Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Learn how Dr. Fickey treats Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) with therapy and medication. Regain peace of mind with expert care.
Understanding OCD
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by recurring, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors or mental acts (compulsions). These patterns can interfere with daily life, relationships, and overall well-being.
Common Symptoms
Persistent intrusive thoughts or fears
Repetitive behaviors such as checking, counting, or cleaning
Anxiety or distress if routines are interrupted
Difficulty controlling compulsive behaviors despite wanting to stop
What Causes OCD?
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a brain-based condition, not a personality quirk. Genetics play a role, and research shows differences in the brain circuits that connect the front of the brain with deeper structures involved in habits and threat detection.
Stressful life events can trigger or worsen symptoms, and in some children a sudden onset of OCD has been linked to infections. Many people hide their symptoms for years out of embarrassment before seeking help.
How OCD Is Diagnosed
A psychiatric evaluation explores the intrusive thoughts, urges or images you experience, the rituals or mental acts you use to relieve distress, and how much time and energy they take each day. Standardized rating scales help measure severity and track improvement.
We also screen for depression, anxiety, tic disorders and related conditions that often occur alongside OCD.
Treatment Approach
At Embracing Life Wellness Center, we provide evidence-based treatments for OCD, including:
Comprehensive evaluation and diagnosis
Medication Management and non Medicated options
Personalized coping strategies to reduce compulsions
Treatment Options for OCD
Evidence-based treatment includes exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy and medication management. For adults whose symptoms persist despite these approaches, TMS therapy for OCD offers a non-invasive, FDA-cleared option. Your plan is personalized, and progress is measured at each visit so treatment can be adjusted as needed.
Embracing Life Wellness Center treats OCD at our Tampa, Riverview and Coral Gables offices, with telehealth available throughout Florida. Request an appointment to begin.
Supporting a Loved One With OCD
It is natural to want to ease a loved one’s distress, but repeatedly offering reassurance or helping with rituals can keep OCD going. Instead, express empathy, encourage them to use the skills they learn in treatment, and celebrate progress, however small.
Learning about OCD together reduces frustration on both sides. Family members are often included in the treatment process so everyone can respond in ways that support recovery.
Take the First Step
If OCD is interfering with your life, Dr. Fickey and our team are here to help you regain control and peace of mind. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.
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Our Mental Health & NeuroStar TMS Services
We specialize in psychiatric treatment and TMS therapy for a variety of conditions, including, but not limited to, the following:
NeuroStar Advanced Therapy (TMS)
Embracing Life Wellness Center is proud to offer NeuroStar TMS therapy in-office for depression treatment.
TMS makes long-term remission possible for patients living with depression. Over 3 million treatments have been safely performed by the NeuroStar TMS device and our patients are experiencing significant benefits.
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Message from Dr. Melissa Fickey
“As the founder of Embracing Life Wellness Center, my vision was to have a practice that offers only high-quality mental health treatment in a caring and compassionate environment, setting the standard
of what patients should expect from their mental health care provider. I am proud to say we have
done just that at Embracing Life Wellness Center, while empowering our patients to embrace their lives to the fullest. We are passionate about mental wellness and we will continue to strive on the path towards excellence, only offering the best mental health treatment for our patients and our community.”
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Our offices are open 24/7 for office visits and TMS treatments.
