Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Psychiatrists in Allentown, PA

Photo of Afanwingong C Lafon, MSN, PMHNPBC, AGNP-C, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Afanwingong C Lafon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, AGNP-C
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
She treats various mental health concerns, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Eating Disorders, OCD, and ADHD, among others.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning.” Hi, my name is Afanwingong Lafon, and I am here to support you. I am an ANCC board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse practitioner and an adult-gerontology Nurse practitioner. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Maryville University. She endeavors to provide individualized, patient-centered and for each individual's mental health goals as well as helping them achieve a full life while incorporating cultural awareness in each individualized care and plan.
She treats various mental health concerns, including Schizophrenia, Bipolar Disorder, Depression, Anxiety, PTSD, Eating Disorders, OCD, and ADHD, among others.
You deserve to live a life that leaves you excited to wake up every morning.” Hi, my name is Afanwingong Lafon, and I am here to support you. I am an ANCC board-certified psychiatric mental health Nurse practitioner and an adult-gerontology Nurse practitioner. She graduated from the University of Texas Rio Grande Valley and Maryville University. She endeavors to provide individualized, patient-centered and for each individual's mental health goals as well as helping them achieve a full life while incorporating cultural awareness in each individualized care and plan.
(610) 801-1970 View (610) 801-1970
Photo of Tamoya Thomas, MSN, PMHNP, -BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Tamoya Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNP, -BC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
Hello, I am Tamoya Thomas a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and Insomnia. I offer a range of services, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. Psychiatric evaluations to understand your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. Medication Management guides medication options, dosages, and potential side effects. Therapeutic Intervention includes evidence-based therapy tailored to your specific concerns.
Hello, I am Tamoya Thomas a Board Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I graduated from Wilkes University in Wilkes Barre, Pa. I specialize in Anxiety, Depression, PTSD, ADHD, OCD, and Insomnia. I offer a range of services, including psychiatric evaluation, medication management, and therapeutic interventions. Psychiatric evaluations to understand your unique needs and develop a personalized treatment plan. Medication Management guides medication options, dosages, and potential side effects. Therapeutic Intervention includes evidence-based therapy tailored to your specific concerns.
(610) 904-9688 View (610) 904-9688
Photo of Renae DeFreitas, MSN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Renae DeFreitas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, MSN, PMHNPBC, FNP-BC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
She provides medication management to individuals ages six and above and treats Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders, among others.
Renae is an ANCC board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with an additional board-certification as a family nurse practitioner. She is a graduate of both DeSales University and Wilkes University and is passionate about providing empathetic, individualized care to her patients. Utilizing her background in both family and psychiatric health, she approaches her patients in a compassionate and holistic manner. She encourages open discussion with patients to determine their needs and goals for treatment, and she incorporates each patient in their treatment plan to assist them in achieving healthier, balanced lives.
She provides medication management to individuals ages six and above and treats Anxiety Disorders, Major Depressive Disorder, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, Bipolar Disorders, among others.
Renae is an ANCC board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner with an additional board-certification as a family nurse practitioner. She is a graduate of both DeSales University and Wilkes University and is passionate about providing empathetic, individualized care to her patients. Utilizing her background in both family and psychiatric health, she approaches her patients in a compassionate and holistic manner. She encourages open discussion with patients to determine their needs and goals for treatment, and she incorporates each patient in their treatment plan to assist them in achieving healthier, balanced lives.
(610) 600-6190 View (610) 600-6190
Photo of Karen Bendak, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Karen Bendak
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18103  (Online Only)
I am trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including depression, anxiety, Bipolar, schizoaffective, OCD and personality disorders.
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
I am trained in all areas of adult psychiatry including depression, anxiety, Bipolar, schizoaffective, OCD and personality disorders.
Hello! My name is Karen Bendak and I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. I received my Diploma in Nursing at Aria Health School of Nursing. This extensive three-year program provided me with comprehensive clinical knowledge. I then received my bachelor’s degree in nursing at Pennsylvania State University. After over a decade serving the mental health population I obtained my master's degree as a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner at Wilkes University. I provide psychiatric evaluations, supportive therapy and medication management within a safe space to foster a trusting therapeutic relationship.
