Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists in South Portland, ME

Photo of Dr. Misty Stafford, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Dr. Misty Stafford
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
My training was completed at Brown University with a sub-specialty focus in treating neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, as well as expertise in anxiety, OCD, depression, and mood disorders.
I am a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist seeing patients for combined psychotherapy and medication management services. My practice is small and patient-focused with a tailored approach to meet every patient's unique needs. My approach to treatment is to provide a safe, comforting environment where patients feel able to express themselves emotionally without fear of judgment. I pride myself on being empathic, warm, and caring with an ability to personally connect with each of my patients and their families. I love what I do and I believe this reflects in the results I help my patients achieve.
My training was completed at Brown University with a sub-specialty focus in treating neurodevelopmental disorders such as Autism, as well as expertise in anxiety, OCD, depression, and mood disorders.
I am a child, adolescent and adult psychiatrist seeing patients for combined psychotherapy and medication management services. My practice is small and patient-focused with a tailored approach to meet every patient's unique needs. My approach to treatment is to provide a safe, comforting environment where patients feel able to express themselves emotionally without fear of judgment. I pride myself on being empathic, warm, and caring with an ability to personally connect with each of my patients and their families. I love what I do and I believe this reflects in the results I help my patients achieve.
(207) 204-3578 View (207) 204-3578
Photo of Gwen Duffield, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Gwen Duffield
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
She specializes in treating; Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Holistic Interventions, OCD, Panic, Post partem Depression, PTSD, Sleep issues, Substance Abuse, and Women's issues.
Gwen Duffield is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 7 years experience specializing in Medication Management of clients ages 21 to 60 years. She enjoys spending time in nature. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from Husson University. She worked for Indian Health Service, practicing in Down East Maine. She also practiced in York Maine. She enjoys integrating Holistic Approaches, collaborating with therapists and other treatment providers. Her treatment is culturally informed.
She specializes in treating; Anxiety, Attention Deficit Disorder, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Holistic Interventions, OCD, Panic, Post partem Depression, PTSD, Sleep issues, Substance Abuse, and Women's issues.
Gwen Duffield is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over 7 years experience specializing in Medication Management of clients ages 21 to 60 years. She enjoys spending time in nature. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from Husson University. She worked for Indian Health Service, practicing in Down East Maine. She also practiced in York Maine. She enjoys integrating Holistic Approaches, collaborating with therapists and other treatment providers. Her treatment is culturally informed.
(207) 355-7672 View (207) 355-7672
Photo of David Wright, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
David Wright
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
He enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorders, seasonal affective disorder, other mood disorders, postpartum, PTSD, trauma, borderline personality, self-injury, binge eating, sleep difficulties, substance abuse, grief, and habit change.
David Wright is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Portland, Maine who has been practicing since 2018. Prior to joining LifeStance Health, he worked in numerous psychiatric departments for many years, including Adult Outpatient; Adult Inpatient; Adolescent Inpatient; Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction; Behavioral Emergency Department; and psychiatric consultation in hospital medical units. In his clinical work, David utilizes an integrative approach specifically designed to meet each individual's needs.
He enjoys working with a wide range of behavioral and mental health issues, including depression, anxiety, panic, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorders, seasonal affective disorder, other mood disorders, postpartum, PTSD, trauma, borderline personality, self-injury, binge eating, sleep difficulties, substance abuse, grief, and habit change.
David Wright is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP) in Portland, Maine who has been practicing since 2018. Prior to joining LifeStance Health, he worked in numerous psychiatric departments for many years, including Adult Outpatient; Adult Inpatient; Adolescent Inpatient; Inpatient Treatment for Substance Use, Abuse, and Addiction; Behavioral Emergency Department; and psychiatric consultation in hospital medical units. In his clinical work, David utilizes an integrative approach specifically designed to meet each individual's needs.
(207) 606-7884 View (207) 606-7884
Photo of Mark Shaughnessy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Mark Shaughnessy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
I have been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for more than 20 years. I employ evidence based treatments to serve adults with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, PTSD, ADHD, and other conditions. Medication management is a substantial focus of my practice, but I also offer psychotherapy in the setting of a 30 minute visit or in the more traditional 45 minute session.
I have been practicing as a psychiatric nurse practitioner for more than 20 years. I employ evidence based treatments to serve adults with depression, anxiety, panic disorder, OCD, bipolar disorder, psychosis, PTSD, ADHD, and other conditions. Medication management is a substantial focus of my practice, but I also offer psychotherapy in the setting of a 30 minute visit or in the more traditional 45 minute session.
(207) 358-3975 View (207) 358-3975
Photo of Paula A. Gentile, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Paula A. Gentile
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
Waitlist for new clients
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. I consider the opportunity to serve in this role as a genuine privilege and I look forward to the chance to work collaboratively with you in my private practice. I offer a setting which allows time and space for personalized care and discovery of root causes, instead of rushed appointments that only leave time to graze the surface. You deserve to be heard and understood so that improvement happens in ways that are meaningful to you.
