Photo of Aviva Euripides, LMFT, lacana, Marriage & Family Therapist
Aviva Euripides
Marriage & Family Therapist, LMFT, lacana
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90028  (Online Only)
I am an experienced clinician and gauge our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals. I have extensive experience as a clinical consultant and provide consultation for clinicians. I have supervised clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. I have a professional background in the arts and work with self defined meaning, identity and creative processes. My work specifically is in Lacanalysis and I am in ongoing formation as such with Jacques Siboni at Lutecium Paris, www.lutecium.org.
I am an experienced clinician and gauge our work by the progress you are making towards your treatment goals. I have extensive experience as a clinical consultant and provide consultation for clinicians. I have supervised clinicians in treatment settings ranging from the counselor's office to acute mental health facilities. I have a professional background in the arts and work with self defined meaning, identity and creative processes. My work specifically is in Lacanalysis and I am in ongoing formation as such with Jacques Siboni at Lutecium Paris, www.lutecium.org.
(415) 301-5219 View (415) 301-5219
Obsessive-Compulsive (OCD) Therapists

How long does OCD treatment take?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is often treated on a weekly or twice-weekly schedule, depending on symptom severity and the client’s preferences. Some clients may start to see a noticeable improvement in symptoms in as little as six weeks, but it’s also possible, especially in more severe cases, for treatment to take several months to a year before significant progress is made.

What happens if OCD is not treated?

Some people with OCD, especially those with mild symptoms, may find that they are able to adapt reasonably well to life with the condition, even if their symptoms never resolve completely. However, many people, particularly those whose symptoms are severe at the outset, find that their obsessions and compulsions grow more intrusive with time, making it harder to maintain relationships, hold down a job, or navigate the world successfully.

Are there medications for OCD?

Medication can be used to treat OCD. The class of drugs most often prescribed are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, which include fluvoxamine (under the brand name Luvox), fluoxetine (Prozac), and sertraline (Zoloft), among others. In cases of treatment-resistant OCD, other classes of medication, such as tricyclic antidepressants or atypical antipsychotics, may be prescribed. Medication is frequently used in conjunction with therapy.

Can OCD come back after treatment?

Yes. Major life transitions, periods of stress, or other factors can cause symptoms to return or, if they were never fully eradicated, to ramp back up in intensity. For some, these relapses are brief and do not require additional treatment; identifying specific triggers and practicing the skills learned in therapy can help speed their course. For others, returning to therapy for a brief period can help address the underlying stress and strengthen coping mechanisms.