(267) 297-3702 View (267) 297-3702
Photo of Lula Thomas, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Lula Thomas
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18103  (Online Only)
I specialize in addressing a range of mental health conditions including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Schizophrenia, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD.
Hello, my name is Lula Thomas, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and have been in practice for over ten years. I genuinely love what I do and believe in a holistic patient-centered approach. If you ever feel sad overwhelmed, lack motivation, struggle with goals, or don't enjoy things you used to, I am here to help. Sometimes, loved ones/friends see us struggle unnecessarily in certain areas of our lives but we have adapted to silent hardship. I do a complete evaluation for increased awareness, provide professional resources in many areas, and look forward to helping you find and easier path.
I specialize in addressing a range of mental health conditions including but not limited to Depression, Anxiety, Panic Disorder, Schizophrenia, OCD, Bipolar Disorder, PTSD.
Hello, my name is Lula Thomas, I am a Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner and have been in practice for over ten years. I genuinely love what I do and believe in a holistic patient-centered approach. If you ever feel sad overwhelmed, lack motivation, struggle with goals, or don't enjoy things you used to, I am here to help. Sometimes, loved ones/friends see us struggle unnecessarily in certain areas of our lives but we have adapted to silent hardship. I do a complete evaluation for increased awareness, provide professional resources in many areas, and look forward to helping you find and easier path.
(484) 613-3179 View (484) 613-3179
Photo of Joshua Weasen, MD, Psychiatrist
Joshua Weasen
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18101  (Online Only)
He primarily treats mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and insomnia, but believes in seeing beyond the diagnosis and focusing on the individual first and foremost.
Dr. Weasen is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with Talkiatry. He received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He then moved to Washington, D.C. to complete his residency training at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and has presented at the APA Annual Meeting on the topic of virtual fatigue. He has had extensive experience working with a wide array of patients, including college/graduate students, geriatric patients, military veterans, and LGBTQ+.
He primarily treats mood disorders, anxiety disorders, PTSD, OCD, and insomnia, but believes in seeing beyond the diagnosis and focusing on the individual first and foremost.
Dr. Weasen is a board-certified adult psychiatrist with Talkiatry. He received his medical degree from Sidney Kimmel Medical College at Thomas Jefferson University in Philadelphia. He then moved to Washington, D.C. to complete his residency training at Saint Elizabeth's Hospital, where he served as Chief Resident during his final year. He is a member of the American Psychiatric Association (APA) and has presented at the APA Annual Meeting on the topic of virtual fatigue. He has had extensive experience working with a wide array of patients, including college/graduate students, geriatric patients, military veterans, and LGBTQ+.
(215) 309-9173 View (215) 309-9173
Photo of Eileen Ruth Teyim, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Eileen Ruth Teyim
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, FNP-BC, PMHNP-B
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
Dr Eileen Teyim is an ANCC board certified psychiatric Nurse practitioner and is a graduate of Desales University, Center Valley, Pa. She strives to provide culturally informed and patient centered care tailored to each individual and values the meaningful connections made with her patients. She is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This allows her to treat each patient with a holistic approach. She has extensive experience in dealing with diagnosis such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Insomnia. We are an approved center for Spravato (Ketamine).
Dr Eileen Teyim is an ANCC board certified psychiatric Nurse practitioner and is a graduate of Desales University, Center Valley, Pa. She strives to provide culturally informed and patient centered care tailored to each individual and values the meaningful connections made with her patients. She is dual certified as a Family Nurse Practitioner and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. This allows her to treat each patient with a holistic approach. She has extensive experience in dealing with diagnosis such as ADHD, Anxiety, Depression, Bipolar, Schizophrenia, Insomnia. We are an approved center for Spravato (Ketamine).
