Skin-picking/Hair-pulling/TrichotillomaniaTreatment in NYC

Yes, Trichotillomania often begins in childhood or adolescence, and early intervention can make a significant difference. Our clinicians are experienced in working with young clients and their families to build age-appropriate strategies that reduce pulling and support emotional wellbeing.

No formal diagnosis is required to begin therapy at CBTAA. If you’re experiencing repeated urges to pull hair and it’s causing distress or disruption, that’s reason enough to seek support. Your therapist can help clarify whether trichotillomania or another body-focused repetitive behavior is present and guide next steps from there.

No, Trichotillomania is a recognized mental health condition, not a simple habit and not a choice. It often serves a functional role, helping to regulate emotions, soothe anxiety, or provide sensory feedback. Reducing it requires more than willpower; it requires understanding the behavior and learning new ways to respond.

It can be. While trichotillomania is its own diagnosis, many people also experience anxiety, perfectionism, obsessive thinking, or sensory sensitivities. Your therapist will assess for co-occurring conditions as part of your treatment and create a plan that addresses all relevant areas of concern.

Without treatment, hair-pulling can become more frequent and automatic over time. Many people begin avoiding social activities, feel intense shame or isolation, or develop secondary issues like skin damage or infection. The emotional toll can deepen, especially if the behavior is misunderstood or dismissed by others. Treatment can interrupt this cycle and offer relief, clarity, and healthier coping strategies.

Stress, fatigue, boredom, anxiety, and perfectionism are common triggers that can intensify hair-pulling. Environments with fewer distractions, such as being alone or idle, may also increase vulnerability. Internal pressures, like trying to “fix” an uneven patch of hair or searching for one “wrong-feeling” strand, can create powerful feedback loops that reinforce the behavior.

In many cases, yes, hair often grows back once the pulling has stopped or significantly reduced. However, regrowth can depend on how long and how frequently pulling has occurred. If damage to the follicle has been extensive or ongoing for years, there may be areas where regrowth is slower or less complete. A dermatologist can help assess any medical concerns related to hair regrowth.