As a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I provide psychiatric diagnosis and evaluation, medication management, and psychotherapy. I consider the opportunity to serve in this role as a genuine privilege and I look forward to the chance to work collaboratively with you in my private practice. I offer a setting which allows time and space for personalized care and discovery of root causes, instead of rushed appointments that only leave time to graze the surface. You deserve to be heard and understood so that improvement happens in ways that are meaningful to you.
(207) 263-0837 View (207) 263-0837
Photo of Bonnie Lemieux, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Bonnie Lemieux
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN (C
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
Bonnie Lemieux is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maine who has been practicing since 2016. Bonnie is experienced in assessment and medication management of PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Psychotic disorders, and Depressive disorders. Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys reading, cooking, and learning.
Bonnie Lemieux is a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maine who has been practicing since 2016. Bonnie is experienced in assessment and medication management of PTSD, Bipolar disorder, Psychotic disorders, and Depressive disorders. Outside of work, Bonnie enjoys reading, cooking, and learning.
(207) 843-9948 View (207) 843-9948
Photo of Kate Radlinski, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Kate Radlinski
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
Kate A. Radlinski is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maine who has been practicing since 2014. Kate strives to help clients by providing holistic, individualized mental health care utilizing the mind, body, and spirit. She works to help clients and their families become the best version of themselves by utilizing education and shared decision making to create client-centered treatment plans. Her hope is to form long-term relationships with clients to serve their individual and family mental health concerns using evidence-based psychopharmacology and therapeutic interventions to promote health and wellness.
Kate A. Radlinski is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Maine who has been practicing since 2014. Kate strives to help clients by providing holistic, individualized mental health care utilizing the mind, body, and spirit. She works to help clients and their families become the best version of themselves by utilizing education and shared decision making to create client-centered treatment plans. Her hope is to form long-term relationships with clients to serve their individual and family mental health concerns using evidence-based psychopharmacology and therapeutic interventions to promote health and wellness.
(207) 945-8267 View (207) 945-8267
Photo of CoRecover, LLC, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
CoRecover, LLC
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
South Portland, ME 04106
Waitlist for new clients
I am a psychiatrist (MD), board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. I have treated thousands of patients in many different settings and levels of care over my 20 year career. I have extensive training and experience in psychopharmacology (medications), psychotherapy, and addictions (alcohol, opiates, tobacco, and others. I specialize in co-occurring disorders (that is, when mental health issues are intertwined with an addictive disorder), but I can certainly help with either disorder by itself just as well.
I am a psychiatrist (MD), board certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, and Board Certified in Addiction Medicine by the American Board of Preventive Medicine. I have treated thousands of patients in many different settings and levels of care over my 20 year career. I have extensive training and experience in psychopharmacology (medications), psychotherapy, and addictions (alcohol, opiates, tobacco, and others. I specialize in co-occurring disorders (that is, when mental health issues are intertwined with an addictive disorder), but I can certainly help with either disorder by itself just as well.
(207) 358-4067 View (207) 358-4067
Photo of Evergreen Psychiatric Care, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Evergreen Psychiatric Care
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Thank you for considering Evergreen Psychiatric Care for your mental health needs. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am dedicated to delivering comprehensive treatment across Maine, catering to a broad spectrum of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have a particular interest in women's mental health including providing compassionate care during and after pregnancy. In my private practice, I emphasize medication management while also offering brief therapy when appropriate. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space, free of judgment, where you can openly discuss your concerns.
Thank you for considering Evergreen Psychiatric Care for your mental health needs. As a board-certified psychiatrist, I am dedicated to delivering comprehensive treatment across Maine, catering to a broad spectrum of mental health challenges such as depression, anxiety, and trauma. I have a particular interest in women's mental health including providing compassionate care during and after pregnancy. In my private practice, I emphasize medication management while also offering brief therapy when appropriate. My goal is to create a safe and compassionate space, free of judgment, where you can openly discuss your concerns.
(207) 223-3246 View (207) 223-3246
Photo of Hollie-Anne Stanwood, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Hollie-Anne Stanwood
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN (C
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106
Hollie-Anne Stanwood received her Undergraduate at University of Maine Fort Kent. Upon completion of her board exam she worked in multiple acute care settings over the course of 5 years. These include, Acute Cardiac Care, ICU, ED, PACU, Outpatient Surgery along with settling as a RN in a psychiatric outpatient medication management clinic before finishing her masters. During this time Hollie-Anne attended Walden University where she completed her Master's of Nursing degree. Hollie-Anne now practices as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the State of Maine.
