OCD Psychiatrists in Florida

Dr. Michael Locher completed Adult Psychiatry Residency Training at Los Angeles County, University of Southern California in which he focused two years of training in conducting Mindfulness Based Cognitive Therapy. Dr. Locher received his Bachelor of Science Undergraduate degree in 3 years with Phi Beta Kappa honors at University of Miami, Florida. In medical school at Stony Brook School of Medicine in New York, Dr. Locher was inducted into the Gold Humanism Honor Society while earning his Doctor of Medicine (MD) degree. Dr. Locher has held academic appointments at University of Southern California Keck School of Medicine, College of Osteopathic Medicine of the Pacific Western University of Health Sciences, and Ventura Community Memorial Health System Psychiatric Residency Training Program. He has an in interest working with immigrants and LGBTQ+ communities.  

Dr. Locher’s approach to medication management is that it is one tool to be used in the broader context of a multi-modal evidence-based treatment approach that draws upon psychotherapy, mindfulness skills, Buddhist psychology, psychedelic AKA “mind manifesting” studies, yoga philosophy, and other integrative practices. He understands that healing is an individualized process that cannot unfold without a safe space. Dr. Locher is dedicated to holding an approachable, empathic space where you can feel empowered to write the next chapter of your life.  

Dr. Locher is well versed in treating the full spectrum of mental illness. Having worked on multidisciplinary teams in acute inpatient psychiatric hospital settings, psychiatric emergency rooms, and mental health urgent cares for the better part of 10 years, he is comfortable helping with not just mild to moderate illness, but also the most severe cases of mental illness. Dr. Locher is especially motivated to work with you to maintain stability, avoid hospitalization, and more broadly, to achieve wellness.

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Dr. Fatemeh Safian is a board-certified psychiatrist with experience in outpatient, inpatient, and telepsychiatry settings. She completed her residency at Larkin Community Hospital, caring for a diverse range of patients. Dr. Safian diagnoses and treats a wide variety of conditions, including depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, trauma-related disorders, phobias, personality disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, postpartum depression, and concerns across all age groups. She is dedicated to creating a safe, supportive space where people feel truly heard—believing good psychiatry starts with listening.

Dr. Safian fosters a warm, respectful, and judgment-free environment where patients can share openly. She takes time to understand each person’s symptoms, story, values, and goals. Medication is just one option; she also considers therapy, lifestyle changes, and other supports. Collaboration and trust are central to her approach, with patients guiding the care decisions.

During the first appointment, Dr. Safian conducts an in-depth, unhurried conversation to explore the patient’s history and goals. Together, they develop a personalized treatment plan that may include medication, therapy referrals, and practical strategies. Ongoing follow-ups provide space to track progress, make adjustments, and ensure the patient feels comfortable and empowered.

Before pursuing medicine, Dr. Kenneth Ethan Lai explored a range of passions. After earning dual degrees in Biology and Biochemistry from the University of California, Riverside, he opened a popular Riverside eatery featured on The Food Channel. He later transitioned to the IT industry, earning a master’s degree and certifications, before answering his true calling in medicine, graduating from Saint Matthews University School of Medicine.

Dr. Lai believes psychiatry combines science and the art of medicine. Patients value his professionalism, patience, empathy, and attentive listening. He acknowledges the many choices patients have in providers and strives to create a welcoming, collaborative, and supportive environment for everyone seeking care.

Dr. Lai treats both adults and children/adolescents with expertise in psychopharmacology, psychotherapy, addiction, geriatrics, and dual-diagnosis care. He is trained in TMS and ECT, is a Certified Suboxone Prescriber, and offers consultations and treatment through office-based or telemedicine visits. His approach is tailored to each patient’s needs, integrating compassionate care with evidence-based treatment.

Dr. Vanessa Valdes is an adult psychiatrist specializing in medication management and psychotherapy, with a strong focus on nutrition, wellness, and mindfulness. She earned her combined MD/MPH degree from the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine and completed her psychiatry residency at the University of Miami/Jackson Health System, one of the nation's leading public healthcare systems.‍During her residency, Dr. Valdes gained broad experience in diverse areas of psychiatry, including inpatient psychiatry, emergency psychiatry, outpatient care, psychotherapy, hypnosis, child and adolescent psychiatry, consultation-liaison psychiatry, psycho-oncology, and addiction psychiatry.‍Dr. Valdes primarily provides supportive psychotherapy and acceptance and commitment therapy to help patients better understand and address their stressors. She takes a holistic approach to care, emphasizing the emotional, spiritual, and physical well-being of her patients. Her goal is to inspire meaningful, sustainable changes in patients' lives through compassionate, comprehensive treatment.

