OCD Psychiatrists in Massachusetts

I am committed to providing compassionate, evidence-based care that considers the full spectrum of biological, psychological, and social factors. I build therapeutic relationships on empathy, respect, and trust. By tailoring treatment plans to each patient's personal and cultural context, I help individuals take control of their mental health and work toward long-term recovery and resilience. In the first session, I take time to listen carefully and gather a thorough understanding of each patient's concerns, history, and current functioning. I use empathy and active listening to foster open communication and develop personalized treatment plans that may include therapy, medication, or lifestyle changes, with the goal of restoring wellness and stability.

I earned my undergraduate degree in molecular genetics from the University of Vermont and conducted neuroscience research in both academic and industry settings. I am a graduate of St. George's University School of Medicine and completed my psychiatry residency at Mather Hospital, Northwell Health, where I was honored as Resident of the Year in 2025 and inducted into the Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society.

I believe that addressing mental health is just as important as addressing physical health. My practice focuses on medication management, often combined with supportive or cognitive behavioral therapy, with an emphasis on integrating medication management with individual therapy to provide comprehensive, patient-centered care. I provide care for individuals with a wide range of mental health conditions, including depression, anxiety, substance use disorders, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, schizoaffective disorder, and schizophrenia.

I am a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP) with 18 years of experience in outpatient psychiatry. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing with a specialty in adult psychiatry from the University of Massachusetts Lowell and my Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the University of Massachusetts Boston. I am trained in psychiatric diagnosis, medication management, and both psychodynamic and cognitive-behavioral therapies.

Over the past 18 years, I have gained extensive experience evaluating and treating adults in outpatient settings. I previously worked at Arbour HRI Outpatient Clinic in Massachusetts and, for the past decade, have served patients at Memorial Healthcare System in Florida. At Memorial Healthcare System, I collaborated with the Mind-Body Wellness Clinic to support both the medical and psychiatric needs of my patients. I have also contributed to the training of psychiatric and internal medicine residents in outpatient psychiatry.

I am dedicated to building a collaborative relationship with patients and their families where shared-decision making is respected and encouraged. I am passionate about providing continuity of care to my patients as they navigate life's changes and challenges. I utilize medication management and psychotherapy in my clinical practice, and my areas of interest include ADHD across the lifespan, anxiety disorders, mood disorders (depression and bipolar disorder), and OCD. I am experienced in treating children, adolescents, and adults.

I am double-board certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. Originally from Delaware, I earned my medical degree from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine in 2017. I also obtained a Master of Science in Biological Sciences from Drexel University and a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Juniata College. In 2017, I moved south and am happy to call North Carolina my home. I completed my internship at Campbell University/Harnett Health in 2018, then went on to complete a General Psychiatry Residency followed by a Fellowship in Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at East Carolina University Brody School of Medicine. Prior to joining Talkiatry in 2025, I was in private practice at North Raleigh Psychiatry in Raleigh, NC.

At the center of my clinical approach is a strong emphasis on establishing trust and using a collaborative approach to help patients develop an individualized and cohesive plan so that they are able to achieve their goals. My practice focuses on medication management, which I typically offer in conjunction with supportive therapy, motivational interviewing, and/or cognitive behavioral therapy in 30-minute follow-up visits. Occasionally, I may recommend that additional therapy is needed and ask that you bring a therapist into your care team in order to provide the best outcome. I specialize in treating patients with a history of depression, anxiety, trauma, and substance use disorders.

I am a double board-certified adult and addiction psychiatrist who has been in practice for over 9 years. I received my medical degree from St. George's University School of Medicine. I went on to complete my residency in psychiatry at Harvard South Shore, an affiliate of Harvard Medical School, where I served as Chief Resident and earned my 360° Professionalism award. I then had additional training in Addiction Psychiatry through my fellowship at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center.

After completing training, I worked as an Addiction Psychiatrist and Director of Adult Services in the Trauma and Resilience Center (TRC) at the University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston (UTHealth). I have held an academic appointment at UTHealth, and I have spent my professional career supervising and teaching medical students and psychiatry residents.

I prioritize building a strong therapeutic relationship and value open communication to create a supportive environment for healing. I view psychiatry as a holistic practice, integrating evidence-based approaches that address mental, emotional, physical, and spiritual well-being. I begin each appointment with open conversation to better understand each individual's story and experiences, working with patients to identify their concerns, explore barriers to growth, and highlight strengths. Together, we collaborate on a treatment plan that aligns with the patient's personal goals, ensuring care is both personalized and empowering. Patients working with me can expect compassion, respect, and a collaborative partnership in their care.

I bring more than seven years of experience as an Advanced Practice Registered Nurse at Lindner Center of HOPE, a full-service psychiatric facility affiliated with the University of Cincinnati and Cincinnati Children's Hospital. My work has spanned the full spectrum of psychiatric care, including inpatient crisis intervention, partial hospitalization, and outpatient services. I hold a bachelor's degree in psychology from the University of Kentucky and both a BSN and MSN from Wright State University. I also recently earned a Mindfulness and Yoga-Studies Certificate from the University of Cincinnati.

