Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists in Oakville, ON

Photo of Melinda Krynen Hill, RP, MEd, MPH, Registered Psychotherapist
Melinda Krynen Hill
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, MEd, MPH
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6L
I also specialize working with anxiety, panic, and OCD, & work with: stress and life transitions.
Hi, I’m Melinda. My approach to therapy is both holistic and practical. I can help build your resilience to stress, connect you to valuable resources and empower you with skills and strategies to improve your quality of life and the joy you find in it. In our sessions, I draw from several therapeutic modalities, such as: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as best suited to your needs. My goal is to support you to live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
I also specialize working with anxiety, panic, and OCD, & work with: stress and life transitions.
Hi, I’m Melinda. My approach to therapy is both holistic and practical. I can help build your resilience to stress, connect you to valuable resources and empower you with skills and strategies to improve your quality of life and the joy you find in it. In our sessions, I draw from several therapeutic modalities, such as: Mindfulness, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy, as best suited to your needs. My goal is to support you to live a more comfortable and fulfilling life.
(647) 492-9882 View (647) 492-9882
Photo of Moonsun Jang, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Moonsun Jang
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M
Together, we may work on anxiety management, ADHD strategies, overcoming PTSD symptoms, learning how to manage distressing emotions and complicated relationships, or helping you disengage from OCD thoughts and rituals.
Do you have anxiety, sticky thoughts, or compulsions that you can't resist doing? Perhaps you've experienced a trauma that has deeply impacted your life. Many people describe feeling restless, jumpy, or on edge. You may dread getting up each day. I am passionate about working with people who are living with anxiety, OCD, and trauma. I also support individuals with ADHD, substance use concerns, eating disorders, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder. Together, we can help you break free of the heaviness so that you feel lighter and more at ease.
Together, we may work on anxiety management, ADHD strategies, overcoming PTSD symptoms, learning how to manage distressing emotions and complicated relationships, or helping you disengage from OCD thoughts and rituals.
Do you have anxiety, sticky thoughts, or compulsions that you can't resist doing? Perhaps you've experienced a trauma that has deeply impacted your life. Many people describe feeling restless, jumpy, or on edge. You may dread getting up each day. I am passionate about working with people who are living with anxiety, OCD, and trauma. I also support individuals with ADHD, substance use concerns, eating disorders, relationship issues, and borderline personality disorder. Together, we can help you break free of the heaviness so that you feel lighter and more at ease.
(289) 401-7615 View (289) 401-7615
Photo of Rylie Foerster, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Rylie Foerster
Registered Psychotherapist, RP
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6H
Are you caught in a cycle of negative thoughts, overthinking and anxiety? Do you find it hard to enjoy things like you used to? Are your relationships being affected by how you're feeling? What you're feeling is not uncommon, but there are effective ways to manage it. My focus is on helping individuals dealing with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder behavior or tendencies. I provide a plan that meets your unique goals and needs, no matter the thought or compulsion. Exploring these thoughts may seem daunting, but with me, no topic is off-limits.
Are you caught in a cycle of negative thoughts, overthinking and anxiety? Do you find it hard to enjoy things like you used to? Are your relationships being affected by how you're feeling? What you're feeling is not uncommon, but there are effective ways to manage it. My focus is on helping individuals dealing with anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder behavior or tendencies. I provide a plan that meets your unique goals and needs, no matter the thought or compulsion. Exploring these thoughts may seem daunting, but with me, no topic is off-limits.
(289) 805-6151 View (289) 805-6151
Photo of Sandra Cushing, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Sandra Cushing
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6K
Welcome. I am delighted that you are here. I provide in-person therapy in a stylish, comfortable office in downtown Burlington and virtual therapy across Ontario. Seeking therapy and change is an act of courage. Life can feel overwhelming and include past and current experiences that may seem insurmountable. I specialize in working with adults ages 18 to 120 navigating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Social, Generalized and Health Anxiety; Perfectionism; Trauma and PTSD; Psychosis; and Alcohol and Drug Use concerns. Facilitating safety, trust and compassion in the therapeutic relationship is my top priority.
Welcome. I am delighted that you are here. I provide in-person therapy in a stylish, comfortable office in downtown Burlington and virtual therapy across Ontario. Seeking therapy and change is an act of courage. Life can feel overwhelming and include past and current experiences that may seem insurmountable. I specialize in working with adults ages 18 to 120 navigating Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder; Social, Generalized and Health Anxiety; Perfectionism; Trauma and PTSD; Psychosis; and Alcohol and Drug Use concerns. Facilitating safety, trust and compassion in the therapeutic relationship is my top priority.