Hollie-Anne Stanwood received her Undergraduate at University of Maine Fort Kent. Upon completion of her board exam she worked in multiple acute care settings over the course of 5 years. These include, Acute Cardiac Care, ICU, ED, PACU, Outpatient Surgery along with settling as a RN in a psychiatric outpatient medication management clinic before finishing her masters. During this time Hollie-Anne attended Walden University where she completed her Master's of Nursing degree. Hollie-Anne now practices as a Board Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in the State of Maine.
(207) 263-0399 View (207) 263-0399
Photo of Jennifer Foresman, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Jennifer Foresman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
South Portland, ME 04106  (Online Only)
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to overcome your mental illness? Are you suffering from persistent feelings of sadness, chaotic mood swings, or debilitating anxiety? You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. You are desperate for relief but beginning to wonder if there is hope of feeling better. Clients come to me looking for a provider with the experience and knowledge to manage challenging chronic symptoms, because mental health treatment does not need to be a constant unconquerable quest.
Do you feel like you’ve tried everything to overcome your mental illness? Are you suffering from persistent feelings of sadness, chaotic mood swings, or debilitating anxiety? You might not remember a time when you didn’t feel this way. You are desperate for relief but beginning to wonder if there is hope of feeling better. Clients come to me looking for a provider with the experience and knowledge to manage challenging chronic symptoms, because mental health treatment does not need to be a constant unconquerable quest.
(307) 206-0954 View (307) 206-0954
Photo of PSM Center for Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
PSM Center for Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
South Portland, ME 04106
We are a group of experienced psychiatrists dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to adults, teens, and children. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives. Our team of providers work collaboratively with patients, tailoring treatment plans to address their specific challenges and goals. We focus on evidence-based practices, staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in psychiatry to ensure the best possible outcomes.
We are a group of experienced psychiatrists dedicated to providing compassionate and comprehensive mental health care to adults, teens, and children. We are committed to helping our patients achieve optimal mental well-being and lead fulfilling lives. Our team of providers work collaboratively with patients, tailoring treatment plans to address their specific challenges and goals. We focus on evidence-based practices, staying up-to-date with the latest research and advancements in psychiatry to ensure the best possible outcomes.
(207) 802-7033 View (207) 802-7033

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Jonathan Yoder, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Jonathan Yoder
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101  (Online Only)
Are you accumulating more and more diagnoses and medication, but not getting better? Are you tired of feeling like you are just throwing medications against a wall and seeing what sticks? Are you not making progress despite doing 'the right things'? Together we will systematically assess where you're at, what is working, what is not, and create a plan to get started on the path to feeling better. I am focused on helping people struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder recover.
Are you accumulating more and more diagnoses and medication, but not getting better? Are you tired of feeling like you are just throwing medications against a wall and seeing what sticks? Are you not making progress despite doing 'the right things'? Together we will systematically assess where you're at, what is working, what is not, and create a plan to get started on the path to feeling better. I am focused on helping people struggling with depression, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, and borderline personality disorder recover.
(443) 232-0701 View (443) 232-0701
Photo of Ruth Frydman, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Ruth Frydman
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101
Specialties include treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, work-life balance, and grief/loss.
My approach is to work with you collaboratively and respectfully to improve your emotional well-being. Together we will clarify your personal goals in a safe and caring space, and work towards reaching them. This process will take into account the "big picture" of your unique experiences (biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual) and help you move forward with your life. I bring extensive experience in treating people in a variety of settings for over 25 years.
Specialties include treatment for depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, adjustment disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, LGBTQ+ issues, work-life balance, and grief/loss.
My approach is to work with you collaboratively and respectfully to improve your emotional well-being. Together we will clarify your personal goals in a safe and caring space, and work towards reaching them. This process will take into account the "big picture" of your unique experiences (biological, psychological, social, cultural, and spiritual) and help you move forward with your life. I bring extensive experience in treating people in a variety of settings for over 25 years.
(207) 406-9622 x400 View (207) 406-9622 x400
Photo of Dr. Nicolas Sikaczowski, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Dr. Nicolas Sikaczowski
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101
I'm an Adult & Child Psychiatrist accepting new patients, with same month availability! I provide medication management and CBT for children, teens, and adults in Saco/Biddeford and am one of few greater Board-Certified Portland Maine Child Psychiatrists. I completed 5 years of residency/fellowship training in General and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry after completing medical school. I provide unrushed, evidence-based treatment. I allocate 90 minutes for intake appointments and 30 minutes for follow-up visits as well as communication via direct message. I commonly treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar, & psychotic disorders.
I'm an Adult & Child Psychiatrist accepting new patients, with same month availability! I provide medication management and CBT for children, teens, and adults in Saco/Biddeford and am one of few greater Board-Certified Portland Maine Child Psychiatrists. I completed 5 years of residency/fellowship training in General and Child & Adolescent Psychiatry after completing medical school. I provide unrushed, evidence-based treatment. I allocate 90 minutes for intake appointments and 30 minutes for follow-up visits as well as communication via direct message. I commonly treat ADHD, depression, anxiety, OCD, bipolar, & psychotic disorders.
