Psychiatrists in Massachusetts
![Photo of Dr. Carlos Suarez - Carlos Suarez MD PLLC, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3f215249-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
Soy un psiquiatra certificado por el Board de Especialidades Médicas (ABMS, por sus siglas en inglés) en psiquiatría general, pediátrica y de adiccción. Mis destrezas en psicoterapia y fármacoterapia me permiten ayudar a personas cuyas barreras psicológicas y de salud mental interfieren con su mejor rendimiento. Me especializo en asistir a individuos de alto nivel de funcionamiento como ejecutivos y profesionales de todo tipo. No aceptamos ningún seguro médico pero proveemos recibos para el que lo necesite para obtener algún reembolso de su seguro por pagos hechos a nuestra práctica. Disponible en: CA, CO, FL, MA, NY, TX y VA.
Soy un psiquiatra certificado por el Board de Especialidades Médicas (ABMS, por sus siglas en inglés) en psiquiatría general, pediátrica y de adiccción. Mis destrezas en psicoterapia y fármacoterapia me permiten ayudar a personas cuyas barreras psicológicas y de salud mental interfieren con su mejor rendimiento. Me especializo en asistir a individuos de alto nivel de funcionamiento como ejecutivos y profesionales de todo tipo. No aceptamos ningún seguro médico pero proveemos recibos para el que lo necesite para obtener algún reembolso de su seguro por pagos hechos a nuestra práctica. Disponible en: CA, CO, FL, MA, NY, TX y VA.
![Photo of Mayumi Okuda Benavides, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3efc3cd6-d065-42b9-bb72-66cf83243a8e/2/320x400.png)
As an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of anxiety (social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder) and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), and trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I bring years of experience working with patients from around the world.
I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps towards self-improvement. You’ve tried everything: therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, but are still struggling. I understand that making that first appointment can often be one of the biggest hurdles. As your psychiatrist, I will work closely with you every step of the way to determine the best treatment that is tailored specifically to your personal needs.
As an internationally recognized expert in the treatment of anxiety (social anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, generalized anxiety, panic disorder) and mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), and trauma (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder), I bring years of experience working with patients from around the world.
I want to congratulate you on taking the first steps towards self-improvement. You’ve tried everything: therapy, mindfulness, lifestyle changes, but are still struggling. I understand that making that first appointment can often be one of the biggest hurdles. As your psychiatrist, I will work closely with you every step of the way to determine the best treatment that is tailored specifically to your personal needs.
![Photo of Martha Cesena, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/5e986cb9-8910-4a55-913e-b07750de99a8/2/320x400.jpeg)
I see young adults and adults with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, panic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder.
I have more than 20 years of clinical experience working In academia and private practice. I am a board certified psychiatrist affiliated with Children’s Hospital and I am assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. I am a graduate of Temple University Hospital in adult psychiatry and Children’s Hospital, Boston in adolescent psychiatry. I work with young adult ages 17 and above. I provide medication management in a welcoming and safe environment where your concerns are discussed with an open mind and no judgment. My office is close to the green t line in the Brookline area.
I see young adults and adults with stress, depression, anxiety, trauma, panic, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder.
I have more than 20 years of clinical experience working In academia and private practice. I am a board certified psychiatrist affiliated with Children’s Hospital and I am assistant professor of Psychiatry at Harvard Medical School. I am a graduate of Temple University Hospital in adult psychiatry and Children’s Hospital, Boston in adolescent psychiatry. I work with young adult ages 17 and above. I provide medication management in a welcoming and safe environment where your concerns are discussed with an open mind and no judgment. My office is close to the green t line in the Brookline area.
![Photo of Jessica Goulart, PMHNP, FNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0c8aed4b-7498-43b8-b142-ea88b6f880d8/2/320x400.jpeg)
Jessica Goulart
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP-C
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Wakefield, MA 01880 (Online Only)
I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, PTSD, Depression and Insomnia.
