Our therapists and Nurse Practitioners are experts in OCD care and treatment. Because OCD is our only focus, we understand how it manifests in kids and adults and how it can change everything. Whether you’re seeking a holistic or medicated approach, we’re here to walk you through all the options and provide you with the best treatment option.
Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who have worked in health care for at least 2 years and complete a Masters Degree in Nursing as well as a Diploma in Nurse Practitioner. With the additional education they are licensed to diagnose health conditions, order diagnostics such as x-rays and lab work, and prescribe medications. They approach health care with a wide view to consider not only your health condition but also you as a whole person.
Our NPs do not require a referral and are available to help children, adolescents, and adults. They are primed to collaborate with primary care providers (family physicians) as well as mental health specialists, as needed.
Knowing you need additional support to help you through the ERP process, but not knowing how your body will respond to medication can cause hesitation. You may not be able to make a decision about medication because you don’t know all the facts; you just want to live a life free from the torment of OCD.
NPs at OCD North are experts in their field, with specialized training in OCD-Informed Practice (OCD-IP) and ERP, adding tremendous value to a health care system that is increasingly difficult to navigate.
Jennie Cruickshank, a Nurse Practitioner with 8 years of experience in hospital and community settings, specializes in adult medical care, fosters trust in the medical system, and is excited to join the dedicated team at OCD North to provide innovative OCD-informed treatment.
MSCN, NP-PHC
Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie
*Services available for Ontario clients only.
Jennie Cruickshank is a Nurse Practitioner who has been working in both hospital and community settings over the past 8 years. She is passionate about getting to know each client as an individual and engaging them in making informed decisions together. She recognizes that often individuals are burnt out with the medical system and works to instill some trust and hope again in their medical care. She specializes in adult medical care and working through complex health experiences. She is excited to be joining such a passionate group of therapists at OCD North and working together to provide excellent, innovative OCD-informed treatment.
Yes, Nurse Practitioners can diagnose OCD.
During your first appointment, your Nurse Practitioner will learn about the symptoms you experience, working with you to screen for symptoms of OCD. Your NP will ask questions about the frequency, intensity, level of distress the symptoms cause you and your family, and how much these symptoms impact your ability to function day-to-day. (i.e. at home, school, work, with social relationships).
If NP diagnoses you with OCD, your NP will then explain what treatment options are available to you, including Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) and medication. Collaboratively, you’ll develop a comprehensive treatment plan designed to meet your recovery goals.
Through their assessment, OCD North’s NPs consider medical and family history, the content and severity of OCD symptoms and assess for comorbid conditions (such as depression). Assessment for pediatric, adolescent, and adults living with family also includes family accommodation and considers factors such as the child’s developmental age and level of functioning (such as at home, school, and with friends).
Treatment depends on many factors, and may include a recommendation for medication. The client and/or family’s preference, treatment goals, genetic factors, symptom severity and pattern of OCD symptoms influence the NP’s treatment recommendations.
Unfortunately, there are circumstances where medications may be needed in the short-term to help gain better control over OCD symptoms and achieve their recovery goals. This isn’t the case for everyone, but if you’re finding that there are significant symptoms of anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, medication may be a viable option.
The decision to take medication is very personal. Working within specialist guidelines for using medications in paediatric populations, our NPs are here to help review all of the risks and benefits to help you make a decision grounded in safety and efficacy, and work with you to stop the medication when appropriate to do so.
Medication management encompasses the medication-related services that are required to help you achieve recovery from OCD. From initial diagnosis to prescription and ongoing monitoring, NPs provide a comprehensive, individualized plan for recovery. The prescribing of a medication for OCD is done in consideration of your medication history, the half-life of the drug and the potential side effects. Once prescribed, it’s important to follow up with your NP frequently to continue to monitor for side effects, effectiveness, and dosage. NPs are also there when it is desired to taper down and off the medication once symptoms are resolved and if this fits within the plan of care.
Medication management includes frequent appointments to fine-tune medication dosage and monitor side effects. You may require a trial of more than one medication to find the best medication for you. Be patient: for those living with OCD, response to medication is slow acting, and can take between 10-12 weeks to determine if medication is working. Once you begin to experience relief from OCD symptoms, your NP may request you to remain on medication for 12-18 months.
Once you decide to discontinue medication, it’s important to do so under medical care. Abrupt discontinuation of medication can produce withdrawal symptoms such as gastrointestinal issues and fatigue. You NP will guide you through the discontinuation process to avoid these symptoms.
Sometimes, OCD-related symptoms can get in the way of considering medication as part of your treatment plan. Obsessions related to contamination, health and side effects can interfere with medication management; additionally, individuals may avoid medication due to the fear of developing more time consuming compulsions or rituals. Your NP at OCD North will work with you if you experience any of these symptoms and want to consider medication as part of your recovery journey. Remember: You are stronger than OCD!
Together with your ERP therapist, NPs at OCD North believe in a collaborative model of care and work together to monitor response to treatment and overall functioning. If a family doctor is involved in care, your NP will facilitate dialogue with your primary health care provider, providing complex and comprehensive care to facilitate OCD recovery.
Your response to medication will be closely monitored to ensure minimal side effects and maximum response. Your NP may ask family members to monitor side effects daily (particularly for children), and frequent contact with your Nurse Practitioner.
Many individuals and parents find medication can improve OCD symptoms and response to ERP. Individuals and children struggling with any aspect of ERP, or living with another mental health condition, wondering how medication could affect their recovery from OCD, should make an appointment to discuss treatment options.
Our therapists are trained extensively to use the best treatment for OCD, helping you and your family overcome OCD and reclaim your life.
To instill hope and promote recovery from OCD.
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