(207) 690-6306 View (207) 690-6306
Photo of Lina M Zapata Samarel, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in South Portland, ME
Lina M Zapata Samarel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MBA
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04106  (Online Only)
Areas of interest include medication management and psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders. Lina’s approach to treating patients focuses on individual treatment plans and on integrative psychiatry by applying evidence-based psychopharmacological, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Lina will listen to you with empathy and will partner with you on your wellness journey.
Areas of interest include medication management and psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, and panic disorders. Lina’s approach to treating patients focuses on individual treatment plans and on integrative psychiatry by applying evidence-based psychopharmacological, therapeutic interventions, and lifestyle modifications. Lina will listen to you with empathy and will partner with you on your wellness journey.
(207) 218-0736 View (207) 218-0736
Photo of Robert King, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Robert King
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, ME 04101
I treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, adjustment disorder, and more.
I provide psychiatric care for adults, age 18 and above. Treatments for mental illness are not a one-size-fits-all, and I approach each patient as a unique individual. Using contemporary, evidence-based treatments, I aim to relieve suffering and improve quality of life. Following an accurate diagnosis, it is often important to consider how lifestyle modification, therapy, medications, and other treatments can provide benefit. I employ various psychotherapeutic techniques, including psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral, and am adept in medication management.
I treat depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety disorders including post-traumatic stress disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, adjustment disorder, and more.
I provide psychiatric care for adults, age 18 and above. Treatments for mental illness are not a one-size-fits-all, and I approach each patient as a unique individual. Using contemporary, evidence-based treatments, I aim to relieve suffering and improve quality of life. Following an accurate diagnosis, it is often important to consider how lifestyle modification, therapy, medications, and other treatments can provide benefit. I employ various psychotherapeutic techniques, including psychodynamic and cognitive behavioral, and am adept in medication management.
(207) 607-4022 x400 View (207) 607-4022 x400
Photo of Thayanne Delima-Tokarz, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Thayanne Delima-Tokarz
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101  (Online Only)
Dr. Delima-Tokarz is double Board Certified in Psychiatry and Lifestyle medicine. She has more than five years of experience treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health issues. She employs pharmacotherapy along with supportive therapy and integrative approaches. Her philosophy includes a healing-oriented approach that considers the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Dr. Delima-Tokarz is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
Dr. Delima-Tokarz is double Board Certified in Psychiatry and Lifestyle medicine. She has more than five years of experience treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health issues. She employs pharmacotherapy along with supportive therapy and integrative approaches. Her philosophy includes a healing-oriented approach that considers the whole person, including all aspects of lifestyle. Dr. Delima-Tokarz is fluent in English, Portuguese, and Spanish.
(475) 256-5003 View (475) 256-5003
Photo of Amber Frank, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Amber Frank
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Portland, ME 04101
She primarily works with adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Amber Frank is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Frank believes in a holistic approach to patient care. She strives to understand and treat every patient using a framework that includes not just the biological (medical), but also the psychological, social, environmental, and cultural elements that may contribute to an individual person’s experience of mental health and wellness.
She primarily works with adults with anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.
Dr. Amber Frank is board certified in Adult Psychiatry. She received her medical degree from Harvard Medical School and completed her residency training at the Cambridge Health Alliance/Harvard Medical School Adult Psychiatry Training Program. Dr. Frank believes in a holistic approach to patient care. She strives to understand and treat every patient using a framework that includes not just the biological (medical), but also the psychological, social, environmental, and cultural elements that may contribute to an individual person’s experience of mental health and wellness.
(207) 770-6756 View (207) 770-6756
Photo of Mary Kate Grady, Psychiatrist in South Portland, ME
Mary Kate Grady
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Portland, ME 04101
I treat a wide range of mood and anxiety-related conditions, including major depressive disorder, bi-polar illnesses, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, adjustment disorder, and grief.
I provide psychiatric care for adults, age 18 and older. I take a wholistic approach to psychiatric care, focusing on the physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being of each patient. I provide both therapy and medication management, integrating an evidence based approach to nutrition, joyful movement, and social connection.
I treat a wide range of mood and anxiety-related conditions, including major depressive disorder, bi-polar illnesses, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, PTSD, OCD, adjustment disorder, and grief.
I provide psychiatric care for adults, age 18 and older. I take a wholistic approach to psychiatric care, focusing on the physical, psychological, emotional and social well-being of each patient. I provide both therapy and medication management, integrating an evidence based approach to nutrition, joyful movement, and social connection.
(207) 223-7653 x400 View (207) 223-7653 x400

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Nearby Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists Searches for South Portland

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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists

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 (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), 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.