(289) 203-2880 View (289) 203-2880
Photo of Tara Leigh Smith, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Tara Leigh Smith
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6M
I have extensive experience in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD), Trichotillomania (i.
I am a registered Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working in hospitals, schools, and private practice settings. I currently work in private practice providing both assessment and treatment services to children and adolescents presenting with a wide range of mental health concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, selective mutism, tic disorders, emotional dysregulation, adjustment difficulties, perfectionism, stress management, and self-esteem difficulties. I also offer support to caregivers to develop effective strategies to address their concerns related to their child and help foster positive relationships.
I have extensive experience in treating Obsessive Compulsive Disorder ( OCD), Trichotillomania (i.
I am a registered Psychologist who has over 15 years of experience working in hospitals, schools, and private practice settings. I currently work in private practice providing both assessment and treatment services to children and adolescents presenting with a wide range of mental health concerns, including mood and anxiety disorders, selective mutism, tic disorders, emotional dysregulation, adjustment difficulties, perfectionism, stress management, and self-esteem difficulties. I also offer support to caregivers to develop effective strategies to address their concerns related to their child and help foster positive relationships.
(289) 903-1170 View (289) 903-1170
Photo of Sarah Thornley, MSW, RSW, BSW, BA, Registered Social Worker
Sarah Thornley
Registered Social Worker, MSW, RSW, BSW, BA
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in working with children, teens and young adults who are struggling with Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic and Depression.
There are times when everyone struggles to find ways to balance their own needs vs. all of life's competing demands. When this balance becomes uneven due to additional stressors in our relationships, school or work lives, we often forget to prioritize our emotional health. This can lead to chronic stress and problematic behaviours that impact functioning. Psychotherapy can give you the chance to explore the root cause of these stressors.
I specialize in working with children, teens and young adults who are struggling with Social Anxiety, Generalized Anxiety, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Panic and Depression.
There are times when everyone struggles to find ways to balance their own needs vs. all of life's competing demands. When this balance becomes uneven due to additional stressors in our relationships, school or work lives, we often forget to prioritize our emotional health. This can lead to chronic stress and problematic behaviours that impact functioning. Psychotherapy can give you the chance to explore the root cause of these stressors.
(226) 270-6734 View (226) 270-6734
Photo of Dr. Rebecca Trossman, PhD, Pre-Licensed Professional
Dr. Rebecca Trossman
Pre-Licensed Professional, PhD
Verified Verified
Online Only
I specialize in therapy and assessments for adults and older adults, addressing mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and interpersonal issues.
My approach is primarily informed by CBT, which I find to be a highly effective framework for addressing a variety of mental health concerns. However, I believe in the importance of tailoring my methods to meet the unique needs of each client. I integrate techniques from other therapeutic modalities and use an integrative approach to create a supportive environment to empower my clients.
I specialize in therapy and assessments for adults and older adults, addressing mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, and interpersonal issues.
My approach is primarily informed by CBT, which I find to be a highly effective framework for addressing a variety of mental health concerns. However, I believe in the importance of tailoring my methods to meet the unique needs of each client. I integrate techniques from other therapeutic modalities and use an integrative approach to create a supportive environment to empower my clients.
(226) 400-2155 View (226) 400-2155
Photo of Sarah Husain, MEd, CPsych, Psychologist
Sarah Husain
Psychologist, MEd, CPsych
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6H
I am a licensed clinical and school psychologist with over 14 years experience working with children, teens, and their parents. I provide treatment for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, oppositional behaviour, emotional regulation, grief, trauma, social skills, and relationship difficulties. I use different modalities as needed, including CBT, mindfulness, interpersonal, and emotion focused therapies. I value caregiver involvement , and offer parent/caregiver support for challenging issues.
I am a licensed clinical and school psychologist with over 14 years experience working with children, teens, and their parents. I provide treatment for a wide range of issues, including anxiety, depression, OCD, ADHD, oppositional behaviour, emotional regulation, grief, trauma, social skills, and relationship difficulties. I use different modalities as needed, including CBT, mindfulness, interpersonal, and emotion focused therapies. I value caregiver involvement , and offer parent/caregiver support for challenging issues.