Dr. Marcia Morris is a psychiatrist with over thirty years of experience providing medication management as well as supportive psychotherapy to adult patients. She takes a positive psychiatry approach to treatment, prescribing medication while supporting patient strengths, social connections, and healthy habits. She has worked with university students as well as employees in an employee assistance program. She provides care for patients with depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, and ADHD. In her previous role as an Associate Professor at the University of Florida, she has done research on the increase in depression and anxiety as well as the increased use of psychiatric medications among university students. She has published academic papers and given national talks in these topics with the goal of decreasing stigma and improving mental health care for young adults. She is a founding member of the Association for College Psychiatry and a member of the American Psychiatric Association college mental health caucus. Dr. Morris provides education to the public about mental health as a writer and public speaker. Her articles have appeared in the New York Times, the Tampa Bay Times, and the Huffington Post. She also has been interviewed on NPR and several podcasts. She currently writes a Psychology Today parenting blog "College Wellness: Promoting Happiness & Health in the College Years.” Her book, "The Campus Cure: A Parent's Guide to Mental Health & Wellness for College Students,” was published January 2018. Dr. Morris has an undergraduate degree from Harvard, a medical degree from Yale, and psychiatry residency training at New York Hospital Cornell Medical Center. She is a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.

Dr. Li is a board-certified adult psychiatrist based in Florida. He has a particular focus on combining supportive psychotherapy techniques with medication management in the treatment of psychiatric conditions. Some conditions he has particular experience in managing include attention/focus difficulties, anxiety, depression and bipolar mood issues, but he is well-versed in addressing a wide variety of diagnoses.

Dr. Ethan Atwood is a board-certified psychiatrist. He earned his medical degree from the College of Medicine at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences. He completed his psychiatry residency and fellowship at the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and he completed a forensic fellowship at the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences.

New patients can expect a warm and welcoming atmosphere when beginning their journey with Dr. Atwood. He emphasizes a holistic approach to mental health care, combining medication management with supportive therapies. His empathetic nature and commitment to patient well-being ensures a nurturing and supportive environment.

Dr. Atwood believes in a collaborative approach, working closely with his patients to develop treatment goals and adjust treatment strategies as needed. He is committed to providing ongoing support and guidance, ensuring that patients feel confident and supported throughout their mental health journey.

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Dr. Blanca Osorio-Candelaria is a board-certified adult psychiatrist and has been practicing for over 16 years. Her practice focuses on medication management, which she typically combines with supportive therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. If Dr. Osorio-Candelaria feels you would benefit from working with a therapist in conjunction with medication management, she welcomes collaboration with your therapist to make for the best outcome. ‍Dr. Osorio-Candelaria is a graduate of the University of Puerto Rico School of Medicine in San Juan, PR. She completed her residency at Tripler Army Medical Center in Hawaii, followed by a fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Her years of experience started as a medical officer for the Army, including a deployment to Iraq. Her working experience after her military service includes working as a medical director of a community health center, a medical director of a community hospital, a medical director of an inpatient unit, and working for an Assertive Community Treatment Team (ACT) specializing in the Serious Mentally Ill population.‍Dr. Osorio-Candelaria specializes in psychopharmacology, especially tailoring individualized treatment to serve the needs of patients with a variety of conditions. She has a lot of experience in treating patients with depression, anxiety, bipolar disorders, post-traumatic stress disorders, Insomnia, and ADHD. She also has experience in treating patients with medical comorbidities.

Dr. Robert Smeed, DO, is a board-certified psychiatrist with a passion for healing the human mind and consciousness. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine and completed his Psychiatry Residency at Wayne State University College of Medicine. Certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology (ABPN), Dr. Smeed served as an outpatient psychiatrist at Veterans Affairs for 11 years, honing his expertise in mental health care. Driven by a deep interest in consciousness and innovative treatments, he combines talking therapies, neuromodulation, and modern psychopharmacology to help patients achieve lasting wellness.

