Photo of Sarah Bannister, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse
Sarah Bannister
Psychiatric Nurse, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37921
For families and individuals struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, addiction, or any number of issues; Sarah desires to offer a place of care, wisdom, and support through assessment, medication support, and connection to other mental health services such as counselors, support groups, related medical services.
For families and individuals struggling with anxiety, ADHD, depression, addiction, or any number of issues; Sarah desires to offer a place of care, wisdom, and support through assessment, medication support, and connection to other mental health services such as counselors, support groups, related medical services.
(865) 344-0846 View (865) 344-0846
Photo of Heidi Poore, PMHNP, MS, RN, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Heidi Poore
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, MS, RN
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37921
For families and individuals struggling with mental health issues, Heidi desires to offer a place of care, wisdom, and support through assessment, medication support, and connection to other mental health services such as counselors, support groups, related medical services.
For families and individuals struggling with mental health issues, Heidi desires to offer a place of care, wisdom, and support through assessment, medication support, and connection to other mental health services such as counselors, support groups, related medical services.
(865) 317-4045 View (865) 317-4045
Photo of Jennifer Thomas, APRN,  PMHNP-, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jennifer Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, APRN, PMHNP-
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37921
Jennifer M. Thomas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer believes her role as an PMHNP is to use her 22 years of nursing experience along with her higher education to assess patients for various mental health disorders and implement medications to help manage their symptoms. She feels it is important as a provider to make sure we have a great provider-client relationship that is based on trust, compassion, empathy, and no judgement regarding their mental health issues.
Jennifer M. Thomas is a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee who has been practicing since 2022. Jennifer believes her role as an PMHNP is to use her 22 years of nursing experience along with her higher education to assess patients for various mental health disorders and implement medications to help manage their symptoms. She feels it is important as a provider to make sure we have a great provider-client relationship that is based on trust, compassion, empathy, and no judgement regarding their mental health issues.
(865) 328-4732 View (865) 328-4732
Photo of Melinda Kiser, ARNP, Psychiatric Nurse
Melinda Kiser
Psychiatric Nurse, ARNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37921
Melinda Kiser is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with all age groups to provide a psychiatric evaluation and medication management for mental health struggles. She earned a bachelor and master's degree from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville and then completed a post master's certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University. She has 40 years of experience in healthcare and over 8 years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the outpatient, day treatment, school, and residential settings.
Melinda Kiser is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner who works with all age groups to provide a psychiatric evaluation and medication management for mental health struggles. She earned a bachelor and master's degree from the University of Tennessee- Knoxville and then completed a post master's certificate for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at The Ohio State University. She has 40 years of experience in healthcare and over 8 years of experience as a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in the outpatient, day treatment, school, and residential settings.
(865) 345-3299 View (865) 345-3299
Photo of Suzanne Winzenburg, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Suzanne Winzenburg
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Knoxville, TN 37921
Dr. Suzanne Winzenburg is a dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee. She has been in nursing since 1991 and has practiced as an advanced practice nurse since 2011. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern Indiana, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University, and a Post-Master Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from King University. Dr. Winzenburg is an Associate Professor of Nursing at King University in the graduate nursing program.
Dr. Suzanne Winzenburg is a dual Board Certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner in Tennessee. She has been in nursing since 1991 and has practiced as an advanced practice nurse since 2011. She earned a Master of Science in Nursing, Family Nurse Practitioner from the University of Southern Indiana, a Doctorate of Nursing Practice from Frontier Nursing University, and a Post-Master Certificate, Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner from King University. Dr. Winzenburg is an Associate Professor of Nursing at King University in the graduate nursing program.
(865) 590-4948 View (865) 590-4948
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.