I am accepting new patients. I offer medication management in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy via telemedicine. I utilize traditional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine. As a dual board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, I care for the community by balancing the rational, emotional and spiritual health of each individual. By using a holistic approach I provide my patients with the tools to overcome psychiatric symptoms and stressors. I am described as genuine, compassionate, and empathetic.
I specialize in ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, OCD, PTSD, Depression and Insomnia.
I am accepting new patients. I offer medication management in combination with cognitive behavioral therapy via telemedicine. I utilize traditional medicine with complementary and alternative medicine. As a dual board certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and Family Nurse Practitioner, I care for the community by balancing the rational, emotional and spiritual health of each individual. By using a holistic approach I provide my patients with the tools to overcome psychiatric symptoms and stressors. I am described as genuine, compassionate, and empathetic.
![Photo of Joseph F. Toomey, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4ca2ba5e-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/2/320x400.jpeg)
My practice involves evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of multiple mental health conditions including: ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, Social Anxiety, and OCD with a focus on compassionate, culturally sensitive, supportive COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOTHERAPY and MEDICATION MANAGEMENT for adults and adolescents 18+.
With over three decades’ experience in academic and corporate environments, my current work as a Psychiatric DNP has evolved from observing the challenges and successes of colleagues and students and their relationship to emotional HEALTH and the ability to FOCUS on daily and long-term goals. As a result of my Yale, Duke, and MGH psychiatric training, I’ve honed my observations into effective working theories about the biopsychosocial factors that influence peoples’ vitality and well-being. If you're currently struggling with academic, professional or emotional obstacles, I believe I can help.
My practice involves evaluation, diagnosis and treatment of multiple mental health conditions including: ADHD, ANXIETY, DEPRESSION, Social Anxiety, and OCD with a focus on compassionate, culturally sensitive, supportive COGNITIVE BEHAVIORAL PSYCHOTHERAPY and MEDICATION MANAGEMENT for adults and adolescents 18+.
With over three decades’ experience in academic and corporate environments, my current work as a Psychiatric DNP has evolved from observing the challenges and successes of colleagues and students and their relationship to emotional HEALTH and the ability to FOCUS on daily and long-term goals. As a result of my Yale, Duke, and MGH psychiatric training, I’ve honed my observations into effective working theories about the biopsychosocial factors that influence peoples’ vitality and well-being. If you're currently struggling with academic, professional or emotional obstacles, I believe I can help.
![Photo of Lina M Zapata Samarel, PMHNP, FNP, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f2b77d8b-3740-4c8e-b2fa-9a00d0cef333/3/320x400.png)
Lina M Zapata Samarel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MBA
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Boston, MA 02131 (Online Only)
Areas of interest include medication management and psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, 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, ADHD, 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.
![Photo of Lina M Zapata Samarel, PMHNP, FNP, MBA, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/414f6874-9d77-4cd6-822f-67aac1ff9775/2/320x400.jpeg)
Lina M Zapata Samarel
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP, FNP, MBA
Verified Verified
Malden, MA 02148 (Online Only)
Areas of interest include medication management and psychiatric evaluations for the diagnosis and treatment of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, psychotic disorders, ADHD, 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, ADHD, 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.
![Photo of Byron Garcia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/debab1be-28ee-4062-aecc-43d8cda613ed/1/320x400.jpeg)
I am a psychopharmacology expert with 26 years of experience. I provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment to children, adolescents and adults with a history of ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, Anxiety Attacks, OCD, Depression, lack of motivation and insomnia. I am board certified in general psychiatry and also child and adolescent psychiatry. My full time work is medical director at McLean Hospital (Named America's #1 Hospital for Psychiatry by U.S. News and World Report). I am a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
I am a psychopharmacology expert with 26 years of experience. I provide psychiatric evaluation and treatment to children, adolescents and adults with a history of ADHD, Anxiety Disorders, Panic Disorder, Anxiety Attacks, OCD, Depression, lack of motivation and insomnia. I am board certified in general psychiatry and also child and adolescent psychiatry. My full time work is medical director at McLean Hospital (Named America's #1 Hospital for Psychiatry by U.S. News and World Report). I am a clinical instructor in psychiatry at Harvard Medical School.
