Skip to main content

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment in Tampa

Home » Mental Health Treatment in Tampa » Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) Treatment in Tampa

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our mental health programs in incorporate obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) treatment in Tampa as one of our main specialities.

With a combination of therapy, peer support, accountability, and psychiatric services, our clients can understand the symptoms associated with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) and make a full recovery from their symptoms.

If you or a loved one are suffering from a mental health disorder, our OCD Treatment in Tampa can help you. Call us now at 813-755-8864 or verify your insurance now.

Are You Ready To Change Your Life?
Take Action Now.

Verify Insurance

What is Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder?

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) is a mental health condition characterized by uncontrollable, recurring thoughts (obsessions) and behaviors (compulsions) that the individual feels the urge to repeat over and over. These symptoms can significantly impact daily functioning and quality of life, making it essential to seek professional help. According to StatPearls, “The 12-month prevalence of OCD in the United States is 1.2%.”

OCD is more than just being overly tidy or preferring things a certain way; it is a serious disorder that requires specialized treatment.

How Does OCD Treatment in Tampa Work?

At Gulf Coast Recovery Center, our OCD treatment programs in Tampa are designed to address the unique needs of each individual.

Our treatment modalities include:

  • Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): A structured program providing intensive treatment while allowing patients to return home in the evenings. Ideal for those who require more support than outpatient care but less than full hospitalization.
  • Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Designed for individuals who need structured therapy but are able to engage in their daily activities. It offers a balance between treatment intensity and maintaining daily life.
  • Outpatient Program (OP): Suitable for those transitioning from more intensive programs or individuals with mild symptoms. It provides the flexibility to receive treatment while continuing with work, school, or other responsibilities.

Signs and Symptoms of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Recognizing the signs and symptoms of OCD is crucial for seeking timely and effective treatment. OCD is a complex disorder, but with the right support and intervention, individuals can regain control over their lives and reduce the impact of OCD on their daily functioning.

Obsessions

  • Intrusive Thoughts: Individuals may experience ongoing, unwanted thoughts that are distressing and difficult to manage or control. These can include fears of contamination, fears of harming others or themselves, or intrusive sexual or religious thoughts.
  • Excessive Doubts: Persistent doubts about having performed necessary tasks (e.g., turning off the stove, locking doors), leading to significant anxiety and repeated checking.
  • Need for Symmetry or Exactness: An overwhelming desire for objects to be placed in a particular order or position, or for events to occur in a specific way, often without logical reason.

Compulsions

  • Repetitive Behaviors: Engaging in behaviors like excessive hand washing, cleaning, checking, counting, or ordering items in a specific way to alleviate anxiety caused by obsessions.
  • Mental Acts: Performing mental rituals, such as praying, counting, or repeating certain words silently, aiming to reduce anxiety or prevent a feared event or situation.
  • Avoidance: Deliberately avoiding people, places, or activities that may trigger obsessions or compulsions, which can lead to isolation and impact social interactions.

Physical Symptoms

  • Increased Anxiety and Stress: The persistent nature of obsessions and compulsions often leads to heightened levels of anxiety and stress, which can have physical manifestations such as headaches, gastrointestinal issues, or fatigue.
  • Sleep Disturbances: Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep due to obsessive thoughts or the need to perform compulsive behaviors at night.

Impact on Daily Life

  • Time-Consuming Rituals: Compulsions can become so time-consuming that they significantly interfere with daily activities, responsibilities, and social interactions.
  • Impairment in Social and Occupational Functioning: The demands of OCD can lead to difficulties maintaining relationships, fulfilling job responsibilities, or engaging in social activities.

How is OCD Treated?

Our evidence-based therapeutic approaches for OCD treatment in Tampa include:

  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT aims to change the thought patterns and behaviors contributing to the symptoms of OCD.
  • Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP): Involves gradual exposure to feared objects or situations and teaching the individual to refrain from compulsive behaviors.
  • Medication Management: In some cases, medication and psychiatry may be used in conjunction with therapy to manage symptoms effectively.
  • Support Groups: Providing a platform for sharing experiences and coping strategies with others facing similar challenges.

Additional OCD Treatment Services

Treating OCD requires a multifaceted approach that often combines evidence-based psychological therapies with medication management and holistic treatments. Alongside CBT and other more traditional methodologies, therapies such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Brainspotting, and various holistic approaches have shown promise in supporting individuals with OCD.

Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)

EMDR is a psychotherapy technique initially developed to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) but has since been applied to various other conditions, including OCD. The therapy involves the patient recalling distressing images while receiving one of several types of bilateral sensory input, such as side-to-side eye movements or hand tapping.

EMDR therapy aims to process and desensitize the distressing memories or thoughts that may be underlying or triggering OCD symptoms. By focusing on these memories while receiving bilateral stimulation, individuals can work through and reduce the emotional impact of these thoughts, potentially decreasing OCD symptoms.

Brainspotting

Brainspotting is a therapeutic method that identifies, processes, and releases core neurophysiological sources of emotional/body pain, trauma, dissociation, and a variety of other challenging symptoms. It is based on the notion that the direction in which people look or gaze can affect the way they feel.

The technique involves finding the “brainspot,” or the eye position that correlates with the source of emotional or physical pain and trauma within the brain, to help process and release it. For OCD, brainspotting aims to tap into unprocessed trauma or anxiety underlying the compulsive behaviors or obsessive thoughts, facilitating a healing process.

Holistic Therapies

Holistic therapies encompass a wide range of practices aimed at treating the individual as a whole—mind, body, and spirit—rather than focusing solely on the symptoms of the disorder.

  • Mindfulness and Meditation: Practices that encourage being present and fully engaging with the here and now, helping to manage anxiety and reduce the frequency of obsessive thoughts.
  • Yoga: Combines physical postures, breathing exercises, and meditation to reduce stress, improve concentration, and promote a sense of peace and well-being.
  • Acupuncture: A traditional Chinese medicine technique that involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to balance energy flow. It may help reduce anxiety and stress levels, potentially easing OCD symptoms.

Benefits of OCD Treatment in Tampa

Choosing Gulf Coast Recovery Center for OCD treatment in Tampa offers numerous benefits, including:

  • Access to a team of experienced mental health professionals.
  • Personalized treatment plans tailored to meet individual needs.
  • A supportive and understanding environment to foster healing and growth.
  • Improved quality of life through effective symptom management.
  • Resources and tools to build resilience and prevent relapse.
Medically Reviewed
Medically Reviewed by

Jennifer Strong, LMHC

Written by Gulf Coast Recovery Staff Updated on January 12, 2024

Get Help Now

Rehab in Tampa, FL

Mental health disorders and addiction can severely impact your quality of life. But there is hope for recovery. Call Gulf Coast Recovery today to begin treatment with us.

Facility Image Gallery

Find OCD Treatment in Tampa Today

If you or a loved one is struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, reach out to Gulf Coast Recovery Center today. Our dedicated team is here to provide the support and care you need to overcome OCD.

Contact us to learn more about our OCD treatment in Tampa and start your journey to recovery. Together, we can achieve lasting change.

TESTIMONIALS

Success Stories & Testimonials