OCD Center of Los Angeles Clinical Staff

LAURA YOCUM, MFT, PPS, is the Executive Director of the OCD Center of Los Angeles. She is a psychotherapist licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Laura received both her Master’s Degree in Marriage and Family Therapy and her School Counseling / Pupil Personnel Services (PPS) Credential at California State University at Northridge (CSUN). Prior to joining the OCD Center of Los Angeles in 2011, Laura spent three years working as a therapist for students and their families at the middle school and high school levels as a counselor at “Partnerships to Uplift Communities” (PUC). She is well-versed in the California Education Code, and has served as an advocate for students whose families are seeking to receive appropriate 504 plan and IEP accommodations from their school district. Laura specializes in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Mindfulness Based CBT for children, adolescents, and adults with a wide range of disorders including all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), Social Anxiety, Dermatillomania, Trichotillomania, and Eating Disorders. Laura spoke at the 2014 annual conference of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF) as part of a panel discussion on the topic of mental rituals commonly seen in Pure Obsessional OCD.  She also spoke as part of a panel discussion about Relationship OCD (ROCD) at the 2020 IOCDF conference. Laura also has extensive training in Art Therapy and Music Therapy for the treatment of children and teenagers. Laura has worked both individually with clients and their families, and has experience leading groups for children and teenagers suffering with anxiety, social isolation, poor self-esteem, and difficulty adjusting to school and social settings. In addition to providing individual therapy, Laura also currently leads our Saturday morning low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD. To schedule treatment with Laura, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

MARY (SPONAUGLE) NEUSTAEDTER, MFT, is a psychotherapist licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Mary received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Chapman University in Orange, CA. Prior to joining the clinical staff of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Mary worked as a psychotherapist at The Gateway Institute in Costa Mesa, CA, where she specialized in the treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related-anxiety disorders. While there, Mary provided individual therapy, group therapy, and intensive outpatient treatment using Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness techniques. Mary has extensive experience working with all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), Social Anxiety, Phobias, Dermatillomania and Trichotillomania. Mary’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on CBT for adults, adolescents and children suffering from OCD. Mary has experience working with children ages 9-17, and collaborating with schools to form IEP and 504 accommodations. Her prior counseling experience includes The Francis Smith Center for Individual and Family Therapy, working with clientele suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Panic Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and Mood Disorders. Prior to entering the field of therapy, Mary earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of Redlands. Mary is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and was a presenter at the IOCDF annual conference in 2017. Mary has also been involved with OCD SoCal, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation, since 2015. To schedule treatment with Mary, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

CHRIS CINCOTTA, MFT, is a psychotherapist licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Chris received his Master’s Degree in Counseling from California State University at Fullerton (CSUF), and has specialized in treating OCD and related conditions since 2013. Chris is a certified graduate of the Behavioral Therapy Training Institute (BTTI) at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), as well as the Virtual Professional Training Institute (VPTI) at the TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). He has also completed advanced training in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) at the Beck Institute in Philadelphia, and intensive Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) training for OCD and related disorders at the Center for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA). Chris has also worked as a therapist and as a clinical supervisor in intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization programs focusing on OCD and related conditions. His work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on CBT, ERP, and mindfulness skills training for adults, adolescents and children struggling with OCD, anxiety disorders, and BFRBs such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder) He has a particular interest in the OCD subtypes that are commonly called “Pure Obsessional OCD”, or “Pure O”, such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD. He is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), and the TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors. To schedule treatment with Chris, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

SARA GALGALO, MFT, is a psychotherapist licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Sara received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining the clinical staff of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Sara was a counselor at Exodus Recovery, where she utilized behavioral therapy techniques while providing individual  and group therapy for adults with anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Sara also previously worked as a crisis counselor at Spokane Mental Health where she was trained in suicide assessment, crisis de-escalation, and advocacy for victims of sexual assault. Sara’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on utilizing Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Mindfulness, Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for adults, adolescents, and children suffering from all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), along with other anxiety related disorders. In addition to treating individual clients, Sara also currently leads our Wednesday evening low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD. Prior to entering the field of counseling, Sara earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at Gonzaga University in Spokane, Washington.  Sara is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC), and the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF). To schedule treatment with Sara, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4).

