Smith’s journey to founding NOCD has been deeply personal. Having experienced the challenges of living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) firsthand, he was struck by the severe barriers to care faced by millions in the U.S. At the time, it often took 14–17 years to receive an accurate diagnosis, while evidence-based therapy, such as exposure and response prevention (ERP), remained out of reach for many due to cost and availability.
Motivated by these systemic flaws and his personal journey, Smith set out to create a solution that would restore hope to individuals struggling with OCD by co-founding NOCD. As chief executive officer, Smith has led NOCD to become the largest behavioral health specialty platform in the world, providing effective, affordable and accessible care for people with OCD and related conditions.
NOCD leverages telehealth technology to connect patients in all 50 states with licensed therapists specializing in ERP, providing treatment at an average co-pay of $0–$25. The platform also includes an array of tools like community support, self-help modules and educational resources to offer comprehensive care.
Under Smith’s leadership, the firm has provided over 154 million Americans with access to NOCD therapy as a covered benefit, reduced wait times for treatment to an average of less than seven days, delivered more than one million specialized ERP sessions and has reached over 100 million people through awareness campaigns like KnowOCD, in collaboration with Howie Mandel.
“Stephen’s approach emphasizes the importance of community support in mental health recovery,” said his staff. “By fostering a sense of belonging through peer support groups and educational resources, he creates an environment where individuals feel understood and empowered.”
The company’s achievements include raising over $85 million in venture capital funding, publishing groundbreaking research on virtual OCD treatment, and earning recognition from Forbes, Business Insider and Crain’s for its contributions to healthcare.
Smith’s leadership extends beyond his professional endeavors. He is committed to blending work and life to maintain his passion and energy, prioritizing family time with his wife, three boys, and dogs, as well as his mental and physical health. He regularly consults an OCD specialist at NOCD, stays active through exercise reminiscent of his college football days, and takes annual family trips to recharge and gain fresh perspectives.
“I find that blending work and life is essential for maintaining my passion and enthusiasm for what I do,” he said. “Knowing that my job is always on, I consciously manage my mental health to ensure I stay balanced and energized.”