(610) 421-0243 View (610) 421-0243
Photo of Danielle M Trenelli, NP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Danielle M Trenelli
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18109  (Online Only)
Hello, I'm Dani, a Family Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Geriatrics and Counseling. My goal is to ensure that patients have easy and immediate access to healthcare. When requested by my patients, I combine conventional medications with functional and integrative medicine approaches to address concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to find their own motivation for a healthy life. In addition to addressing behavioral health, I am capable of treating a wide range of conditions, both acute (skin and respiratory infections) and chronic (pre-diabetes, diabetes, HTN, and pain)
Hello, I'm Dani, a Family Nurse Practitioner with certifications in Geriatrics and Counseling. My goal is to ensure that patients have easy and immediate access to healthcare. When requested by my patients, I combine conventional medications with functional and integrative medicine approaches to address concerns like anxiety, depression, and ADHD. I'm passionate about empowering individuals to find their own motivation for a healthy life. In addition to addressing behavioral health, I am capable of treating a wide range of conditions, both acute (skin and respiratory infections) and chronic (pre-diabetes, diabetes, HTN, and pain)
(570) 526-2394 View (570) 526-2394
Photo of Michael Werb - Cognitive Behavior Institute, DNP, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Cognitive Behavior Institute
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18102  (Online Only)
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
Welcome to Cognitive Behavior Institute! We are committed to providing the best care possible through established treatment methods. These treatment methods are proven to be effective for a wide range of mental health diagnoses and psychological distresses. Cognitive Behavior Institute (CBI) is proud to employ adept licensed clinicians, board-certified psychiatrists, and compassionate administrative staff with diverse experience in their respective fields.
(484) 559-6485 View (484) 559-6485
Photo of Donna Surjnarine, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Donna Surjnarine
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106  (Online Only)
Donna Surjnarine is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with certifications in family practice as well as psych-mental health. Donna has cared for the needs of adolescents dealing with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. She has also worked with young adults going away to college for the first time as well as graduating college and moving into the work world. Donna has a caring nature and a compassionate way of making her patients feel comfortable and safe by providing quality, individualized mental health care.
Donna Surjnarine is a board-certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with certifications in family practice as well as psych-mental health. Donna has cared for the needs of adolescents dealing with ADHD, anxiety, depression, and adjustment disorders. She has also worked with young adults going away to college for the first time as well as graduating college and moving into the work world. Donna has a caring nature and a compassionate way of making her patients feel comfortable and safe by providing quality, individualized mental health care.
(610) 708-0994 View (610) 708-0994
Photo of Saundra Hyman, DNP, CRNP, MSN/MEd, APRN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Saundra Hyman
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP, CRNP, MSN/MEd, APRN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104
I am a Doctorate prepared Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. I saw a need for better mental health services. I attended University of Cincinnati and became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to strengthen and improve the lives of our clients by delivering exceptional mental health care tailored to meet their needs, and to educate our community about mental health and mental illness while working to eliminate stigma, labels and prejudice. I am dedicated to helping individuals lead mentally healthy lives. I believe that to achieve optimal health we must make a commitment to care for mind, body, and spirit.
I am a Doctorate prepared Board Certified Nurse Practitioner. I saw a need for better mental health services. I attended University of Cincinnati and became a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. My goal is to strengthen and improve the lives of our clients by delivering exceptional mental health care tailored to meet their needs, and to educate our community about mental health and mental illness while working to eliminate stigma, labels and prejudice. I am dedicated to helping individuals lead mentally healthy lives. I believe that to achieve optimal health we must make a commitment to care for mind, body, and spirit.
(215) 544-2391 x2 View (215) 544-2391 x2
Syed H Viqar
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106
There is really no such thing as a ideal client. Many people struggle with internal conflicts which need to be resolved . The conflicts maybe resolved with counseling and sometime with medications when the conflict begin to affect the relationships and themselves .
There is really no such thing as a ideal client. Many people struggle with internal conflicts which need to be resolved . The conflicts maybe resolved with counseling and sometime with medications when the conflict begin to affect the relationships and themselves .