I strive to build trusting relationships with my patients and value open, honest communication throughout the treatment process. I create an inclusive, supportive environment where every patient feels heard, respected, and genuinely cared for. During initial appointments, I explore each patient's history and current concerns to determine the most appropriate treatment plan. I work collaboratively with patients to set meaningful goals and encourage ongoing participation in each session to support strong, successful outcomes.

I earned my advanced nursing degree at the Massachusetts General Hospital Institute of Health Professions and have many years of experience as both a psychiatric nurse and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. I have practiced across a wide range of mental health settings, including inpatient, outpatient, partial programs, and Emergency Room care.

I chose the field of psychiatry with the goal of empowering my patients and equipping them with the skills and tools to improve their mental health. I strive to create a safe, nonjudgmental space where patients feel heard and supported, and to destigmatize mental illness and normalize seeking help when struggling. My passion for psychiatry stems from a deep interest in connecting with people and understanding their unique stories.

I believe the patient-physician relationship should be a partnership, built on trust, empathy, and shared goals. I encourage honesty, collaboration, and open communication, and believe there are no wrong questions, and your voice matters. I encourage questions and feedback and tailor care to each person's goals, comfort level, and pace. I want to get to know the whole person, not just their symptoms. Together, I work with patients to create a personalized and thoughtful treatment plan that may include therapy, lifestyle support, and/or medication, always with room to adjust based on your evolving needs and preferences.

I pride myself in collaboratively arriving at treatment decisions with my patients, taking the time to listen to their concerns and answer their questions. I am well versed in psychopharmacological interventions, but I am a proponent of patients also being active in psychotherapy whenever appropriate. I have 22 years of expertise in diagnosing and treating psychiatric conditions, including depression, anxiety, Bipolar spectrum disorders, adjustment problems, ADHD, and other disorders.

I am a board-certified psychiatrist treating adults. I received my undergraduate degree at Harvard University, my medical degree at the University of Massachusetts Medical School, and then went on to train at Maine Medical Center for my psychiatric residency. I have worked in various settings, including community mental health centers and large hospital systems, with experience in inpatient, outpatient, and consultative roles. Prior to joining Talkiatry, I most recently served as an attending psychiatrist on the staff of Southern New Hampshire Health System, where I provided consultative care to referrals made from primary care providers and various specialists.

I am passionate about breaking the stigma around mental health. I encourage my clients to speak up, get help, and take control of their mental wellness. My approach is based on the Mental Health Recovery Model, which focuses on hope, healing, and building a life beyond diagnosis. Since 2017, I have specialized in helping individuals manage depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, ADHD, ODD, eating disorders, and substance use. I use supportive therapy, solution-focused therapy, and cognitive behavioral therapy to help clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I am a dual-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner with over a decade of experience. Since 2011, I have worked in family medicine, and since 2013, I have focused on mental health care across the lifespan. My background includes treating children, teens, and adults in hospitals, private practices, and community settings.

I am a staff psychiatrist at Talkiatry, board-certified in adult psychiatry. My practice is focused primarily on medication management, which I combine with a therapeutic style that blends supportive therapy, cognitive behavioral therapy, and motivational interviewing. Follow-up appointments with me typically last 20–30 minutes. While I am trained in a variety of therapeutic techniques, I work collaboratively with therapists and may recommend their inclusion as part of your treatment team, depending on your individualized treatment plan.

I attended the University of Connecticut School of Medicine, where I received my medical degree, and completed my psychiatry residency at Stony Brook University Hospital in New York. I have received several awards for teaching and the treatment of chronically ill patients, including Stony Brook University's "William Turner Award" for excellence in education and leadership. Post residency, I worked with general adult patients as well as older adults at Manchester Memorial Hospital, where I served as both an outpatient psychiatrist and Director of the Geriatric Intensive Outpatient Program.

Although I do not treat child or adolescent patients, I have experience working with people of all ages, from young adults to adults. I have experience treating mood disorders, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, patients in the perinatal period, and patients with co-occurring substance use disorders. I have regularly managed behavioral problems in adults with autism spectrum disorders as well as dementia. I particularly enjoy working with patients dealing with life or role transitions, older adults, and patients with bipolar or other affective disorders.

I take a collaborative approach to care, working closely with other mental health professionals, medical providers, families, and relevant support systems to ensure well-rounded treatment. I emphasize a patient-centered, individualized approach, combining medication management with psychotherapy to meet each person's unique needs. Patients working with me can expect a thorough evaluation, accurate diagnosis, and a personalized treatment plan tailored to their mental health goals. One of my core priorities is to empower individuals to make informed decisions about their care by providing education grounded in research, evidence-based practices, and clinical experience.

