OCD Treatment in Connecticut
OCD treatment addresses intrusive obsessions and compulsive behaviors, often combining medication management with referral to evidence-based therapy such as ERP. Suzanne Gallagher, PMHNP-BC, provides OCD medication management for adults across Connecticut.
What OCD Actually Looks Like
OCD is more than liking things tidy. It's a cycle: intrusive thoughts, images, or urges that feel distressing and foreign, followed by rituals — washing, checking, counting, seeking reassurance, or purely mental routines — that briefly quiet the distress and then demand repeating. The cycle eats hours and narrows life. It's also very treatable.
How Treatment Works
Care starts with a careful psychiatric evaluation, since OCD is often mistaken for generalized anxiety and the treatments differ. Medication — typically an SSRI, managed through ongoing medication management — is a core, evidence-based component. For many patients, the strongest results come from combining medication with exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy; Suzanne coordinates with your ERP therapist or can point you toward a referral.
Getting Started
Suzanne sees adults with OCD in person in New Canaan and by telehealth across Connecticut. Start with the appointment request form.
Frequently Asked Questions
Understanding OCD
What are the signs of OCD?
OCD involves obsessions — intrusive, unwanted thoughts, images, or urges that cause distress — and compulsions, repetitive behaviors or mental rituals performed to relieve that distress. Common themes include contamination, checking, symmetry, and intrusive taboo thoughts. Symptoms consume time and interfere with daily life.
What's the difference between OCD and general anxiety?
Generalized anxiety centers on excessive worry about real-life concerns like health, work, or family. OCD involves intrusive thoughts that feel foreign or distressing, paired with rituals or mental acts meant to neutralize them. The distinction matters because treatment approaches differ.
Is OCD a treatable condition?
Yes. OCD responds well to evidence-based treatment — typically medication, exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy, or both. Many people see substantial improvement. Untreated OCD tends to persist, so getting evaluated is worthwhile even if you've managed symptoms for years.
Treatment
How is OCD treated with medication?
SSRIs are the first-line medications for OCD, often at higher doses and for longer trials than in depression treatment. Suzanne evaluates your symptoms, starts carefully, and monitors response over time, coordinating with your therapist when you're also doing ERP.
Does OCD treatment combine medication and therapy?
Often, yes. Medication and exposure and response prevention (ERP) therapy work well together, and combined treatment is common for moderate to severe OCD. Suzanne provides the medication management component and can coordinate with — or refer you to — an ERP therapist.
What medications are used for OCD?
SSRIs such as sertraline, fluoxetine, and fluvoxamine are first-line for OCD. When response is partial, options include adjusting the dose, switching medications, or augmentation strategies. Suzanne discusses the evidence and trade-offs for your specific situation after evaluation.
Access
Do you treat OCD in adults in Connecticut?
Yes. Suzanne provides OCD evaluation and medication management for adults across Connecticut — in person in New Canaan and by telehealth statewide.
Is OCD treatment available by telehealth?
Yes. OCD medication management works well by secure video visit, and Suzanne sees adults by telehealth anywhere in Connecticut. In-person visits are available in New Canaan if you prefer.
How do I become a new patient?
Complete the appointment request form. Suzanne reviews each request to ensure a good fit, then invites you to set up your secure patient portal and schedule your first visit.
Ready to take the first step?
Complete the appointment request form and Suzanne will personally review your request.