![Photo of Nina Abelowitz, ANP-BC, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/30758e22-b1d0-4afd-bc89-4a22f9d22e29/1/320x400.jpeg)
Nina Abelowitz
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, ANP-BC, PMHNP
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Concord, MA 01742
I specialize in oncologic diagnoses, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder and depression.
I'm OPEN to new clients! I'm a Nurse Practitioner with fourteen years of experience. I have cared for patients in primary care, oncology and psychiatry throughout the Boston and South Florida area.
I specialize in oncologic diagnoses, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, Bipolar disorder and depression.
I'm OPEN to new clients! I'm a Nurse Practitioner with fourteen years of experience. I have cared for patients in primary care, oncology and psychiatry throughout the Boston and South Florida area.
![Photo of Jonathan Love, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/6417781e-cea1-4588-b31d-794533fbab37/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Love, a Psychiatrist at Aster Mental Health, specializes in treating individuals with depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders. He is a Board-certified & Harvard-trained Psychiatrist offering medication management as well as psychiatric assessment and treatment.
Dr. Love, a Psychiatrist at Aster Mental Health, specializes in treating individuals with depressive disorders, bipolar spectrum disorders, mood disorders, psychotic disorders, PTSD, OCD, anxiety disorders, ADHD, and substance use disorders. He is a Board-certified & Harvard-trained Psychiatrist offering medication management as well as psychiatric assessment and treatment.
![Photo of Maria Jose Lisotto, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/2be04683-df69-488f-9b94-b8138c6ac9bf/1/320x400.jpeg)
I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults suffering from anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), OCD, trauma, personality disorders, and experiencing interpersonal difficulties.
I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs.
I specialize in treating children, adolescents, and adults suffering from anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression, bipolar disorder), OCD, trauma, personality disorders, and experiencing interpersonal difficulties.
I am a Harvard-trained, Harvard-affiliated, board-certified child, adolescent, and adult psychiatrist. I strongly believe that the best psychiatric care is centered on the whole person, not just on a diagnosis or specific medication. I provide weekly therapy and work with patients to determine if medications can be of help. I do not believe that everyone needs a medication, but they can be useful in treating particular psychiatric symptoms; I will work with you in order to find the best treatment modality that meets your goals and needs.
15 Second Videos
Balance Psychiatric Services
Holly Kalinay Msn Pmhnp-Bc
Mental Health Mastery Group, LLC
Marco Belluardo-Crosby
Balance Psychiatric Services
![Photo of Sofia Verdeja Mitchell, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/f62520b0-c5c6-4389-b75b-4204ff7f9d7c/1/320x400.jpeg)
Sofia Verdeja Mitchell
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, RN, APRN, PMHNPBC
Verified Verified
Weymouth, MA 02190 (Online Only)
•• Accepting New Patients ••: I am a board-certified English/Spanish bilingual psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in trauma management and treating depression, anxiety and insomnia. Skilled in assessment, diagnosis and medication management through evidence-based care for safe and effective outcomes, I build targeted and individualized treatment plans while providing therapeutic support and a willingness to collaborate with therapists for mutual patients. Throughout more than eight years of experience, I’ve provided patient care across a variety of settings, including ER care, inpatient psychiatry and outpatient psychiatry.
•• Accepting New Patients ••: I am a board-certified English/Spanish bilingual psychiatric nurse practitioner specializing in trauma management and treating depression, anxiety and insomnia. Skilled in assessment, diagnosis and medication management through evidence-based care for safe and effective outcomes, I build targeted and individualized treatment plans while providing therapeutic support and a willingness to collaborate with therapists for mutual patients. Throughout more than eight years of experience, I’ve provided patient care across a variety of settings, including ER care, inpatient psychiatry and outpatient psychiatry.