(484) 314-3592 View (484) 314-3592
Photo of Jenika Miles, DNP , APN, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Jenika Miles
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, DNP , APN, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104  (Online Only)
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Temple University where I graduated with honors. I've worked as a family nurse practitioner caring for at-risk, underserved patient populations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When I recognized that there was a great need for psychiatric services in my area, I decided to attend Wilkes University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to expand upon the clinical care I could provide. My goal is to provide a personalized psychiatric medication management experience for every patient in my practice.
I have a Doctorate in Nursing Practice from Temple University where I graduated with honors. I've worked as a family nurse practitioner caring for at-risk, underserved patient populations in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. When I recognized that there was a great need for psychiatric services in my area, I decided to attend Wilkes University and became a psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner to expand upon the clinical care I could provide. My goal is to provide a personalized psychiatric medication management experience for every patient in my practice.
(610) 379-1910 View (610) 379-1910
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106  (Online Only)
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ** I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ** I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
(610) 890-9649 View (610) 890-9649
Photo of Ifeoluwa Ajuwon, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Ifeoluwa Ajuwon
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Allentown, PA 18103  (Online Only)
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping clients enhance their quality of life. My approach is rooted in empathetic communication, patient advocacy, empowerment, and timely interventions. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and focused on your well-being. By combining evidence-based guidelines with my clinical experience, I aim to provide you with the highest standard of care. Together, we can work towards achieving your mental health goals.
I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner dedicated to helping clients enhance their quality of life. My approach is rooted in empathetic communication, patient advocacy, empowerment, and timely interventions. I strive to create a therapeutic environment that is respectful, nonjudgmental, and focused on your well-being. By combining evidence-based guidelines with my clinical experience, I aim to provide you with the highest standard of care. Together, we can work towards achieving your mental health goals.
(484) 603-6873 View (484) 603-6873
Photo of Rosaline Stevenson, PMHNP, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Rosaline Stevenson
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18103  (Online Only)
Rosaline Stevenson is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about caring for people with mental health disorders, therefore I pride myself on taking care of them. I try to understand and appreciate where they’re coming from and all aspects of their life when treating them. What I love about my job is getting to know the people that I care for.
Rosaline Stevenson is a Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I am passionate about caring for people with mental health disorders, therefore I pride myself on taking care of them. I try to understand and appreciate where they’re coming from and all aspects of their life when treating them. What I love about my job is getting to know the people that I care for.
(484) 909-8937 View (484) 909-8937
Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106  (Online Only)
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ** I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
**ACCEPTING NEW PATIENTS ** I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
(610) 215-2536 View (610) 215-2536
Photo of Ucheena Uzouwku, MD, Psychiatrist
Ucheena Uzouwku
Psychiatrist, MD
Not Verified Not Verified
Allentown, PA 18104  (Online Only)
I am a board certified psychiatrist who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in children and adolescents but also works with adults in providing psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. In addition, I also provide ADHD testing. I develop a comprehensive and thorough treatment plan that most importantly is designed to educate my patients on mental wellness.
I am a board certified psychiatrist who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in children and adolescents but also works with adults in providing psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. In addition, I also provide ADHD testing. I develop a comprehensive and thorough treatment plan that most importantly is designed to educate my patients on mental wellness.
(610) 624-4474 View (610) 624-4474
Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18106  (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
(610) 995-6204 View (610) 995-6204
Photo of Sheila Jourdain, CRNP, PMHNP, BC, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner
Sheila Jourdain
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, CRNP, PMHNP, BC
Verified Verified
Allentown, PA 18104  (Online Only)
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
Accepting New Patients! I am a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner who provides a holistic approach in the treatment of mental challenges and conditions. I specialize in the treatment of adults in providing motivational talk psychotherapy, medication management, consulting, and alternative treatments when applicable. I develop comprehensive and thorough treatment plans. I am eager and excited to assist patients in achieving their individual goals for their mental health. I like to work alongside my patients as a guide to help them decide the best treatment options for their diagnosis.
(610) 490-8436 View (610) 490-8436
1

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.