October 2026

Dear First name / friend,

 

My name is Dr. Alyssa Hertz! I am a clinical psychologist and the Director of Eating Disorder Services here at Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center. I am so excited to take over the newsletter this month while Dr. Ruths is out on maternity leave. 

 

October feels a little extra special this year as I get to watch my two year old daughter experience the season. We’re looking forward to picking out and painting pumpkins, enjoying fall activities, and, of course, we are excited about Halloween. She will be going as a dinosaur this year, her current obsession! There’s something super exciting and fun about putting on a costume and getting to pretend to be someone (or something) different.

 This got me thinking about the many individuals I work with who struggle with OCD. Except, for someone with OCD, the costume isn’t always so easy to take off.

 

From the outside, someone with OCD can look completely fine. They might have a big smile on their face, show up to work every day, spend time with friends and family, and go about their day-to-day life. Underneath, however, they may be experiencing distressing intrusive thoughts, intense anxiety, uncertainty, rumination, or compulsions that no one can see.

At Houston Anxiety and Wellness Center, OCD Awareness Month is especially meaningful to us because we are passionate about helping people recognize the signs and symptoms of OCD, educating and providing access to effective, evidence-based treatments, and instilling hope. October is making it a great time to learn more about OCD, connect with your community, and help spread awareness about what OCD really looks like.

 

The International OCD Foundation's annual OCD Awareness Week brings together individuals with OCD, loved ones, clinicians, and advocates through educational events and conversations designed to increase understanding and reduce stigma.

 

 

Looking for a way to connect with the OCD community? The annual One Million Steps for OCD Walk brings together individuals with OCD, family members, friends, clinicians, and advocates to raise awareness and support the OCD community.

 

 

Don't Get Tricked by OCD

OCD can be sneaky and doesn’t always look like what we expect. Sometimes it even disguises itself as something helpful, responsible, or even necessary.

 

 

 

The tricky part? Compulsions can feel like a treat because they often provide temporary relief, but, the relief reinforces the OCD cycle and makes obsessions feel even more urgent.

 

 

→ Schedule an Initial Evaluation with Tori

Join us November 23rd, 24th & 25th from 9:00 AM–1:00 PM at our office for three mornings of cooking, connection, creativity, and learning!

 

Throughout camp, kids will get to:

🥧 Practice CBT-based coping skills

🧠 Build emotional regulation and flexibility skills

👩‍🍳 Learn and practice cooking skills

🤝 Build confidence and social skills

🍪 Create some delicious Thanksgiving treats

💛 Have fun while learning skills they can use beyond the kitchen!

 

→ Reserve your child's spot today!

 

 

We’re proud to sponsor the 2026 OCD Texas Symposium & Mental Health Fair! Our team members Alyssa, Bailey, Carla, and Ian represented connected with fellow providers and community members, and learned from leading OCD experts, including Dr. Patrick McGrath and Nathan Peterson. Dr. Alyssa Hertz also joined fellow sponsors and presenters for Friday evening’s dinner, kicking off a weekend dedicated to advancing OCD awareness, education, and evidence-based care.

You may remember our plan to move down the hall to a new suite. We are still waiting on city permits which have delayed the move. Be on the lookout for emails, notices, and signs when we do make the move later this month or next.

We currently have openings for children, teens, adults, and parents:

Not sure who is the right fit? Our Client Care team can help match you with a clinician based on your needs, schedule, and preferences.

or Book an Appointment

Houston Anxiety & Wellness Center
832-205-8120  |  Info@HoustonAnxiety.com

 

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