Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists in New Canaan, CT

Photo of Eric B Nicholson, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Eric B Nicholson
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
Board-Certified in Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Addiction Psychiatry, for over 20 years Dr. Eric Nicholson has specialized in treating neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals with trauma-related disorders (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD-Spectrum Disorders including Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (trichotillomania, skin picking) with Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Exposure/Response Prevention therapy with Inhibitory Learning, Habit Reversal Training and medicine as needed. He also expertly treats all Addictions and Depressive & Anxiety Disorders (Social Anxiety, Panic disorders).
Board-Certified in Child, Adolescent, Adult, and Addiction Psychiatry, for over 20 years Dr. Eric Nicholson has specialized in treating neurotypical and neurodivergent individuals with trauma-related disorders (PTSD) and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder/OCD-Spectrum Disorders including Body-Focused Repetitive Behaviors (trichotillomania, skin picking) with Accelerated Resolution Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy/Exposure/Response Prevention therapy with Inhibitory Learning, Habit Reversal Training and medicine as needed. He also expertly treats all Addictions and Depressive & Anxiety Disorders (Social Anxiety, Panic disorders).
(203) 838-8168 View (203) 838-8168
Photo of Tom Knightly, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Tom Knightly
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
New Canaan, CT 06840
Currently I focus on treating depression and OCD with the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
I am board-certified in general psychiatry as well as fellowship-trained in advanced treatments including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Additionally, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where I work as a member of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. Our lab is responsible for developing and implementing cutting edge psychiatric treatments. I bring this experience to my clinic where I am able to provide these cutting edge, highly-effective and fast-acting treatments to those who suffer with mental health.
Currently I focus on treating depression and OCD with the use of Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).
I am board-certified in general psychiatry as well as fellowship-trained in advanced treatments including Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS). Additionally, I am an Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at Stanford University, where I work as a member of the Stanford Brain Stimulation Lab. Our lab is responsible for developing and implementing cutting edge psychiatric treatments. I bring this experience to my clinic where I am able to provide these cutting edge, highly-effective and fast-acting treatments to those who suffer with mental health.
(475) 244-6680 View (475) 244-6680
Photo of Kimberly G Morgan, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Kimberly G Morgan
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
Kimberly has over a decade of experience working as a Board Certified APRN in Adult Psychiatry (ages 18-65). She offers medication management and in some cases, psychotherapy, to help patients alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, post-partum syndromes, bipolar disorder and psychosis. The first appointment will be used to identify the symptoms that are causing the most distress, as well as to discuss any other factors that may be influencing the patient's condition. Kimberly takes a holistic approach to treatment and individualizes the treatment plan by patient, not by diagnosis.
Kimberly has over a decade of experience working as a Board Certified APRN in Adult Psychiatry (ages 18-65). She offers medication management and in some cases, psychotherapy, to help patients alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, ADHD, post-partum syndromes, bipolar disorder and psychosis. The first appointment will be used to identify the symptoms that are causing the most distress, as well as to discuss any other factors that may be influencing the patient's condition. Kimberly takes a holistic approach to treatment and individualizes the treatment plan by patient, not by diagnosis.
(475) 263-3116 View (475) 263-3116
Photo of Suparna Basu, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Suparna Basu
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
I treat most psychiatric disorders which include Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar disorders, PTSD, Schizoaffective disorder.
Suparna Basu is an experienced and compassionate board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in caring for those with a variety of mental health problems and emotional difficulties . Dr. Basu is a psychopharmacologist who focuses primarily on medication management. She prefers her patients have a separate therapist that she can collaborate with. Dr. Basu's approach can best be described as interpersonal/humanistic, one in which her working relationship is every bit as important as any medication you might decide to use. You can learn more about Dr.Basu on her website; http://basupsychiatry.com/
I treat most psychiatric disorders which include Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Bipolar disorders, PTSD, Schizoaffective disorder.
Suparna Basu is an experienced and compassionate board-certified psychiatrist with expertise in caring for those with a variety of mental health problems and emotional difficulties . Dr. Basu is a psychopharmacologist who focuses primarily on medication management. She prefers her patients have a separate therapist that she can collaborate with. Dr. Basu's approach can best be described as interpersonal/humanistic, one in which her working relationship is every bit as important as any medication you might decide to use. You can learn more about Dr.Basu on her website; http://basupsychiatry.com/
(203) 633-7602 View (203) 633-7602
Photo of Noelle O'Shea, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Noelle O'Shea
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
Noelle provides both psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. She is trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), EX/RP (Exposure Response Prevention) and NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) which is a therapeutic system for supporting caregivers of children with behavioral problems, reducing parental helplessness/erasure, and helping families that suffer from intense conflict between parent and child.