![Photo of Paolo Cassano, MD, PhD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/84434268-6736-4d6f-ad49-219c88c3d1b6/1/320x400.jpeg)
With nearly three decades of experience in psychiatry, focusing on neuropsychiatric conditions that affect mood and cognition, my goal is to deliver new, effective therapies to those struggling with depression, anxiety, post-COVID syndromes, cognitive impairments, and more. With my extensive background in neuropsychopharmacology (and affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School as Director of Photobiomodulation and Associate Professor respectively), I always start with the most scientifically proven treatments. I ensure that my approach aligns with the latest, evidence-based standards.
With nearly three decades of experience in psychiatry, focusing on neuropsychiatric conditions that affect mood and cognition, my goal is to deliver new, effective therapies to those struggling with depression, anxiety, post-COVID syndromes, cognitive impairments, and more. With my extensive background in neuropsychopharmacology (and affiliations with Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) and Harvard Medical School as Director of Photobiomodulation and Associate Professor respectively), I always start with the most scientifically proven treatments. I ensure that my approach aligns with the latest, evidence-based standards.
![Photo of Miriam Dellheim, PMHNP, ANP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/4cffbb76-b204-46ba-baec-bc6c89b1dabd/2/320x400.jpeg)
Some people are concerned that meds will change them or may have had a bad experience with meds. Some have had great success and want to continue or optimize treatment. With a comprehensive 90-minute eval, I work to understand your concerns and goals. You will not be treated as a label or an algorithm. Together, we create a dynamic plan to help you feel like the best you. When done with care, treatment can help you feel less down, tired or worried and feel more motivated, focused, and well without changing who you are or sedating or numbing you.
Some people are concerned that meds will change them or may have had a bad experience with meds. Some have had great success and want to continue or optimize treatment. With a comprehensive 90-minute eval, I work to understand your concerns and goals. You will not be treated as a label or an algorithm. Together, we create a dynamic plan to help you feel like the best you. When done with care, treatment can help you feel less down, tired or worried and feel more motivated, focused, and well without changing who you are or sedating or numbing you.
![Photo of Davonna Wilson - Balance Psychiatric Services, CRNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/0792388f-5d93-4379-9049-508baf0991f3/1/320x400.jpeg)
Balance Psychiatric Services
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Brockton, MA 02301 (Online Only)
We understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
We understand that you are coming to us at one of the most vulnerable and difficult times in your life. We will listen to your concerns without judgement and offer a safe space to overcome your unique challenges. We are here to help if you are struggling with overwhelming feelings of sadness, irritability, anxious thoughts, or chaotic shifts in your mood. We can assess for ADHD if you feel unable to focus or struggle with completing tasks without distraction. We are experienced in providing trauma informed care.
![Photo of Susan Rako - Susan Rako MD, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/3e304911-46cd-11ea-a6ad-06142c356176/3/320x400.jpeg)
If you need help to gain or regain a good enough balance and a way to find happiness in your life, I have decades of valuable experience. I am known as a "psychiatrist's psychiatrist," a true healer, and one who is gifted at working with "challenging" situations" -- both individual and couples. Therapy is my specialty, and I evaluate and prescribe medication only for patients I treat in therapy when it is truly indicated. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are more interested in developing their own capacities than in complaining about the inadequacy of what they find outside themselves in the world and in other people. I do not provide "medication management" if that is a primary reason for consultation. Author of : "That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist" (published by Random House) and "Semrad: The Heart of a Therapist" (see www.susanrako.com) My blog, "More Light" can also be found on my website.
