OCD PSYCHIATRIST IN NEW YORK CITY
If you find yourself caught in repetitive, ritualistic behaviors to temporarily ease negative thoughts and fears, you may be dealing with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). At Healthy Minds NYC, your experienced OCD psychiatrist provides personalized therapeutic approaches to help you manage symptoms and regain control over your thoughts and behaviors.
What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?
Do you have intrusive fears and negative thoughts that drive you to repetitive, ritualistic behaviors? These are hallmark signs of OCD.
Obsessions
In psychology, obsessions are repeated and unwanted thoughts that cause anxiety. An obsessive thought can appear out of thin air, and once it does, it’s hard to ignore.
Compulsions
A compulsion is a behavior that is performed in response to an obsession. A compulsion temporarily relieves the anxiety associated with the obsession. However, a compulsion does not provide lasting relief.
Do Psychiatrists Help with OCD?
Yes, psychiatrists can play an essential role in helping manage and treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). If you're struggling with OCD, an OCD psychiatrist is specially trained to evaluate your symptoms and provide tailored treatment options. OCD psychiatrists can prescribe medication, such as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which have been shown to be effective in treating OCD.
In addition to medication management, psychiatrists work alongside therapists to ensure that you receive a holistic approach to your care, addressing both the psychological and physiological aspects of the disorder.
What Are the Triggers of OCD?
Intrusive thoughts
Fear of contamination
Fears of causing harm to others
Certain environments, events, or even specific objects can also act as triggers
OCD triggers can vary from person to person but typically involve situations that provoke anxiety or stress. Common triggers include:
An OCD psychiatrist can help you identify your unique triggers and work with you on developing coping strategies. By understanding what sets off your symptoms, you can begin to manage and reduce their impact. Treatment, including therapy and medication, can help desensitize you to these triggers and teach you ways to respond to them without engaging in compulsive behaviors.
How is OCD Treated?
Our team of expert therapists at Healthy Minds NYC provides personalized treatments for OCD. Depending on your needs, they might combine different evidence-based therapeutic approaches and use medication when necessary.
MEDICATION
PSYCHOTHERAPY
Using modalities like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP may be effective treatment options to help you recognize behaviors of OCD that you wish to change. These therapeutic approaches challenge the negative thoughts and actions directly, empowering you to create new meaning and refrain from compulsive behaviors.
Additionally, Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) can be useful in helping you accept unwanted thoughts, tolerating the distress they may bring, and developing self-compassion to act according to your deeper values rather than anxieties.
In some cases, medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are also necessary to support your psychotherapy sessions. The medication can help reduce the intensity and frequency of obsessions and compulsions, while therapy offers you tools to manage your symptoms as well as a safe place to process your experience. Our psychiatrists offer medication management services to ensure you use your medications correctly.
Where Should I Go If I Have OCD?
If you have OCD, it's important to seek professional help from a mental health provider who specializes in the condition. Starting with an OCD psychiatrist is a great choice, as they can assess your symptoms and recommend a comprehensive treatment plan.
At Healthy Minds NYC, our experienced OCD psychiatrists offer medication management and collaborate with our therapists to provide you with a well-rounded approach to treatment. Whether you're in search of medication, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), or other therapeutic approaches, it's important to find a provider who understands OCD and can offer personalized care that fits your needs.
Why is OCD So Hard to Treat?
OCD is often difficult to treat because it involves a combination of persistent intrusive thoughts (obsessions) and the compulsive behaviors aimed at reducing the anxiety caused by these thoughts. The cycle of obsessions and compulsions can feel overwhelming and challenging to break. In addition, people with OCD may feel driven to perform rituals, which only reinforce the disorder.
Treatment requires patience, as it typically involves a combination of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), specifically Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP), and sometimes medication. Working with an OCD psychiatrist who is experienced in treating this condition can help you understand the root causes of your OCD, identify helpful coping strategies, and take steps toward breaking the cycle.
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Frequently Asked Questions
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At Healthy Minds NYC, we believe the right therapist is essential to your mental health journey. That's why we require all clients to start with a free 15-minute consultation call. Our experienced team will take the time to understand your unique needs and match you with a therapist who can help you achieve your goals. Don't wait to prioritize your mental health - schedule your consultation call today.
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During this call we will create a care plan you can sustain by discussing the following:
the goals and preferences you have for therapy
the right therapist for you based on your needs and style
the schedule for your first session (virtual or in-person) and frequency of sessions
details about your out-of-pocket cost and insurance
any questions you may have regarding care so you’re confident to begin.
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Healthy Minds NYC is an out-of-network provider. However, we do work with many major insurance plans. Visit our rates and insurance page here to learn how we can help you utilize your insurance benefits to reduce out-of-pocket costs.
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We recommend you schedule a call with our care coordinator to discuss any major changes to your care. We know your time is valuable, and when you schedule a call, we can have all of your information prepared and ready so you can quickly get the answers you need. You can also text us via the chat feature on our website and our team is happy to respond during business hours with the best next actions you can take.