(289) 512-2955 View (289) 512-2955
Photo of Amanda Snary, MA, Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying)
Amanda Snary
Registered Psychotherapist (Qualifying), MA
Verified Verified
4 Endorsed
Online Only
Specializing in OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and ASD. Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or low mood? My true passion lies in helping you discover your inner strength and pursuing the life you want to lead in alignment with your values and goals. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or are facing life's challenges, I am here to provide unconditional support and guidance. Together, we can embark on a transformative journey where you'll find comfort, safety, and be equipped with coping skills to be your most authentic and best self.
Specializing in OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, and ASD. Feeling overwhelmed, burnt out, or low mood? My true passion lies in helping you discover your inner strength and pursuing the life you want to lead in alignment with your values and goals. Whether you have a formal diagnosis or are facing life's challenges, I am here to provide unconditional support and guidance. Together, we can embark on a transformative journey where you'll find comfort, safety, and be equipped with coping skills to be your most authentic and best self.
(365) 800-2979 View (365) 800-2979
Photo of Jaclyn Cronin - Driftwood Counselling, MSW, Clinical Social Work/Therapist
Driftwood Counselling
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, MSW
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6J
We can work together to reduce the symptoms of OCD, Tourette Syndrom, hair pulling and skin picking and allow you to live a fuller life.
Are you struggling with obsessions causing intrusive ideas, urges, images, or thoughts that are unwanted and may cause guilt, shame or worry? Engaging in actions in order reduce the upsetting feelings or to prevent something bad from happening? Do you require family members to accommodate or participate in the compulsion? OCD can cause you to feel stuck and worrying about the "what if's". I provide Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which has been found to have the most strong effect on the successful outcome of treatment for OCD.
We can work together to reduce the symptoms of OCD, Tourette Syndrom, hair pulling and skin picking and allow you to live a fuller life.
Are you struggling with obsessions causing intrusive ideas, urges, images, or thoughts that are unwanted and may cause guilt, shame or worry? Engaging in actions in order reduce the upsetting feelings or to prevent something bad from happening? Do you require family members to accommodate or participate in the compulsion? OCD can cause you to feel stuck and worrying about the "what if's". I provide Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) which has been found to have the most strong effect on the successful outcome of treatment for OCD.
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Photo of Dr. Marisa Murray, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Dr. Marisa Murray
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
Accepting new clients for December 2024. I use a collaborative therapeutic approach to explore and confront your challenges and work toward equipping you with insight, skills, and tools to foster positive and lasting life changes. I am committed to working alongside you to instill hope and courage, to build on your strengths, and to ensure feelings of comfort, safety, and validation. I support individuals presenting with stress and anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, attention deficit challenges, perfectionism, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties.
Accepting new clients for December 2024. I use a collaborative therapeutic approach to explore and confront your challenges and work toward equipping you with insight, skills, and tools to foster positive and lasting life changes. I am committed to working alongside you to instill hope and courage, to build on your strengths, and to ensure feelings of comfort, safety, and validation. I support individuals presenting with stress and anxiety, depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, attention deficit challenges, perfectionism, emotion dysregulation, and interpersonal difficulties.
(289) 768-8790 View (289) 768-8790
Photo of Triena McGuirk, BSW, MSW, RSW, Registered Social Worker
Triena McGuirk
Registered Social Worker, BSW, MSW, RSW
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6M
Life can be hard! And it can get better. Let’s explore how together! Many individuals, couples and families I am in service to experience challenges associated with trauma, burnout, addiction, depression, anxiety, life transitions, OCD, and communication and conflict resolution skills, to name a few. Regardless of the challenge before you we will work together to learn from this experience and forge a pathway to invite optimal well being into your life. It can be hard work! Remember, you are worth it! I offer free 15 minute consultations for anyone interested in exploring working together and I offer sliding scales.
Life can be hard! And it can get better. Let’s explore how together! Many individuals, couples and families I am in service to experience challenges associated with trauma, burnout, addiction, depression, anxiety, life transitions, OCD, and communication and conflict resolution skills, to name a few. Regardless of the challenge before you we will work together to learn from this experience and forge a pathway to invite optimal well being into your life. It can be hard work! Remember, you are worth it! I offer free 15 minute consultations for anyone interested in exploring working together and I offer sliding scales.
(289) 278-9491 View (289) 278-9491
Photo of Eunice Chau, MDiv, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Eunice Chau
Registered Psychotherapist, MDiv, RP
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6H
As an EMDR trained trauma therapist my area of proficiency is in providing exceptional support to individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, stress management, abuse, and relationship issues.
Assisting individuals in discovering their inner strengths and providing them with the tools to achieve their life objectives is a passion of mine. My compassionate nature allows me to create a supportive and empathetic environment for those seeking personal growth and healing.