If you need help to gain or regain a good enough balance and a way to find happiness in your life, I have decades of valuable experience. I am known as a "psychiatrist's psychiatrist," a true healer, and one who is gifted at working with "challenging" situations" -- both individual and couples. Therapy is my specialty, and I evaluate and prescribe medication only for patients I treat in therapy when it is truly indicated. I particularly enjoy working with individuals who are more interested in developing their own capacities than in complaining about the inadequacy of what they find outside themselves in the world and in other people. I do not provide "medication management" if that is a primary reason for consultation. Author of : "That's How the Light Gets In: Memoir of a Psychiatrist" (published by Random House) and "Semrad: The Heart of a Therapist" (see www.susanrako.com) My blog, "More Light" can also be found on my website.
![Photo of Maria C Arcia, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/7567901f-6206-47b3-aabe-78be9dc25bf4/1/320x400.jpeg)
Dr. Arcia is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She obtained her MD degree from the University of Coimbra (Portugal). Thereafter, she completed an internship in Internal Medicine, before pursuing residency training in Psychiatry at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (Brighton, MA), where she also served as Chief Resident in Psychiatry. She has over 13 years of clinical experience in both in-patient and out-patient treatment of patients with a wide range of psychiatric disorders, especially in patients with medical comorbidities. She is also certified in electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) by Cornell University.
Dr. Arcia is board-certified in Adult Psychiatry. She obtained her MD degree from the University of Coimbra (Portugal). Thereafter, she completed an internship in Internal Medicine, before pursuing residency training in Psychiatry at St. Elizabeth’s Medical Center (Brighton, MA), where she also served as Chief Resident in Psychiatry. She has over 13 years of clinical experience in both in-patient and out-patient treatment of patients with a wide range of psychiatric disorders, especially in patients with medical comorbidities. She is also certified in electro-convulsive therapy (ECT) by Cornell University.
![Photo of Lorrie MacDonald, DHS, MSN, PMHNPBC, CNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/99a746a9-fce0-4d42-9fbe-6b1d64f838c8/1/320x400.jpeg)
Lorrie MacDonald
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DHS, MSN, PMHNPBC, CNP
Verified Verified
West Boylston, MA 01583
Currently accepting new clients for in-person and virtual visits who are inquiring about medication management and solution focussed therapy to be your best self! Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners work with clients and families to educate, support, and prescribe medications to decrease symptoms that may be inhibiting your daily success. Clients are empowered to take an active role in their treatment plan. New View Health and Wellness works alongside clients in an active partnership for treatment.
Currently accepting new clients for in-person and virtual visits who are inquiring about medication management and solution focussed therapy to be your best self! Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners work with clients and families to educate, support, and prescribe medications to decrease symptoms that may be inhibiting your daily success. Clients are empowered to take an active role in their treatment plan. New View Health and Wellness works alongside clients in an active partnership for treatment.
![Photo of Esteban Toledo - Northeast Wellness, MD, Psychiatrist](https://photos.psychologytoday.com/49cff385-0a43-483d-95cc-38acd26741db/1/320x400.png)
Dr. Esteban Toledo-Carrion is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience. He was born and raised in Ecuador and completed his medical training in his home country, where his interest and commitment to helping diverse populations began.
Dr. Esteban Toledo-Carrion is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with over 14 years of experience. He was born and raised in Ecuador and completed his medical training in his home country, where his interest and commitment to helping diverse populations began.
I am a board certified Psychiatric- Mental Health as well as Family Nurse Practitioner. After working in several outpatient and inpatient facilities for almost two decades, I’ve developed a holistic approach in managing clients. I offer mental health management for individuals across the lifespan. These services include initial psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, second-opinions, and medication management for disorders including anxiety, trauma, mood and psychotic disorders. I look forward to collaborating with you (and/or your child) in achieving your mental health goals.
I am a board certified Psychiatric- Mental Health as well as Family Nurse Practitioner. After working in several outpatient and inpatient facilities for almost two decades, I’ve developed a holistic approach in managing clients. I offer mental health management for individuals across the lifespan. These services include initial psychiatric diagnostic evaluations, second-opinions, and medication management for disorders including anxiety, trauma, mood and psychotic disorders. I look forward to collaborating with you (and/or your child) in achieving your mental health goals.
See more therapy options for Massachusetts
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.