Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists in Charlotte, NC

Photo of Jill Karelitz, MSN, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jill Karelitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
I'm passionate about serving the mental health population and specialize in individuals who present with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorder, ADHD, and eating disorders.
I am Immediately Available for NEW patients. I offer in-person appointments and telehealth to alleviate time management stressors from your busy work-life balance. I specialize in preparing a tailored individual treatment plan that addresses your mental health concerns. My mindset is that you can and will improve! Success means empowering you. Take control of your wellness, improve your relationships, and optimize your life.
I'm passionate about serving the mental health population and specialize in individuals who present with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, panic disorder, ADHD, and eating disorders.
I am Immediately Available for NEW patients. I offer in-person appointments and telehealth to alleviate time management stressors from your busy work-life balance. I specialize in preparing a tailored individual treatment plan that addresses your mental health concerns. My mindset is that you can and will improve! Success means empowering you. Take control of your wellness, improve your relationships, and optimize your life.
(980) 300-6853 View (980) 300-6853
Photo of Angela Rasheed, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Angela Rasheed
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28269  (Online Only)
Angela Rasheed has over two decades in behavioral health, working with older children, adolescents, and adults using a holistic approach to treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, weight management meds, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder using evidence-based research to develop a medication regimen that yields positive results while developing a therapeutic relationship.
Angela Rasheed has over two decades in behavioral health, working with older children, adolescents, and adults using a holistic approach to treat depression, anxiety, eating disorders, weight management meds, OCD, ADHD, PTSD, and bipolar disorder using evidence-based research to develop a medication regimen that yields positive results while developing a therapeutic relationship.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Kim English, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kim English
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28269  (Online Only)
Grief, Psychosis, Insomnia, Bipolar (type 1 & 2), MDD, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and eating disorders.
Kim English FNP, PMHNP-BC; as a Family and Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to render comprehensive and compassionate care. I focus on the following treatments but not limited to; ADHD, Bipolar type 1 & 2, anxiety disorders such as (panic disorders & social phobia), Eating Disorders, Mood Dysregulation, PTSD, Depression, OCD, and autism spectrum disorder. I strive to provide the highest quality of mental health care to all patients; while providing knowledge and resources, to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
Grief, Psychosis, Insomnia, Bipolar (type 1 & 2), MDD, Anxiety, PTSD, OCD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, and eating disorders.
Kim English FNP, PMHNP-BC; as a Family and Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, my goal is to render comprehensive and compassionate care. I focus on the following treatments but not limited to; ADHD, Bipolar type 1 & 2, anxiety disorders such as (panic disorders & social phobia), Eating Disorders, Mood Dysregulation, PTSD, Depression, OCD, and autism spectrum disorder. I strive to provide the highest quality of mental health care to all patients; while providing knowledge and resources, to lead a healthier and more fulfilling life.
(424) 424-8911 View (424) 424-8911
Photo of Melanie Kijowski, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Melanie Kijowski
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28226
Melanie Kijowski is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to PA school, she received a B.A in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Melanie is experienced in treating patients of all ages with a variety of behavioral health issues, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance abuse, and more.
Melanie Kijowski is a Board-Certified Physician Assistant who graduated from Eastern Virginia Medical School with a Master of Physician Assistant Studies. Prior to PA school, she received a B.A in Biology from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. Melanie is experienced in treating patients of all ages with a variety of behavioral health issues, including ADHD, anxiety, autism, bipolar disorder, depression, OCD, PTSD, substance abuse, and more.
(980) 990-3223 View (980) 990-3223
Photo of David Balis Patton, MD, MS, Psychiatrist
David Balis Patton
Psychiatrist, MD, MS
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
Please contact my office for appointments and prescription refills. I am co-founder of Pediatric & Family Behavioral Health, PLLC, (PFBH)- a psychiatry clinic in South Charlotte. PFBH specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are an evidence-based clinic that deals primarily in medication management & psychotherapy. We have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Psychosis.
Please contact my office for appointments and prescription refills. I am co-founder of Pediatric & Family Behavioral Health, PLLC, (PFBH)- a psychiatry clinic in South Charlotte. PFBH specializes in the psychiatric treatment of children, adolescents, and adults. We are an evidence-based clinic that deals primarily in medication management & psychotherapy. We have experience in treating Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Personality Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Tic Disorder, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder & Psychosis.