As an EMDR trained trauma therapist my area of proficiency is in providing exceptional support to individuals dealing with trauma and PTSD, grief, anxiety, depression, phobias, OCD, stress management, abuse, and relationship issues.
Assisting individuals in discovering their inner strengths and providing them with the tools to achieve their life objectives is a passion of mine. My compassionate nature allows me to create a supportive and empathetic environment for those seeking personal growth and healing.
(289) 812-5505 View (289) 812-5505
Photo of Catherine Sullivan, MSW, EMDR, Registered Social Worker
Catherine Sullivan
Registered Social Worker, MSW, EMDR
Verified Verified
12 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6L
I offer a safe space for you to unpack the relationship patterns that haven’t been working, and explore how trauma and OCD have been impacting your life.
Accepting new clients! In person appointments available Friday AM. Are you looking for a therapist that understands the link between trauma and OCD and can help treat them both? EMDR can help you re-process traumatic memories so they aren’t disturbing anymore. Talk therapy can help you learn new ways to understand your feelings. I-CBT is an upstream treatment for OCD which targets the obsessional doubt underlying the compulsion. I work with those who have experienced trauma to help them heal and gain a better understanding of how to move forward. I understand that trauma and intrusive thoughts often go hand in hand.
I offer a safe space for you to unpack the relationship patterns that haven’t been working, and explore how trauma and OCD have been impacting your life.
Accepting new clients! In person appointments available Friday AM. Are you looking for a therapist that understands the link between trauma and OCD and can help treat them both? EMDR can help you re-process traumatic memories so they aren’t disturbing anymore. Talk therapy can help you learn new ways to understand your feelings. I-CBT is an upstream treatment for OCD which targets the obsessional doubt underlying the compulsion. I work with those who have experienced trauma to help them heal and gain a better understanding of how to move forward. I understand that trauma and intrusive thoughts often go hand in hand.
(343) 341-5031 View (343) 341-5031
Photo of Paolo Mazzonetto, PsyD, MA, HBSc, Psychologist
Paolo Mazzonetto
Psychologist, PsyD, MA, HBSc
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
Oakville, ON L6H
Dr. Paolo Mazzonetto is the Clinical Director at The Halton Centre for Cognitive Therapy & Stress Reduction. Paolo provides psychotherapy to children, teens, adults and families and has been helping clients with a wide variety of difficulties including low mood and depression, stress management, worrying and anxiety, OCD, phobias, learning difficulties, ADHD, as well as bullying and/or self-esteem issues. Paolo conducts thorough psycho-educational assessments on children, teens, and adult. He also has particular research and clinical expertise in the diagnosis of Adult ADHD and teaches a variety of strategies to these adults.
Dr. Paolo Mazzonetto is the Clinical Director at The Halton Centre for Cognitive Therapy & Stress Reduction. Paolo provides psychotherapy to children, teens, adults and families and has been helping clients with a wide variety of difficulties including low mood and depression, stress management, worrying and anxiety, OCD, phobias, learning difficulties, ADHD, as well as bullying and/or self-esteem issues. Paolo conducts thorough psycho-educational assessments on children, teens, and adult. He also has particular research and clinical expertise in the diagnosis of Adult ADHD and teaches a variety of strategies to these adults.
(289) 797-2872 x4 View (289) 797-2872 x4
Photo of Shabnam Paiwand, MEd, OCT, CPsych, Psychologist
Shabnam Paiwand
Psychologist, MEd, OCT, CPsych
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6H
I understand the courage it takes to begin or re-enter therapy, and I am honored to be a part of this process with you. You deserve to find a therapist you connect with who sees you as a human rather than a problem to be fixed. I aim to help children, youth, and families feel truly seen and heard, and I am passionate about advocating for their needs. With extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and adolescents, including autistic individuals, I also support and assess ADHD, learning disabilities, OCD, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and emotional dysregulation.
I understand the courage it takes to begin or re-enter therapy, and I am honored to be a part of this process with you. You deserve to find a therapist you connect with who sees you as a human rather than a problem to be fixed. I aim to help children, youth, and families feel truly seen and heard, and I am passionate about advocating for their needs. With extensive experience working with neurodivergent children and adolescents, including autistic individuals, I also support and assess ADHD, learning disabilities, OCD, anxiety, depression, behavioral challenges, and emotional dysregulation.
