Therapists in 90254
Amy Ruffolo Quinn
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, LCSW, LSW, CEDS
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Hermosa Beach, CA 90254
Life is an amazing gift. It brings excitement and adventure but also can be quite frustrating and overwhelming. My approach to therapy is transparent, curious, and compassionate. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, relational issues, and pre/postnatal maternal mental health. I use a combination of different therapeutic approaches which depends on needs. If you are struggling with an eating disorder/or unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem, restricting, binging, purging, and/or other destructive patterns, you have come to the right place.
Life is an amazing gift. It brings excitement and adventure but also can be quite frustrating and overwhelming. My approach to therapy is transparent, curious, and compassionate. I specialize in treating eating disorders, anxiety disorders, depression, relational issues, and pre/postnatal maternal mental health. I use a combination of different therapeutic approaches which depends on needs. If you are struggling with an eating disorder/or unhealthy relationship with food or exercise, anxiety, substance abuse, low self-esteem, restricting, binging, purging, and/or other destructive patterns, you have come to the right place.
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Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists
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.