OCD Diagnosis and Treatment in South Florida

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)?

Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition in which unwanted, intrusive thoughts, images, or urges (obsessions) cause intense distress, and repeated behaviors or mental rituals (compulsions) are used to try to relieve that distress. It is more than just being tidy or particular. Obsessions often center on fears of contamination, harm, making a mistake, or thoughts that feel deeply at odds with who a person is, and compulsions can include checking, washing, counting, seeking reassurance, or mentally reviewing. The relief that compulsions bring is short-lived, so the cycle tends to grow over time and can take up hours of the day.

OCD affects about 1 in 40 U.S. adults at some point in their lives, and many people wait years before getting help, often because their thoughts feel too embarrassing to share. OCD can also appear or intensify during pregnancy and after birth, when intrusive worries about the baby's safety are common. Genetics, brain biology, and stress all appear to play a role. The good news is that OCD is very treatable, and having a name for what is happening is often an important first step.

Our approach to treatment of OCD

At Tranquility Psychiatry, we approach OCD with patience and without judgment; no intrusive thought is too strange or upsetting to talk about. After a comprehensive evaluation, which also looks for related concerns such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, or tics, treatment is tailored to you. The most effective care typically combines medication with a type of therapy called exposure and response prevention (ERP), which helps people gradually face their fears while resisting the urge to perform compulsions. We coordinate closely with ERP experts in the community, so that your medication care and therapy support each other. Medications called SSRIs are the first-line medication for OCD and are often used at higher doses than for depression, with careful monitoring. Dr. Cara Kaul and Dr. David Beaman have particular expertise in the treatment of OCD, including OCD during pregnancy and postpartum.

Our telehealth approach allows us to get a glimpse of your life and the places where OCD shows up, while allowing flexibility in scheduling. We see adults by video anywhere in Florida, and in person appointments in Delray Beach are available upon request.

How is OCD diagnosed?

OCD is diagnosed through a careful conversation with a psychiatrist about the thoughts you experience, what you do in response, and how much time and distress they cause. Because people with OCD often feel shame about their thoughts, we take time to build trust and make the conversation feel safe. We typically use a standardized measure, the Yale-Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS), to understand severity and track progress over time.

Cost and insurance

A new patient evaluation is $400 for up to 60 minutes, and follow-up medication management visits are $200 for up to 30 minutes. Tranquility Psychiatry is not in network with insurance, but we can provide a superbill that you may submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement.

Frequently asked questions

Is OCD just being very neat or organized?

No. OCD involves distressing, unwanted thoughts and time-consuming rituals that interfere with daily life. Preferring order or cleanliness is not the same as having OCD.

Can OCD be treated by telehealth?

Yes. Adults located anywhere in Florida can be evaluated and treated by secure video, and in person visits in Delray Beach are available upon request.

Do intrusive thoughts mean I want to act on them?

No. In OCD, intrusive thoughts are distressing precisely because they go against what a person values. Having them does not mean you want to act on them.

Can OCD start after having a baby?

Yes. OCD can begin or worsen during pregnancy and after birth, often with intrusive worries about the baby's safety. It is very treatable, and we have specialized training in perinatal mental health.

Next Steps

If OCD has been taking up more of your time and energy, you do not have to manage it alone. Schedule a free 10-minute phone consultation, or click here to get connected to one of our psychiatrists.