How can a psychiatrist help with OCD?

Both psychiatrists and psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners (PMHNPs) have extensive mental health training. This experience allows them to diagnose and treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and many other concerns. People with OCD often find relief through multidisciplinary treatment. This includes a combination of therapy, medication, and other types of support. 

Psychiatric providers typically focus on the medication aspect of OCD treatment. Their role is to ensure a person gets the right mental health medication for their needs. But these providers can also help in other ways. Psychiatric providers can recommend various OCD therapies, teach you about OCD, and empower you to play an active role in your recovery.

Can a psychiatrist diagnose OCD?

If you think you might have OCD, a psychiatrist can provide a diagnosis. Here’s how the process usually works:

Evaluation

Your first appointment is called an intake session. During this time, your psychiatric provider  will want to review your medical and mental health histories. They’ll inquire about your family and if you’re related to anyone living with OCD. They’ll also want to know when your symptoms started and how they’re affecting your life. They may ask about triggers and if your symptoms follow a pattern or revolve around a specific theme. If you know what tends to make your OCD symptoms better or worse, you’ll be asked to share that too. Keep in mind that this is also a time for you to ask questions.

Diagnosis

Next, your provider will examine everything you discussed in your intake session. They’ll review the official OCD diagnostic criteria during the initial assessment by asking you what symptoms you’re experiencing. Before diagnosing you with OCD, they may also need to rule out other conditions. This is called a differential diagnosis. This is an important step because sometimes OCD can look like other conditions. For example, it can be mistaken for an anxiety disorder or obsessive-compulsive personality disorder.

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How does a psychiatrist treat OCD?

Treating OCD usually involves a combination of therapy, medication, and other types of support. Psychiatrists and PMHNPs often collaborate with other providers (like doctors and therapists) to provide integrated care. But their main focus is the medication aspect of treatment.

Several medications are used to treat OCD. Your psychiatric provider’s job is to help you find the right one (and the right dose) for your needs. To start, they’ll make a medication recommendation based on your situation and the severity of your symptoms. They may also consider how you’ve previously responded to psychiatric medication if you’ve taken one before.

From that point forward, your provider will track the effectiveness of your medication. This is called medication management, and it’s a major component of psychiatric care. You’ll meet with your provider for regular “med-check” appointments. This is a time to discuss how you’re feeling and whether the medication is working. Your provider will listen to your concerns and make adjustments to your medication if necessary. 

Over time, the goal is to help you find the best OCD medication for your needs. However, if you’re having side effects or your OCD symptoms are getting worse, talk to your provider right away. You don’t have to wait until your next appointment. You can raise these concerns at any time during the treatment process.

Other ways a psychiatrist gets involved in treatment

Your psychiatrist can help you manage your OCD with medication. But they can be involved in your treatment in other ways, including:

• Providing a safe, judgment-free space to talk about your challenges with OCD
• Assisting you in setting long-term and short-term goals for recovery
• Recommending OCD therapies like exposure and response prevention (ERP) or cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Encouraging you to care for your body with adequate sleep, a balanced diet, and regular exercise
• Developing a self-care routine that includes activities like mindfulness and other stress-management techniques
• Teaching you about the science of OCD so you understand what causes it (hint: it’s not a character flaw or a sign of weakness!)
• Helping you build strategies to remember to take your medication and stay engaged with care

Find care with Rula

Psychiatrists diagnose and treat OCD and other mental health concerns. Their focus is usually on the medication management aspect of treatment. But they can offer support in other ways as well. 

Psychiatrists can recommend OCD therapies, provide a safe space to talk, and help you learn new ways to manage your symptoms. They can also collaborate with the rest of your care team and help you learn about the science of OCD. Together with your therapist, doctor, and the rest of your care team, a psychiatrist can play an important role in your recovery from OCD.

At Rula, we’re committed to delivering a comprehensive behavioral health experience that helps people feel seen and understood so they can get back to feeling their best. 

Rula makes it easier to find a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider who accepts your insurance so you don’t have to choose between affordable care and excellent care. With a diverse network of more than 15,000 providers, 24/7 crisis support, and appointments available as soon as tomorrow, we’re here to help you make progress — wherever you are on your mental health journey.

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