Noelle provides both psychopharmacologic and psychotherapeutic interventions for children, adolescents, and adults. She is trained in SPACE (Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions), EX/RP (Exposure Response Prevention) and NVR (Non-Violent Resistance) which is a therapeutic system for supporting caregivers of children with behavioral problems, reducing parental helplessness/erasure, and helping families that suffer from intense conflict between parent and child.
(203) 594-1692 View (203) 594-1692
Photo of Sarah L. Handler, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Sarah L. Handler
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP-, BC
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I specialize in delivering comprehensive care to individuals at every life stage. My expertise lies in medication management, specifically addressing mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Embracing a holistic philosophy, I personalize treatment approaches to align with each patient's unique requirements and desires. In addition to medication management, I am dedicated to supporting clients in recognizing and resolving other contributing factors influencing their mental well-being.
As a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner, I specialize in delivering comprehensive care to individuals at every life stage. My expertise lies in medication management, specifically addressing mood and anxiety disorders, ADHD, substance use disorders, and eating disorders. Embracing a holistic philosophy, I personalize treatment approaches to align with each patient's unique requirements and desires. In addition to medication management, I am dedicated to supporting clients in recognizing and resolving other contributing factors influencing their mental well-being.
(475) 271-1924 View (475) 271-1924
Photo of Mark D'agostino, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Mark D'agostino
Psychiatrist, MD, MS, MSc
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
Dr. D'Agostino is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), and has a subspeciality Board Certification in Addiction Medicine; he is a Suboxone provider, and treats a variety of substance use disorders with medication assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy (as needed). He specializes in the treatment of adults and late-adolescents, with expertise in medication management and therapy for conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, opioid and alcohol use disorder.
Dr. D'Agostino is Board Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), and has a subspeciality Board Certification in Addiction Medicine; he is a Suboxone provider, and treats a variety of substance use disorders with medication assisted treatment (MAT) and therapy (as needed). He specializes in the treatment of adults and late-adolescents, with expertise in medication management and therapy for conditions including but not limited to anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, ADHD, opioid and alcohol use disorder.
(833) 735-0559 View (833) 735-0559
Photo of Holistic Services & Alternative Care, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Holistic Services & Alternative Care
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, APRN-BC
Verified Verified
3 Endorsed
New Canaan, CT 06840
To create the kind of practice I want for my patients, I operate a full-service, "concierge" psychiatry practice, as opposed to an insurance-driven model. This allows me to focus on quality over quantity, and on personalized service and accessibility over volume. Most importantly, I have fewer patients than an insurance-driven practice, which means I have more time for you. We will have ample time during your visit to discuss your concerns. I am also much more accessible between visits for your phone calls and emails.
To create the kind of practice I want for my patients, I operate a full-service, "concierge" psychiatry practice, as opposed to an insurance-driven model. This allows me to focus on quality over quantity, and on personalized service and accessibility over volume. Most importantly, I have fewer patients than an insurance-driven practice, which means I have more time for you. We will have ample time during your visit to discuss your concerns. I am also much more accessible between visits for your phone calls and emails.
(860) 735-3592 View (860) 735-3592
Photo of Susan Lachs, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Susan Lachs
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
Your story and your struggles are unique to you. Media and family often put expectations on us that do not align with what is best for our authentic self. Family conflict, anxiety, depression, substance use, and unhealthy relationships - with ourselves and others - can be the result of these pressures. There is no one size fits all for therapy and together we will work to understand you through different perspectives and modalities, including prescribing medication if indicated, always with the goal of helping you make changes that will stick and you feel good about.
Your story and your struggles are unique to you. Media and family often put expectations on us that do not align with what is best for our authentic self. Family conflict, anxiety, depression, substance use, and unhealthy relationships - with ourselves and others - can be the result of these pressures. There is no one size fits all for therapy and together we will work to understand you through different perspectives and modalities, including prescribing medication if indicated, always with the goal of helping you make changes that will stick and you feel good about.
(475) 256-5374 View (475) 256-5374
Photo of Dr. David L. Lopez / Cornell Affiliated, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Dr. David L. Lopez / Cornell Affiliated
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA, DFAACAP, Cornell, Faculty
Verified Verified
New Canaan, CT 06840
Cornell and Columbia trained, Dr. Lopez does not believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the national Child and Adolescent Psychiatry society (AACAP) and believes in down-to-earth approaches that really make sense. Dr. Lopez is also an adult psychotherapist with years of training in the most in-depth psychotherapies. He provides interventions that have clear results. A Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), he has taught at Cornell and Columbia specialized programs for more than 15 years. He now brings to Philadelphia the latest knowledge to help kids, parents, and adult patients.
Cornell and Columbia trained, Dr. Lopez does not believe in one-size-fits-all treatments. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the national Child and Adolescent Psychiatry society (AACAP) and believes in down-to-earth approaches that really make sense. Dr. Lopez is also an adult psychotherapist with years of training in the most in-depth psychotherapies. He provides interventions that have clear results. A Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association (APA), he has taught at Cornell and Columbia specialized programs for more than 15 years. He now brings to Philadelphia the latest knowledge to help kids, parents, and adult patients.