(289) 302-7922 View (289) 302-7922
Photo of Rosetta Racco, RP, BA, ECE, Registered Psychotherapist
Rosetta Racco
Registered Psychotherapist, RP, BA, ECE
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6J
I have been working with children, adolescents, and autistics across all lifespans for about 30 years. I’m a neurodivergent affirming psychotherapist. Most of my experience has been working with ASD, OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Childhood Attachment & Trauma, Transgender Teens, Social Skills, LGBTQ2s+, Executive Functioning & Emotional Regulation. I use a personalized approach with each individual, includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, the use of assessment tools, individual interviews, child developmental and adult history, attachment theories, sensorimotor activities, play and art-based therapy, CBT, and mindfulness.
I have been working with children, adolescents, and autistics across all lifespans for about 30 years. I’m a neurodivergent affirming psychotherapist. Most of my experience has been working with ASD, OCD, ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Childhood Attachment & Trauma, Transgender Teens, Social Skills, LGBTQ2s+, Executive Functioning & Emotional Regulation. I use a personalized approach with each individual, includes psychodynamic psychotherapy, the use of assessment tools, individual interviews, child developmental and adult history, attachment theories, sensorimotor activities, play and art-based therapy, CBT, and mindfulness.
(647) 724-1405 View (647) 724-1405
Photo of Catherine Okowinsky, MA, RP, Registered Psychotherapist
Catherine Okowinsky
Registered Psychotherapist, MA, RP
Verified Verified
Online Only
Maybe you are finding life is passing you by, feeling confused about the next steps in your personal life, relationships, or professional life. You deserve to be understood. Drawing from my 15 years of experience working with youth and young adults living with ADHD, ASD, and OCD, I bring an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy. The goal is to meet you where you are in your journey, helping you gain insight, rediscover excitement, and find a clear path forward.
Maybe you are finding life is passing you by, feeling confused about the next steps in your personal life, relationships, or professional life. You deserve to be understood. Drawing from my 15 years of experience working with youth and young adults living with ADHD, ASD, and OCD, I bring an integrative and collaborative approach to therapy. The goal is to meet you where you are in your journey, helping you gain insight, rediscover excitement, and find a clear path forward.
(647) 699-3844 View (647) 699-3844
Photo of Justin Mattina, PhD, CPsych, Psychologist
Justin Mattina
Psychologist, PhD, CPsych
Verified Verified
Oakville, ON L6H
He provides evidenced-based assessment and treatment for a variety of presenting problems including depression, generalized worry, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia, and coping with physical pain and disability.
Dr. Mattina is the Co-Director of the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy. He is a Registered Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychologist who works with adults. His clinical training took place at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), including positions within the Psychological Trauma Program, the Anxiety Disorders Clinic, and the Clinical Research Laboratory. Dr. Mattina has previously held teaching positions at McMaster University within the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour. COVID UPDATE: TELEPHONE and SECURE VIDEO options are available. We are ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS.
He provides evidenced-based assessment and treatment for a variety of presenting problems including depression, generalized worry, social anxiety, health anxiety, panic attacks, phobias, obsessive-compulsive disorder, insomnia, and coping with physical pain and disability.
Dr. Mattina is the Co-Director of the Oakville Centre for Cognitive Therapy. He is a Registered Clinical and Rehabilitation Psychologist who works with adults. His clinical training took place at the Centre for Addiction and Mental Health (CAMH), including positions within the Psychological Trauma Program, the Anxiety Disorders Clinic, and the Clinical Research Laboratory. Dr. Mattina has previously held teaching positions at McMaster University within the Department of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Behaviour. COVID UPDATE: TELEPHONE and SECURE VIDEO options are available. We are ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS.
(289) 271-1741 View (289) 271-1741
Photo of Anders Dorbeck, PsyD, Psychologist
Anders Dorbeck
Psychologist, PsyD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Online Only
I work with people who have a wide variety of presenting concerns, sometimes including multiple complex difficulties, including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, problems with interpersonal relationships and communication, chronic pain and other chronic health problems, trauma, occupational challenges, and low self esteem. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other approaches to teach you to make lasting behavioural changes in your life.
I work with people who have a wide variety of presenting concerns, sometimes including multiple complex difficulties, including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, problems with interpersonal relationships and communication, chronic pain and other chronic health problems, trauma, occupational challenges, and low self esteem. I use Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and other approaches to teach you to make lasting behavioural changes in your life.
(289) 272-7153 View (289) 272-7153
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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Counsellors

How long does OCD treatment take?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?

Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?

Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and sertraline, among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.