(704) 237-6843 View (704) 237-6843
Photo of Mary Beck, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Mary Beck
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262  (Online Only)
As a PMHNP I have worked in outpatient, PHP, IOP, inpatient and residential settings across four states and have worked with patients ages 4 to 90 from all walks of life. I have experience treating a variety of mental health disorders including but not limited to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders through medication management and supportive therapy techniques.
As a PMHNP I have worked in outpatient, PHP, IOP, inpatient and residential settings across four states and have worked with patients ages 4 to 90 from all walks of life. I have experience treating a variety of mental health disorders including but not limited to depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, bipolar disorder, eating disorders and substance use disorders through medication management and supportive therapy techniques.
(704) 486-9398 View (704) 486-9398
Photo of Eric Semeko, MD, Psychiatrist
Eric Semeko
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28209
Semeko's clinical specialtiesinclude General Comprehensive Psychiatry Evaluation, Medication Management, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Addiction Psychiatry including Suboxone Therapy for Opiate Dependency Treatment, Behavioral Health, Anxiety, ADHD, and Mood Disorders.
Dr. Eric Semeko, MD is a Hospitalist in Psychiatry at one of Charlotte, North Carolina's local hospitals. He is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Semeko grew up in Ghana, Africa earning his Medical Degree in Volgograd, Russia, completing his residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC. He was recently named one of America's Most Compassionate Doctors and has worked in a large metropolitan hospital clinic as lead physician. In addition to his hospital work Dr. Semeko owns a private practice on Park Road; Restoration Charlotte, PLLC.
Semeko's clinical specialtiesinclude General Comprehensive Psychiatry Evaluation, Medication Management, Anxiety Disorders, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Addiction Psychiatry including Suboxone Therapy for Opiate Dependency Treatment, Behavioral Health, Anxiety, ADHD, and Mood Disorders.
Dr. Eric Semeko, MD is a Hospitalist in Psychiatry at one of Charlotte, North Carolina's local hospitals. He is board certified in Adult Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. Dr. Semeko grew up in Ghana, Africa earning his Medical Degree in Volgograd, Russia, completing his residency at Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center in Winston Salem, NC. He was recently named one of America's Most Compassionate Doctors and has worked in a large metropolitan hospital clinic as lead physician. In addition to his hospital work Dr. Semeko owns a private practice on Park Road; Restoration Charlotte, PLLC.
(704) 870-0281 View (704) 870-0281
Photo of Elizabeth Lemons, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Elizabeth Lemons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28209  (Online Only)
I'm Elizabeth "Liz" Lemons, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of experience managing and treating a diverse range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, OCD, Bipolar II, PTSD, and substance use. I work with teens, adults, and seniors to provide comprehensive care.
I'm Elizabeth "Liz" Lemons, a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with over 10 years of experience managing and treating a diverse range of mental health concerns, including depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, OCD, Bipolar II, PTSD, and substance use. I work with teens, adults, and seniors to provide comprehensive care.
(704) 610-5313 View (704) 610-5313
Photo of Kim English, PMHNP, FNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Kim English
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, BC
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28211
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I treat individuals from ages 6 and above with diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, Bipolar 1 & 2, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, Insomnia, Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, Eating Disorders, OCD, PTSD, etc.
At Safe Haven Psychiatrics, we provide quality psychiatric services while taking a holistic approach to each patients mental health. Our goal is to focus not only on the diagnoses but also on the over-all well being of the individual, while empowering them to take control of their mental health.
As a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, I treat individuals from ages 6 and above with diagnoses such as ADHD, Autism, Bipolar 1 & 2, Depressive Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, Schizophrenia, Insomnia, Trauma and Stress Related Disorders, Eating Disorders, OCD, PTSD, etc.
At Safe Haven Psychiatrics, we provide quality psychiatric services while taking a holistic approach to each patients mental health. Our goal is to focus not only on the diagnoses but also on the over-all well being of the individual, while empowering them to take control of their mental health.
(704) 459-5920 View (704) 459-5920
Photo of Pratima Dahal, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Pratima Dahal
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
She specializes in management of, but not limited to, depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in clients across life span.
Pratima is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her graduate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has been a registered nurse since 2005 with unique experiences in psychiatric nursing across different cultures. As a provider, Pratima focuses on individual plan of care emphasizing on uniqueness of each client and their life situations. She is an avid advocate of importance of mental health to achieve the overall health and well-being.
She specializes in management of, but not limited to, depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, Bipolar disorder, Schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders in clients across life span.