ERICA RUSSELL, MFT, LPCC, is a psychotherapist dual-licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist and a Professional Clinical Counselor in the state of California. She is also a Certified Cognitive Behavioral Therapist by the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies. Erica received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Erica worked as a psychotherapist and clinical supervisor at the Cognitive Behavioral Therapy Center of Silicon Valley where she specialized in the treatment of OCD and anxiety disorders. She is a certified graduate of the adult and pediatric Behavioral Therapy Training Institutes (BTTI) at the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), as well as the Virtual Professional Training Institute (VPTI) at the TLC Foundation for Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs). Erica has completed advanced training in the integration of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) in treating OCD and anxiety disorders. She has also studied Cognitive Behavior Therapy (CBT) in the treatment of depression with the Beck Institute. Erica’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on CBT, ERP and mindfulness skills training for adults, adolescents, and children struggling with a wide range of conditions, including all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety Disorder, Illness Anxiety Disorder, Generalized Anxiety Disorder, and BFRBs such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). Erica also has a special interest in working with perinatal OCD and anxiety disorders and has completed advanced training in those areas. Before entering the field of counseling, Erica earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology and Social Behavior at the University of California, Irvine. She is a member of the International OCD Foundation (IOCDF), the Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Therapies, the International Psychology Honors Society (Psi Chi) and the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule treatment with Erica, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

CHANEL TAGHDIS, MFT, is a psychotherapist licensed as a Marriage and Family Therapist in the State of California. Chanel received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from California State University, Northridge. Prior to joining the clinical staff of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Chanel was a school-based therapist for students and their families at the middle school and high school levels at “Partnerships to Uplift Communities” (PUC). While there, Chanel utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to treat adolescents and groups, primarily treating Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD), Panic Disorder and Social Anxiety. In addition, Chanel spent two years training at the Maple Counseling Center. Her work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on CBT, Exposure Response and Prevention (ERP), and mindfulness skills training for adults, adolescents and children struggling with all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and BFRBs such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), and other anxiety based conditions. Prior to entering the field of counseling, Chanel earned her bachelor’s degree in Psychology at the University of California, Los Angeles. Chanel is fluent in Farsi, and is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule treatment with Chanel, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

LENA SABUNCU, MA, received her Master’s Degree in Clinical Psychology from Phillips Graduate University in Los Angeles, CA. Prior to joining the clinical staff of the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Lena was a counselor at California Family Counseling in Chatsworth, CA. While there, Lena provided therapy to children, adolescents, adults, families, and couples, with a primary focus on treating anxiety, depression, addiction, and trauma. Lena’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on evidence-based treatment, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs), including Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). In addition to treating individual clients, Lena also currently leads our Tuesday evening low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD. Before pursuing a career in the counseling field, Lena earned her bachelor’s degree in Sociology at California State University at Northridge (CSUN). Lena is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule treatment with Lena, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

NAZ NAGHSHBANDI, MA, MS, received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology from Walden University, and a second Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from Phillips Graduate University. Prior to joining the clinical staff at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Naz provided therapy for children, adolescents, adults, and families at the California Family Counseling Center. She utilized an evidence and strength-based approach to help clients who were struggling with depression, grief, addiction, and anxiety related conditions such as Panic Disorder, Social Anxiety, and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Naz’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on evidence-based treatment, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). In addition to treating individual clients, Naz also currently leads our Thursday evening low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD. Before pursuing a career in the field of counseling, Naz earned a bachelor’s degree in Biology/Chemistry from the University of Texas at Dallas. Naz is fluent in Farsi, and is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule treatment with Naz, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

