OCD Treatment in Fort Lauderdale and Across Florida
Same-day visits are often possible
See us in our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida. Ages 6 and up. We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare and most major insurance plans. Se habla español.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment
OCD is more than liking things neat. It’s unwanted thoughts that keep coming back (obsessions), things you feel you have to do over and over (compulsions), or both. For some people it eats up hours a day.
It’s treatable. We evaluate and treat OCD in kids from age 6, teens and adults, at our Fort Lauderdale office or by video anywhere in Florida.
Common Obsessions
- Fear of germs or contamination
- Fear of forgetting, losing or misplacing something
- Fear of losing control over one’s behavior
- Unwanted aggressive thoughts toward others or oneself
- Unwanted thoughts involving sex, religion or harm
- A strong need for things to be symmetrical or in perfect order
Common Compulsions
- Excessive cleaning or handwashing
- Ordering or arranging items in a precise way
- Repeatedly checking things, such as whether a door is locked or the stove is off
- Compulsive counting
- Silently praying or repeating words
When OCD Starts
Symptoms can begin at any age but usually start between late childhood and young adulthood. OCD often occurs together with anxiety or mood disorders, so our evaluation looks for those as well.
How We Treat OCD
It starts with a full psychiatric evaluation. Your provider asks what the thoughts and rituals look like, how much time they take and what else is going on, since OCD often shows up alongside anxiety or depression.
Medication helps many people. The usual choices are SSRIs such as sertraline and fluvoxamine, or the older drug clomipramine. They can take 8 to 12 weeks to kick in, and OCD sometimes needs different doses than depression does, so follow-ups matter. That’s handled through medication management.
Therapy is the other big piece. Cognitive behavioral therapy, especially exposure and response prevention (ERP), works well for OCD, on its own or with medication. We do offer therapy, but our therapists stay booked, so we can’t promise an opening. Ask our staff what’s available when you call.
OCD in Children and Teens
We see kids from age 6. For anyone under 18, a parent or guardian is part of the evaluation and the planning.
Common Questions
Is OCD just being very neat?
No. OCD involves distressing thoughts and time-consuming behaviors that are hard to control and interfere with daily life.
How long does treatment take to work?
Medication can take 8 to 12 weeks to start helping. Progress in therapy varies from person to person.
Can I see a therapist for OCD at One Stop Psychiatry?
Yes, when a therapist has openings. Our therapists are often fully booked, so availability is not guaranteed. Our staff can tell you about current openings, and your psychiatric provider can discuss medication options in the meantime.
Can OCD be treated by telehealth?
Yes. Evaluations and follow-ups can be done by browser-based video while you are in Florida.
Does insurance cover OCD treatment?
Coverage depends on your plan. Staff verify your insurance before your visit, and sliding-scale self-pay rates are available.
Insurance and Cost
We take Medicare, Medicaid, Tricare, Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Cigna, UnitedHealthcare, Humana and Optum, and we have sliding-scale rates if you’re paying yourself. We check your coverage before the visit. The price of the medication itself depends on your pharmacy and plan. More on insurance.
We see patients from age 6, and same-day visits are often possible. Several of our providers and staff speak Spanish. Request an appointment or call (754) 270-6322.
We aren’t an emergency service. If you’re thinking about suicide or you’re in crisis, call or text 988. If you or someone else is in immediate danger, call 911.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DO, psychiatrist, on October 6, 2026.
Source: National Institute of Mental Health: Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. This page is general information, not medical advice.
Who You'll See
Your care is with our team of physicians, psychiatric nurse practitioners and a physician assistant. Visits are available in English, Spanish, Russian, Urdu and Hindi. Our staff can help you choose someone who's a good fit.
Dr. Andrew C. Rucker, DOPsychiatrist
Dr. Murtaza Ali, DOAddiction specialist and family physician
Dr. Heather Brathwaite, PhD, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner
Michelle KovalPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Russian
Neal Fouke, PAPsychiatric physician assistant
Muhammad Nawaz, PMHNP-BCPsychiatric nurse practitioner. Speaks Urdu and HindiRequest an Appointment
Tell us how to reach you. Our team calls back the same business day, Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Your appointment is confirmed once staff call you to set the time and place.
Prefer to talk to someone? Call (754) 270-6322.
Our Office
3015 N Ocean Blvd, Ste C101, Fort Lauderdale, FL 33308. Phone: (754) 270-6322. Open Monday to Saturday, 9 AM to 5 PM. Video visits are available anywhere in Florida. Directions and parking.