Pratima is a board certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She received her graduate degree in Psychiatric Mental Health from University of Texas Health Science Center at San Antonio. She has been a registered nurse since 2005 with unique experiences in psychiatric nursing across different cultures. As a provider, Pratima focuses on individual plan of care emphasizing on uniqueness of each client and their life situations. She is an avid advocate of importance of mental health to achieve the overall health and well-being.
(704) 327-6968 View (704) 327-6968
Photo of Aris Azar, PMHNP, AGNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Aris Azar
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, AGNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management to help you achieve your goals. My aim is to deliver expert care that aligns with your values and addresses your concerns by offering flexible scheduling, 7 days a week that includes weekends and evenings for your convenience. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and many others. I also provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy seamlessly into your sessions.
I'm a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner offering a blend of psychotherapy and medication management to help you achieve your goals. My aim is to deliver expert care that aligns with your values and addresses your concerns by offering flexible scheduling, 7 days a week that includes weekends and evenings for your convenience. I have expertise in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of psychiatric conditions including ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD, panic disorder and many others. I also provide a holistic approach that integrates therapy seamlessly into your sessions.
(704) 610-5876 View (704) 610-5876
Photo of Liz Lemons, PMHNP, MSN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Liz Lemons
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MSN
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202  (Online Only)
I am a very compassionate and professional Nurse Practitioner who has managed and treated a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, OCD, Bipolar II, PTSD, substance use, and other areas and have over 11 years of experience treating teens, adults and seniors.
I am a very compassionate and professional Nurse Practitioner who has managed and treated a wide range of mental health concerns including depression, anxiety, ADHD, sleep/insomnia, OCD, Bipolar II, PTSD, substance use, and other areas and have over 11 years of experience treating teens, adults and seniors.
(704) 440-5830 View (704) 440-5830
Photo of Kristen Gialo, DO, Psychiatrist
Kristen Gialo
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28266
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, non-medication treatment option for MDD, OCD and anxious depression.
I am currently accepting new patients for telehealth mental health services in Maryland. I specialize in mental health medication management during the Pregnancy and Postpartum time frame. In addition to medication management, I am accepting patients for treatment using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine Treatment at Greenbrook Neurohealth Center.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, non-medication treatment option for MDD, OCD and anxious depression.
I am currently accepting new patients for telehealth mental health services in Maryland. I specialize in mental health medication management during the Pregnancy and Postpartum time frame. In addition to medication management, I am accepting patients for treatment using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine Treatment at Greenbrook Neurohealth Center.
(240) 617-3889 View (240) 617-3889
Photo of Adam Jenrola, MSN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Adam Jenrola
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28202  (Online Only)
I work with patients 18 years and older, with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and ADD/ADHD.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am passionate about helping clients improve their mental health. As a registered nurse and currently as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have about 14 years experience working with patients struggling with mental health issues. I earned my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University and my master of science in nursing (MSN) from Walden University.
I work with patients 18 years and older, with depression, anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and ADD/ADHD.
I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I am passionate about helping clients improve their mental health. As a registered nurse and currently as a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I have about 14 years experience working with patients struggling with mental health issues. I earned my bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) from Chamberlain University and my master of science in nursing (MSN) from Walden University.
(919) 737-2760 View (919) 737-2760
Photo of Ashish Gupta, MD, Psychiatrist
Ashish Gupta
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28203  (Online Only)
I can help address needs of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, stress disorder, OCD, mood swings. If you are looking for a new provider as your current one doesn't respond in a timely manner, I maintain only a small panel of patients so I am readily available compared to some of the big practices. I have been seeing clients via Telehealth and all my clients like the comfort and flexibility of Telehealth for medication management. I am only running a Telehealth based platform at this time and there are no in person visits. I have medical licence for states of Massachusetts and North Carolina.
I can help address needs of clients struggling with anxiety, depression, stress disorder, OCD, mood swings. If you are looking for a new provider as your current one doesn't respond in a timely manner, I maintain only a small panel of patients so I am readily available compared to some of the big practices. I have been seeing clients via Telehealth and all my clients like the comfort and flexibility of Telehealth for medication management. I am only running a Telehealth based platform at this time and there are no in person visits. I have medical licence for states of Massachusetts and North Carolina.
(781) 208-5936 View (781) 208-5936
Photo of Ajith Abraham, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ajith Abraham
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28210
I work with clients ages 13 and above and provide treatment for mood disorders such as Depression and Bipolar; Anxiety disorder such as Generalized anxiety, Social anxiety, Panic disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias; Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder.