Dr. Smeed is proficient in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions while specializing in treatment-resistant depression, neurodevelopmental disorders, anxiety and trauma disorders. His treatment style is empathic and collaborative, emphasizing family dynamics and relationships while integrating psychodynamic principles with biopsychosocial models. He approaches each patient with creativity, using open-ended discussions and innovative therapeutic and psychopharmacologic strategies to tailor care, ensuring a personalized and effective treatment experience.

Dr. Smeed begins with open-ended dialogue, allowing patients to develop their narrative, which is often therapeutic. Treatment plans are customized to patient needs and align with diagnostic standards of care. He incorporates medication reviews, mindfulness techniques, cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), supportive therapy, and psychodynamic approaches. Dr. Smeed also educates patients on lifestyle factors, such as diet and exercise, to support mental health, fostering a holistic and individualized path to wellness.

Background and credentials

Dr. Sinner is board-certified in Psychiatry. He completed his psychiatry residency training at Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center. With over 14 years of experience, he has worked in a variety of settings, including five years in inpatient psychiatry in Vermont, where he served as Medical Director for a state hospital psychiatric unit and taught medical students. He then spent five years working in an outpatient community mental health center in Pennsylvania before transitioning to telepsychiatry, providing care to individuals in Pennsylvania, Florida, and New York.

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Treatment approach

Dr. Sinner employs a collaborative, patient-centered approach, tailoring treatment plans to meet each individual's specific needs. His practice integrates pharmacotherapy with cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and supportive therapy as needed. He specializes in treating a wide range of psychiatric conditions, including depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, ADHD, neuropsychiatric disorders, developmental disorders, and personality disorders. His philosophy is to provide personalized care that makes a meaningful impact at different stages of a patient’s life.

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What you can expect in a first visit

During the first visit, patients can expect a comprehensive evaluation focused on understanding their mental health concerns, history, and treatment goals. Dr. Sinner takes a compassionate and collaborative approach, working closely with patients to create individualized treatment plans. He ensures that each patient receives a balanced and effective combination of medication management and therapeutic interventions suited to their unique needs.

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Why Talkiatry?

We’re a virtual mental health practice that makes it easy to find great care. We combine quality and convenience to help you thrive—faster. Our providers, like this one, are highly trained experts who specialize in medication management and collaborate with you on a treatment plan that fits your needs and comfort level.

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Dr. Kimberly Ford completed her psychiatry residency training at Harvard University in Boston, Massachusetts. She has enjoyed treating patients for over 25 years in a variety of settings such as inpatient, outpatient mental health clinics, emergency room, and multidisciplinary clinics. She is talented in her ability to connect, understand, and empathize with her patients.‍She has expertise in treating patients with mood disorders, anxiety, PTSD, and incorporates psychopharmacology when needed, psychodynamic and supportive psychotherapy. She wholeheartedly believes that treating her patients holistically is of high importance, with a focus on their physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual well-being.

Lisa Mazzotti is a Licensed Professional Counselor in Colorado, and a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Certified Addiction Professional in Florida. She earned her bachelor’s in Psychology and a master’s in Human Development Counseling from the University of Illinois. With more than 30 years of clinical experience, she has worked with adolescents, adults, and older adults in individual, couple, family, and group settings. Lisa also served as an adjunct professor, teaching psychology and sociology courses for over a decade in high schools, colleges, and correctional facilities. Her extensive background includes treating addictions, trauma, mood and anxiety disorders, OCD, ADHD, self-harm, and eating disorders.

Lisa meets each person where they are, creating a safe space where clients feel heard, valued, and respected. She emphasizes open communication, collaboration, and mutual trust, encouraging patients to share what feels most comfortable and meaningful to them. Lisa’s goal is to empower clients to identify and pursue their personal goals at their own pace, fostering lasting growth. She brings compassion, positivity, experience, and humor to her sessions, reminding patients that change begins with understanding and acceptance.