(215) 650-8406 View (215) 650-8406

More Psychiatrists Nearby

Photo of Evolve Brain Health, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Evolve Brain Health
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Stamford, CT 06905
If you struggle with Depression or OCD, Evolve is the right choice for you. We are the next generation of mental health care. We provide the most effective, cutting-edge mental health treatment. Period. We believe everyone deserves to benefit from the best treatments that the field of psychiatry has to offer. Currently, our focus is to use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), to achieve outcomes that far surpass those seen with typical psychiatric medications and therapy. TMS gets to the root of the problem by directly targeting and treating the cause of a particular mental illness.
If you struggle with Depression or OCD, Evolve is the right choice for you. We are the next generation of mental health care. We provide the most effective, cutting-edge mental health treatment. Period. We believe everyone deserves to benefit from the best treatments that the field of psychiatry has to offer. Currently, our focus is to use Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), to achieve outcomes that far surpass those seen with typical psychiatric medications and therapy. TMS gets to the root of the problem by directly targeting and treating the cause of a particular mental illness.
(203) 642-1929 View (203) 642-1929
Photo of Randi Cohen, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Randi Cohen
Psychiatrist, MD, PhD
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880  (Online Only)
Do you struggle with anxiety, negativity, or a sense of worthlessness? Do you find yourself cut off from feelings or going in circles in your current relationship? Do you have trouble focusing and staying organized? Is it hard for you to get past things that bother you? I am extensively trained in cognitive, behavioral, mindfulness-based, and somatic awareness techniques to help you feel comfortable in your skin. I also offer an option for medications. I work with individuals or with couples. I specialize in addressing OCD, PTSD, Asperger's, ADHD, depression, anxiety, life issues, and relationship stressors.
Do you struggle with anxiety, negativity, or a sense of worthlessness? Do you find yourself cut off from feelings or going in circles in your current relationship? Do you have trouble focusing and staying organized? Is it hard for you to get past things that bother you? I am extensively trained in cognitive, behavioral, mindfulness-based, and somatic awareness techniques to help you feel comfortable in your skin. I also offer an option for medications. I work with individuals or with couples. I specialize in addressing OCD, PTSD, Asperger's, ADHD, depression, anxiety, life issues, and relationship stressors.
(203) 490-4503 View (203) 490-4503
Photo of Jessica Chaudhary, MD, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Jessica Chaudhary, MD
Psychiatrist, MD, FAPA
Verified Verified
Westport, CT 06880  (Online Only)
Waitlist for new clients
Jessica has treated patients with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and substance disorders.
Dr. Jessica Chaudhary is a Board Certified psychiatrist and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wellesley College with Honors. Being a Seattle native, she returned to medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine and then completed her residency in psychiatry at Yale University. She completed a fellowship in psychosomatic medicine at Harvard Medical School, where she gained special expertise in treating co-morbid complex medical conditions and psychiatric disorders. In addition to her private practice, she is on staff at Yale New Haven Hospital.
Jessica has treated patients with anxiety disorders, depression, bipolar disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and substance disorders.
Dr. Jessica Chaudhary is a Board Certified psychiatrist and a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. She completed her undergraduate studies at Wellesley College with Honors. Being a Seattle native, she returned to medical school at the University of Washington School of Medicine and then completed her residency in psychiatry at Yale University. She completed a fellowship in psychosomatic medicine at Harvard Medical School, where she gained special expertise in treating co-morbid complex medical conditions and psychiatric disorders. In addition to her private practice, she is on staff at Yale New Haven Hospital.
(206) 929-4849 View (206) 929-4849
Photo of Nidhi Sharoha, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Nidhi Sharoha
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Stamford, CT 06901  (Online Only)
She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders.
Dr. Nidhi Sharoha is a double board certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Stony Brook University followed by medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has completed both a Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center. Dr. Sharoha has held academic appointment at Stony Brook University Hospital practicing as a consultant psychiatrist as well as Associate Director of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship.
She has a genuine interest in treating a vast array of psychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post traumatic stress disorders and obsessive compulsive and related disorders.
Dr. Nidhi Sharoha is a double board certified psychiatrist in Psychiatry and Consultation Liaison Psychiatry. She completed her undergraduate training at Stony Brook University followed by medical school at New York Institute of Technology College of Osteopathic Medicine. She has completed both a Residency in Psychiatry and Fellowship in Consultation Liaison Psychiatry at Nassau University Medical Center. Dr. Sharoha has held academic appointment at Stony Brook University Hospital practicing as a consultant psychiatrist as well as Associate Director of Consultation Liaison Psychiatry Fellowship.