Hi! This is Ajith Abraham. Are you struggling with mental health issues, feeling stressed, overwhelmed with emotions? Taking the first step can be the hardest and most challenging. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression or any of the other mental health diagnoses, there is hope. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.
I work with clients ages 13 and above and provide treatment for mood disorders such as Depression and Bipolar; Anxiety disorder such as Generalized anxiety, Social anxiety, Panic disorder, Obsessive-compulsive disorder, and phobias; Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD); Psychotic disorders including schizophrenia, brief psychotic disorder.
Hi! This is Ajith Abraham. Are you struggling with mental health issues, feeling stressed, overwhelmed with emotions? Taking the first step can be the hardest and most challenging. Whether you are dealing with anxiety, depression or any of the other mental health diagnoses, there is hope. Remember, seeking help is a sign of strength.
(919) 769-3945 View (919) 769-3945
Photo of Lejon Wilkerson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lejon Wilkerson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28262  (Online Only)
I am an ANCC Board Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over seven years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing mental health care to all patients in need. I take great pride in being a good listener and always prioritizing the needs of my patients. I understand the importance of delivering world-class healthcare to individuals who struggle with various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, OCD, paranoia, and many other issues.
I am an ANCC Board Certified Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over seven years of experience in the field. I am passionate about providing mental health care to all patients in need. I take great pride in being a good listener and always prioritizing the needs of my patients. I understand the importance of delivering world-class healthcare to individuals who struggle with various mental health conditions, including bipolar disorder, anxiety, depression, ADHD, PTSD, insomnia, OCD, paranoia, and many other issues.
(623) 343-7245 View (623) 343-7245
Photo of Luis Emilio Betancourt, MD, Psychiatrist
Luis Emilio Betancourt
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28210
I specialize in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. I provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychological diagnostic evaluations as well as evidenced and empirically-based psychotherapy & medication management treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and families. I have experience caring for Depressive, Bipolar, Autism spectrum, Anxiety, Substance abuse, Personality, Obsessive Compulsive, Tic, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress and psychotic disorders. I also have experience and interest in the interface between religion-spirituality and psychiatry.
I specialize in child, adolescent and adult psychiatry. I provide comprehensive psychiatric and psychological diagnostic evaluations as well as evidenced and empirically-based psychotherapy & medication management treatment services for children, adolescents, adults and families. I have experience caring for Depressive, Bipolar, Autism spectrum, Anxiety, Substance abuse, Personality, Obsessive Compulsive, Tic, Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity, Disruptive Mood Dysregulation, Post Traumatic Stress and psychotic disorders. I also have experience and interest in the interface between religion-spirituality and psychiatry.
(980) 237-4766 x103 View (980) 237-4766 x103
Photo of Kristen Gialo, DO, Psychiatrist
Kristen Gialo
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Charlotte, NC 28226
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, non-medication treatment option for MDD, OCD and anxious depression.
I am currently accepting new patients for telehealth mental health services in Maryland, North and South Carolina. I specialize in mental health medication management during the Pregnancy and Postpartum time frame. In addition to medication management, I am accepting patients for treatment using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine Treatment at Greenbrook Neurohealth Center in Charlotte, NC.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) is a noninvasive, non-medication treatment option for MDD, OCD and anxious depression.
I am currently accepting new patients for telehealth mental health services in Maryland, North and South Carolina. I specialize in mental health medication management during the Pregnancy and Postpartum time frame. In addition to medication management, I am accepting patients for treatment using Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) and Esketamine Treatment at Greenbrook Neurohealth Center in Charlotte, NC.
(667) 200-1209 View (667) 200-1209
Photo of Katherine Myers, PA-C, Physician Assistant
Katherine Myers
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Charlotte, NC 28269  (Online Only)
I am deeply committed to providing the highest standard of care for my adult clients experiencing symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Panic disorders, ADD/ADHD, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I am a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a board-certified Physician Assistant with full prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions but have a deep interest working with special needs children and their families.
I am deeply committed to providing the highest standard of care for my adult clients experiencing symptoms of Depression, Anxiety, OCD, Panic disorders, ADD/ADHD, and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
I am a native of Chapel Hill, North Carolina and a board-certified Physician Assistant with full prescriptive authority. I treat all psychiatric and neuropsychiatric conditions but have a deep interest working with special needs children and their families.
(919) 899-4948 View (919) 899-4948

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.