Lisa tailors her approach by exploring each patient’s history, strengths, and priorities to create an individualized treatment plan. Drawing on Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), Rational Emotive Behavior Therapy (REBT), Mindfulness, Motivational Interviewing, and Solution-Focused Therapy, she adapts her methods to meet each client’s needs. Lisa has facilitated Intensive Outpatient (IOP), Partial Hospitalization (PHP), and inpatient group therapy for co-occurring disorders. She supports clients with a broad range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, PTSD, grief, self-harm, abuse, and both physical and psychological addictions.

Dr. Clark is a board-certified adult psychiatrist. She is fellowship-trained in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry and has been in practice for 11 years. She received her medical degree from the Medical University of South Carolina. Dr. Clark then completed her residency training and continued her training in child and adolescent fellowship at the Medical College of Georgia. Dr. Clark works with patients to create an environment where they feel comfortable and supported. She focuses on medication management along with supportive therapy. Normally visits are 30-minute follow-ups that allow time to focus on areas of support needed. If additional therapy is recommended, she will request a therapist be added to your care team to meet all your needs. Dr. Clark has worked in both inpatient and outpatient settings with adult, child, and adolescent populations. She has worked in private practice as well as community mental health, where she worked with reaching under-served communities. Dr Clark has a passion for treating both adult and child and adolescent patients with anxiety and depression.

Waded Baquerizo-Mahuad is an LPC (Licensed Professional Counselor) in the state of Pennsylvania. She received her Master's (M.A.) in Mental Health Counseling from Kutztown University in 2016. She is also a Clinical Psychologist in her home country of Ecuador. She has provided mental and behavioral services to children and their families as a therapeutic staff support and mobile therapist, providing in-home services and services in the community. She has worked in Community Mental Health and Private Practice where she has gained experience treating various Mental health diagnoses that include PTSD, Anxiety, Depression, OCD, Grief, Adjustment Disorders, etc. As an experienced bilingual counselor, she utilizes an eclectic approach in her practice, taking into consideration the stage and uniqueness of her client's psychological, emotional, and social needs. Some of her approaches in therapy are the person-centered approach, cognitive behavioral therapy, psychodynamic approach, motivational interviewing, and solution-focused approach. She integrates Sensory Motor techniques as well as Mindfulness and Grounding techniques. In her practice, she also applies a Strength-Based Modality and Trauma-informed Focus. She also implements Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) interventions.

Dr. Juliet Nichols has been a diplomate of the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology since 2002 and has been practicing psychiatry for over 25 years. While an expert in psychopharmacology, Dr. Nichols has an integrative approach to treatment and she often incorporates psychotherapeutic techniques when appropriate, tailoring every treatment to each patient's individual needs. She completed her Psychiatry residency at Stony Brook-SUNY and Geriatric Psychiatry Fellowship at the Albert Einstein School of Medicine. Over the last two decades, Dr. Nichols served as an attending psychiatrist at JT Mather Hospital in Port Jefferson, NY, where she became proficient in delivering stellar psychiatric care in a variety of settings. She specializes in treating adult and geriatric mental illnesses, including: Depression, Anxiety Disorders (eg, OCD, Panic Disorder, GAD, PTSD), ADHD, and Cognitive Disorders in the elderly. Dr. Nichols strives to help her patients gain insights into their inner conflicts, unveil their strengths, accept their limitations, and build their coping skills. Her approach is dynamic, straightforward, and empathic so patients always feel safe, understood, and at ease. She engages the patient to be an active participant in treatment decision-making, creating a strong therapeutic alliance.‍

Dr. Stephen Hawk is a board-certified psychiatrist with 25 years of experience. He earned his Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine from Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences and completed his psychiatry residency at the University of South Florida, Tampa. He has served in private practice and held leadership roles at the Veterans Administration, including Chief of Mental Health at Bay Pines VA. He led the launch of the VA Suicide Prevention 2.0 Telehealth Program and has training in AI in medicine.

Dr. Hawk combines talking therapies, neuromodulation, and modern psychopharmacology in a collaborative and empathic style. He focuses on family dynamics and integrates psychodynamic and biopsychosocial approaches, using creativity and open dialogue to tailor care.

He begins with open-ended conversations to help patients tell their story, then develops treatment plans together aligned with diagnostic standards. His approach includes medication review, mindfulness, CBT, supportive and psychodynamic therapy, and lifestyle education to support holistic wellness.