Heidi Kaplan – MA, LAC, CCLS

OCD Treatment Specialist | The Gateway Institute – Scottsdale, Arizona

Heidi Kaplan provides compassionate, evidence-based therapy for adults struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and related anxiety disorders. As a specialist at The Gateway Institute in Scottsdale, Arizona, she offers individualized weekly or multiple-weekly treatment sessions, available both in-person and via telehealth. Heidi utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) with Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Somatic Experiencing with Polyvagal Theory to help clients overcome OCD and reclaim their lives.

With a warm and collaborative approach, Heidi tailors treatment to each individual, guiding them toward a deeper understanding of their symptoms and personal strengths. She integrates her background in improvisational comedy into therapy, using it as a tool for treating social anxiety and enhancing emotional flexibility.

Heidi holds a Master of Arts in Mental Health Counseling, is a Licensed Associate Counselor (LAC), and a Certified Child Life Specialist (CCLS). She has worked extensively in medical and community behavioral health settings, including counseling pediatric patients and their families through medical trauma. Additionally, she has served as an adjunct faculty member in abnormal psychology.

Areas of Specialty:

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
• Perfectionism & Scrupulosity
• Sensorimotor OCD
• Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (BFRBs)
• Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD)
• Panic Disorder & Social Anxiety
• LGBTQIA+ Affirming Therapy

Treatment Methods:

• Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Inference-Based Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (I-CBT)
• Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
• Somatic Experiencing with Polyvagal Theory
• Habit Reversal Training
• Metacognitve Therapy (MCT)

Education & Professional Memberships:

Education:

• • Master’s in Mental Health Counseling – Argosy University
  • Bachelor’s in Psychology – Arizona State University

Professional Memberships:

• • • American Counseling Association (ACA)
    • International OCD Foundation (IOCDF)
    • Arizona Bereavement Alliance
    • Association of Child Life Professionals (ACLP)

Heidi is dedicated to helping clients build resilience, confidence, and the tools they need to thrive. Whether through in-person sessions or teletherapy, she empowers individuals to move beyond fear and create lasting change.