I am Melissa Sims, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner passionate about delivering high-quality, compassionate, and comprehensive mental health care. I earned my Master of Science in Nursing from the University of Alabama at Birmingham in 2022 and have since worked in both community mental health and correctional settings.

While assessing my patients with the biopsychosocial model, I treat with evidence-based treatment. I utilize therapeutic techniques such as cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy in conjunction with medication for optimal results.

I graduated from Boston Medical Center Brighton, Massachusetts, from the Department of Psychiatry. I received my training in Interventional Psychiatry including ECT and TMS at Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center, a Harvard University Teaching Hospital. I have multiple publications in research. I am culturally diverse and speak English, Urdu, Punjabi, Hindi, and Chinese Mandarin.

In my free time, I enjoy playing sports with my family, including soccer and cricket.

My philosophy includes a healing-oriented approach that considers the whole person, including all lifestyle aspects. I aim to provide collaborative and comprehensive care, which may include medication management, lifestyle interventions, stress reduction techniques, and other integrative approaches. I employ pharmacotherapy along with supportive therapy and integrative approaches, and I believe that building a strong therapeutic relationship where the patient feels empowered is the key to healing.

I am double Board Certified in Psychiatry and Lifestyle Medicine. I completed my psychiatry residency training at the University of Maryland/Sheppard Pratt, where I served as the chief resident. I am currently working on completing my Ph.D. in Integrative Medicine. I have more than five years of experience treating patients with anxiety, depression, PTSD, Bipolar, OCD, ADHD, and other mental health issues, and I have practiced in various settings over my career, including working for the Department of Defense, private practice, and community mental health. I am fluent in Portuguese, English, and Spanish.

My approach to treatment focuses on adopting a holistic approach through behavioral change, medication management, and brief psychotherapy.

I am double boarded in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. I received my medical degree from the American University of Beirut, Lebanon and completed my psychiatry residency program at the University of Virginia. I completed a fellowship in addiction psychiatry through Boston University, after which I started working at the Brigham and Women's Hospital.

I previously held a leadership role as medical director for the dual diagnosis partial hospitalization program at Brigham and Women's Faulkner Hospital, where I helped create and establish this program, and also worked as an outpatient addiction psychiatrist. I have been involved in teaching and have maintained an academic affiliation with Harvard Medical School. In addition, I have appeared in numerous professional publications and authored several research papers.

My practice focuses on using an integrated approach to the understanding and treatment of individuals' psychosocial stresses and psychiatric symptoms. I am a general psychiatrist with a focus on anxiety disorders, OCD, and mood disorders, and I am interested in the impact of trauma and personality. I have extensive experience working with young adults, and clinically I have experience working with people with significant mood and anxiety difficulties. My sessions are usually 30 minutes. I frequently suggest including a family member or friend in at least one session to get a comprehensive sense of each person's strengths and challenges.

I received my medical degree from NYU and completed my psychiatric residency at Mt. Sinai Hospital. I spent a number of years in the Brown system, as Training Director for the Brown Psychiatry Residency and as Vice-Chair of the Brown Department of Psychiatry. For several years, I served as Chair of the Department of Psychiatry at Mt. Sinai West/St. Lukes', prior to my position at McLean Hospital, where I was Clinical Director of the Depression and Anxiety Division, overseeing the integration of clinical work, faculty development, and research in the division. I have worked primarily with outpatients, with the exception of a recent period of residential work at the Pavilion at McLean Hospital.

Dr. Deringer is a psychiatrist with board certification in general psychiatry and addiction psychiatry. She earned her M.D. from the University of Michigan Medical School, and she completed her psychiatry residency and addiction psychiatry fellowship training at New York University. She has previously held faculty roles at New York University School of Medicine and Harvard Medical School. She has been involved in training the next generation of psychiatrists through her past work on the Program Director team for the MGH-McLean Psychiatry Residency Program. She has expertise in treating adults with mood disorders, anxiety disorders, substance use disorders, personality disorders, trauma, and ADHD.

Dr. Deringer cares deeply about understanding each patient's unique experience.  She recognizes that mental health symptoms are impacted by an individual's biological make-up, social situation, and their individual way of interacting with others in the world.  She will assess all of these factors and work with you to develop an appropriate treatment plan to help you feel better and meet your goals.  She incorporates supportive psychotherapy into all of her patient meetings; this may include discussions of the role of nutrition, exercise, and sleep habits in your overall well-being.

Dr. Deringer will begin the evaluation process with a thorough one-hour session in which we will discuss your current symptoms, your prior treatment history, your medical history, and your goals for treatment.  At the end of that session, she will begin to formulate her diagnostic impression and treatment recommendations.  Sometimes, the evaluation process may require more than one session, and it may be helpful for Dr. Deringer to gather information, with your permission, from prior treatment or to collaborate with your therapist if you have one.  Dr. Deringer will work with you on a medication treatment plan, if clinically indicated, to help you manage your symptoms and achieve your treatment goals.