaviors or mental acts performed to reduce the distress caused by the obsessions).

These obsessions and compulsions can become overwhelming, time-consuming, and emotionally exhausting. OCD is not a phase, a personality quirk, or something kids can “just stop doing.”

Common Signs of OCD in Children and Teens

OCD can show up in many different ways, and often, kids struggle silently. Parents may notice changes in behavior, but not immediately connect them to OCD. Here are some common symptoms in young people:

1. Excessive reassurance seeking: Constantly asking the same questions like, “Are you sure I didn’t hurt someone?” or “Did I do that wrong?”
2. Intrusive thoughts: Obsessive worries about harming others, germs, making mistakes, or something bad happening if they don’t do something “just right.”
3. Repeating actions: Such as tapping, touching, blinking, or re-reading the same sentence until it feels “right.”
4. Cleaning rituals: Not just about hygiene, but done repeatedly in a very specific order or for a specific number of times to reduce anxiety.
5. Checking behaviors: Like repeatedly checking locks, lights, homework, or that they didn’t say something “bad.”
6. Avoidance: Avoiding certain numbers, colors, people, or places due to obsessive fears.
7. Time-consuming rituals: Getting stuck on routines that make it hard to get out the door, finish homework, or fall asleep.

Children and teens often feel embarrassed or confused by their thoughts and behaviors. Many try to hide their symptoms, which is why OCD can sometimes go unnoticed or be misdiagnosed.

The Emotional Toll of OCD

OCD isn’t just about behaviors—it takes a major emotional toll. Kids may feel:

1. Isolated, believing no one else thinks or acts like they do
2. Ashamed of their thoughts or rituals
3. Anxious, especially when they can’t perform their compulsions
4. Irritable or overwhelmed, especially when routines are interrupted

Without treatment, OCD can interfere with school performance, friendships, family dynamics, and self-esteem.

Effective OCD Treatment for Kids and Teens

The good news? OCD is highly treatable, especially when caught early. At Genesis Counseling, our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as:

1. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
2. Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) – considered the gold standard for OCD treatment
3. Play therapy or art therapy for younger children
4. Parent education and support to help families respond in healthy, supportive ways

Therapy helps kids and teens learn to face their fears without giving in to compulsions—and gives parents tools to support them through the process.

We’re Here to Help – Locations Across South Florida

At Genesis Counseling, we specialize in child and adolescent therapy, including OCD and anxiety treatment. Our team of experienced clinicians is trained to recognize the subtle and not-so-subtle signs of OCD in young people and create personalized treatment plans that work.

We proudly serve the South Florida community with offices in:

1. Coral Springs
2. Boca Raton
3. Delray Beach
4. Pompano Beach
5. Virtual therapy options available throughout the state of Florida

Take the First Step Toward Support

If you think your child or teen may be struggling with OCD, don’t wait. Early intervention can change the course of their life—and we’re here to walk with you every step of the way.

📞 Call Genesis Counseling today at 561-408-1098

🌐 Or visit www.genesiscounselingfl.com to request an appointment.

Let’s help your child feel more in control, confident, and supported—starting now.

By: Jennifer Bishop, LMHC