DANIEL SAFAVI, MA, received his Master’s Degree in Counseling from Drexel University in Philadelphia, PA. Prior to joining the clinical staff at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Daniel worked as an associate professional clinical counselor in a private practice setting, with a primary focus on treating adults with anxiety, depression, and trauma. Daniel’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Mindfulness-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (MBCBT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), BFRBs such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), Social Anxiety, and other anxiety conditions. In addition to treating individual clients, Daniel also leads our Wednesday evening low-fee therapy/support group for adults with Social Anxiety.Prior to pursuing a career in counseling, Daniel earned a Bachelor’s Degree at Boston College in Hispanic Studies, with an additional concentration in the Pre-Medical Program. Daniel also received a Post-Baccalaureate degree at the University of Southern California in the Pre-Medical Program. Daniel is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule treatment with Daniel, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

LINNY LEVESQUE, MS, received her Master’s degree in Counseling Psychology (MFT) from California Lutheran University with a specialization in Trauma. Prior to joining the clinical staff at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Linny was a school-based counselor at Outreach Concern. While there, she utilized Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) to treat adolescents primarily struggling with anxiety, depression, grief, self-harm, and emotion dysregulation. In addition, Linny provided individual and couples therapy to adult clients at the California Lutheran University Counseling Center. She utilized an evidence-based approach to help clients who were struggling with depression, trauma, gender dysphoria, LGBTQIA+ issues, and anxiety-related conditions such as Social Anxiety Disorder and Generalized Anxiety Disorder. Linny’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on evidence-based treatment, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). Before pursuing a career in the field of counseling, Linny earned a bachelor’s degree in Biopsychology from the University of California, Santa Barbara. Linny is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule an appointment with Linny, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4). 

KRISTEN TAYLOR-LADD, MA, received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology with an Emphasis in Marriage and Family Therapy (MFT) from Pepperdine University. Prior to joining the clinical staff at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Kristen provided therapy to children and adolescents at Aviva Family and Children’s Services in Los Angeles. While there, Kristen implemented evidence-based treatments such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Psychodynamic Therapy and mindfulness-based approaches to primarily treat clients struggling with depression, grief, self-harm, sexual identity, trauma, ADHD, adjustment, and anxiety related conditions such as Generalized Anxiety Disorder, Social Anxiety, Trichotillomania. Kristen also previously volunteered at Postpartum Support International (PSI) as a local coordinator for the Los Angeles area where she connected parents with local resources ranging from individual therapy, support groups, crisis support resources, and more. Kristen’s work at the OCD Center focuses on evidence based approaches such as Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania, and other anxiety related conditions. In addition to treating individual clients, Kristen also currently leads our Tuesday evening low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD. Prior to entering the counseling field, Kristen earned her Bachelor’s degree in Psychology from Chapman University. Kristen is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule an appointment with Kristen, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4).

Brandi Roberts, MS, AMFT, is a psychotherapist registered as an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist, in the state of California. Brandi received her Master’s degree in Marriage and Family Therapy from California State University Northridge. Prior to joining the clinical staff at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Brandi was a clinical counselor intern working with students and their families at the middle school and high school levels at “Partnerships to Uplift Communities” (PUC). While there, Brandi provided individual therapy and group therapy utilizing Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Emotion Focused Therapy (EFT), and mindfulness techniques. Brandi’s work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on evidence-based treatment, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). In addition to treating individual clients, Brandi also currently leads our Tuesday and Thursday evening low-fee therapy/support groups for adults with Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania. Brandi is a member of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy (AAMFT). Brandi has certificates for Trauma Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT), 200-hour Yoga Teacher Training from Breathe for Change (200 YTT), and Breathe For Change Meditation Training.  To schedule an appointment with Brandi, please contact our client coordinator Lisa at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4).