(203) 541-0067 View (203) 541-0067
Photo of Thayanne Delima-Tokarz, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Thayanne Delima-Tokarz
Psychiatrist, DO
Verified Verified
Stamford, CT 06901  (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 Joyce Z. Pere, M.D., Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Joyce Z. Pere, M.D.
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Stamford, CT 06901
I specialize in mood disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, phobia, bipolar disorder, and OCD.
I approach each new patient as a caring, sympathetic practitioner, taking the time to assess the challenges facing both the patient and their family. My main objective is to help children, adolescents, adults and their families by providing Psychodynamic Therapies to enable patients to develop a variety of coping skills that will help balance life. Medication management is offered with a careful, cautious approach.
I specialize in mood disorders, anxiety, panic attacks, phobia, bipolar disorder, and OCD.
I approach each new patient as a caring, sympathetic practitioner, taking the time to assess the challenges facing both the patient and their family. My main objective is to help children, adolescents, adults and their families by providing Psychodynamic Therapies to enable patients to develop a variety of coping skills that will help balance life. Medication management is offered with a careful, cautious approach.
(203) 583-3843 View (203) 583-3843
Photo of WCT Health & Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
WCT Health & Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Ridgefield, CT 06879
Our specialities include, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, life coaching, LGBTQIA+, adoption, depression, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, substance misuse , personality disorders, schizophrenia, anger management , family conflict , couples counseling , grief/ loss and stressors of every day life.
Welcome! We are a group practice of 60 licensed counselors and medication providers. We have a multi disciplinary team which is trained in several models to tailor each of our clients needs. Our biggest focus, is you, our client. We provide family, couples and individual counseling. Medication management for psychiatry and also offer Primary Care Services.
Our specialities include, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, life transitions, life coaching, LGBTQIA+, adoption, depression, mood disorders, trauma/PTSD, substance misuse , personality disorders, schizophrenia, anger management , family conflict , couples counseling , grief/ loss and stressors of every day life.
Welcome! We are a group practice of 60 licensed counselors and medication providers. We have a multi disciplinary team which is trained in several models to tailor each of our clients needs. Our biggest focus, is you, our client. We provide family, couples and individual counseling. Medication management for psychiatry and also offer Primary Care Services.
(203) 916-4595 View (203) 916-4595
Photo of Mekessia Richards-Carby, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Mekessia Richards-Carby
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Stamford, CT 06901
Welcome! I am Mekessia Richards-Carby, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. My experience in psychiatry ranges from treating children and adolescents in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to adults in addiction treatment, as well as older adults as they transition through life changes. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, Bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, sleep disorders, and more.
Welcome! I am Mekessia Richards-Carby, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner with over 20 years of experience working in healthcare. My experience in psychiatry ranges from treating children and adolescents in partial hospitalization and intensive outpatient programs to adults in addiction treatment, as well as older adults as they transition through life changes. I treat a wide range of mental health conditions, including ADHD, depression, anxiety, Bipolar/mood disorders, OCD, sleep disorders, and more.
(860) 792-4721 View (860) 792-4721
Photo of Amber Blue, Psychiatrist in New Canaan, CT
Amber Blue
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Stamford, CT 06901
She has a wide range of experience in treating various mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and OCD.
Dr. Amber Blue is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her residency at Yale University. She offers medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits informed by her psychotherapy experience. Occasionally she may believe additional therapy would be beneficial and therefore recommend you add a therapist to your care team for the best results.
She has a wide range of experience in treating various mental illnesses including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, and OCD.
Dr. Amber Blue is a board-certified psychiatrist trained in Adult Psychiatry. She completed her residency at Yale University. She offers medication management in 30-minute follow-up visits informed by her psychotherapy experience. Occasionally she may believe additional therapy would be beneficial and therefore recommend you add a therapist to your care team for the best results.
(203) 541-0067 View (203) 541-0067
Photo of Margaret Miller, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in New Canaan, CT
Margaret Miller
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, LMSW, MSN
Verified Verified
Stamford, CT 06902
Dr. Miller DNP treats individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, PTSD and ADHD. If you are struggling with a mood disorder or chronic inattention impacting work and relationships Dr. Miller will tailor treatment holistically and individually to your needs. Integrating an understanding of your lifestyle and needs into your treatment allows Dr. Miller to treat you as a whole person, understanding your symptoms in the context of your life.
Dr. Miller DNP treats individuals struggling with depression, anxiety, OCD, trauma, bipolar disorder, PTSD and ADHD. If you are struggling with a mood disorder or chronic inattention impacting work and relationships Dr. Miller will tailor treatment holistically and individually to your needs. Integrating an understanding of your lifestyle and needs into your treatment allows Dr. Miller to treat you as a whole person, understanding your symptoms in the context of your life.
(888) 334-2500 View (888) 334-2500

See more therapy options for New Canaan

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.