EMMA KAZARIAN, MA, received her Master’s degree in Clinical Psychology (MFT) from Antioch University with an emphasis on counseling (PCC). Prior to joining the clinical staff at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, Emma was a therapist trainee at The Maple Counseling Center. While there, she utilized Relational Psychodynamic and Mindfulness-Based practices to treat a diverse client population primarily struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, grief, interpersonal conflicts and emotion dysregulation. In addition, Emma led a weekly process group for Queer-identifying individuals. Her work at the OCD Center of Los Angeles focuses on evidence-based treatment, specifically Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for all types of OCD (including all “Pure O” variants such as HOCD, POCD, ROCD, and Harm OCD), and Body Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs) such as Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder) and Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder). In addition to treating individual clients, Emma also currently leads our Wednesday evening low-fee therapy/support group for adults with OCD. Before pursuing a career in the field of counseling, Emma earned a bachelor’s degree in Film and Television from Boston University. Emma is a member of the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT). To schedule an appointment with Emma, please contact our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4).

TOM CORBOY, MFT, founded the OCD Center of Los Angeles in 1999. He is a psychotherapist licensed by the State of California. Tom received his master’s degree from the Department of Counseling Psychology at USC in 1993, where his graduate thesis was a study comparing various treatments of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Since then, much of his training and clinical experience has been focused on the treatment of OCD and related OC Spectrum Disorders, including Social Anxiety, Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), Hypochondria (health anxiety), Panic Disorder, Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder), and Dermatillomania (Skin Picking Disorder). In addition to his work with individuals, Tom ran a weekly therapy/support group for adults with OCD from 1997 through 2011. He is the co-author of The Mindfulness Workbook for OCD, and the co-author of Skin Picking Disorder and Trichotillomania: Top Twelve Roadblocks to Recovery. Tom has presented at numerous national conferences on the subject of OCD, Pure Obsessional OCD, Harm OCD, Trichotillomania and Dermatillomania. He is a member of the International Obsessive-Compulsive Foundation (IOCDF), the Anxiety Disorders Association of America (ADAA), the Trichotillomania Learning Center (TLC), the California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (CAMFT), The American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists (AAMFT), and the Group Psychotherapy Association of Southern California (GPASC).

About the OCD Center of Los Angeles

The OCD Center of Los Angeles is a private outpatient treatment center specializing in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) for the treatment of OCD and related anxiety based conditions. We have 13 therapists on staff, all of whom are either licensed or registered, and all of whom specialize in CBT.  We treat adults, adolescents, and children, and offer services six days a week, including evenings and Saturdays.

Our Southern California office is located in Brentwood.

The OCD Center of Los Angeles is open six days a week, including evenings and Saturdays. Individual and group therapy sessions with our staff therapists are scheduled by appointment only. We are unable to accommodate anyone who arrives at our offices without a previously scheduled appointment.

If you would like to discuss individual therapy, group therapy, online therapy, or intensive outpatient treatment at the OCD Center of Los Angeles, please call our client coordinator at (310) 824-5200 (ext. 4), or click here to email us.

Laura Yocum, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #84405

Chris Cincotta, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #53916

Sara Galgalo, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123313

Mary (Sponaugle) Neustaedter, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #110612

Erica Russell, MFT, LPCC
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #83982
Licensed Professional Clinical Counselor #897

Chanel Taghdis, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #132070

Lena Sabuncu, MA
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #113775
Supervised by Laura Yocum, MFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #84405

Naz Naghshbandi, MA, MS
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #115880
Supervised by Laura Yocum, MFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #84405

Daniel Safavi, MA
Registered Associate Professional Clinical Counselor #6084
Supervised by Mary (Sponaugle) Neustaedter, MFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #110612

Linny Levesque, MS
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #136228
Supervised by Laura Yocum, MFT, PPS – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #84405

Kristen Taylor-Ladd, MA
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #137099
Supervised by Mary (Sponaugle) Neustaedter, MFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #110612

Brandi Roberts, MS, AMFT
Registered Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #138096
Supervised by Sara Galgalo, MFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123313

Emma Kazarian, AMFT
Associate Marriage and Family Therapist #144788
Supervised by Sara Galgalo, MFT – Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #123313

Thomas Corboy, MFT
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist #35286