Visit Our OCD Clinic in Barrie, Ontario

Located on the shores of Kempenfelt Bay, our Barrie Clinic is a convenient location for Cottage Country and Toronto commuters alike. 
A child and therapist laugh together during an OCD therapy treatment session at OCD North

Premier OCD Treatment Clinic in Barrie, Ontario

Comprehensive OCD Treatment in Barrie

OCD North Clinic in Barrie, Ontario, provides expert care for individuals struggling with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD). Our clinic offers specialized treatment options tailored to kids, teens, and adults, ensuring personalized care that meets each patient’s unique needs.

Where are we located?

Expert Treatment

We are committed to helping Barrie residents thrive.  Located conveniently at Duckworth Street, and Bell Farm Road, our Clinic is 3 minutes from the 400. 

In-Person and Virtual Treatment Options

We offer both in-person and virtual treatment sessions to accommodate our patients’ needs. Our Barrie clinic provides a welcoming and supportive environment for those who prefer face-to-face sessions. For those who cannot visit in person, our virtual treatment programs ensure they receive the same high-quality care from the comfort of their home.

Meet Our Barrie Social Workers & ERP Therapists

Merissa Little, female founder of OCD North

I specialize in working with families with children struggling with OCD, using a parent-based model to teach parents how to support their child's recovery and reclaim their lives from OCD.

Merrisa Little

MSW, RSW, Founder & Clinical Director

Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie

Innovating OCD care in Canada is more than a vision; it’s a calling. My passion for improving access to effective treatment drives creative solutions to this complex issue.

At OCD North, I train and mentor master's level social work students, helping them develop their competency in OCD treatment, transitioning from interns to ERP therapists locally and abroad. I also developed OCD-Informed Practice (OCD-IP), an innovative approach that allows any therapist to counsel individuals with OCD without exacerbating symptoms.

In graduate school, I explored treatment options for OCD and found a lack of experts in my area despite a significant need. This led me to pursue training in ERP at the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, becoming the first Canadian certified in ERP. This certification, though not required, deepened my knowledge and passion.

I specialize in working with families with children struggling with OCD, using a parent-based model to teach parents how to support their child's recovery and reclaim their lives from OCD.

Shaina Charles, MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist for OCD at OCD North

Shaina is a Registered Social Worker trained in Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD at the CTSA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) at the YCSC, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University.

Shaina Charles

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie

Shaina is a Registered Social Worker trained in Exposure and Response Prevention for the treatment of OCD at the CTSA, Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) at the YCSC, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University. Shaina treats clients in Ontario and Saskatchewan. She recognizes the bravery it takes to advocate for oneself and seek help, celebrating with each individual who does so. Shaina wholeheartedly believes that there is no shame surrounding the OCD experience and that overcoming OCD is possible. Her absolute favourite day of treatment is when she can say goodbye to her clients with confidence that they can handle OCD on their own.

Erin Fairbanks, MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist for OCD at OCD North

Erin Fairbanks (she/her) is a veteran of connecting with clients to understand their unique circumstances and cater their care to their own needs and goals. She helps her clients understand how OCD consumes their life and guides them in finding healthier versions of themselves.

Erin Fairbanks

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie

It is not uncommon for lives to unravel when OCD consumes your life. Your experience with OCD, and its impact on your life, is unique to you. Erin Fairbanks (she/her) is a veteran of connecting with clients to understand their unique circumstances and cater their care to their own needs and goals. She helps her clients understand how OCD consumes their life and guides them in finding healthier versions of themselves, while strengthening their relationships, so that they can feel more at peace.

She is the owner of a private medical foot care practice, and an empathetic registered social worker who excels at one-on-one counselling and group oversight with children, youth, and adults.

Her educational background includes a Master of Social Work from the University of Windsor, a Bachelor of Science in Human Kinetics from the University of Guelph, and a diploma of Chiropody from the Michener Institute. She is trained in Exposure and Response Prevention (EX/RP) for the treatment of OCD from the University of Pennsylvania, and Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) from Yale University.

Samantha Boddington MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist for people with OCD.

Samantha is a Registered Social Worker with over a decade of experience in supporting individuals and families. Her down-to-earth approach is rooted in the belief that successful therapy hinges on a strong, empathetic therapeutic relationship. Samantha is passionate about providing OCD-informed support to individuals and their loved ones, helping them navigate their unique challenges with compassion and the expertise needed to foster lasting change.

Samantha Boddington

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie

Samantha is a Registered Social Worker with more than a decade of experience supporting individuals and families. She applies a strengths-based and trauma-informed lens to emphasize the unique capabilities of everyone, in a safe and supportive environment. Samantha completed training in Supportive Parenting for Anxious Childhood Emotions (SPACE) at the YCSC, Yale School of Medicine, Yale University, and has also received specialized training in ERP. She is passionate about bringing OCD-informed support to individuals living with OCD & their loved ones.

Melissa Walker , MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist for OCD at OCD North

Melissa, a social worker with over 7 years of community experience and lived experience of OCD, is dedicated to meeting clients where they are in their mental health journey and helping them achieve their goals.

Melissa Walker

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Melissa is a social worker that has been working in the community for over 7 years. Melissa believes in meeting clients where they are at in their mental health journey, and working from there. With lived experience of OCD, Melissa is committed to supporting folks to reach their goals.

Monique Obeng, MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist for OCD at OCD North

Monique is a registered social worker, who completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Windsor. She completed her training in Exposure and Ritual Prevention from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.

Monique Obeng

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Monique is a registered social worker, who completed her Master's degree in Social Work at the University of Windsor. She completed her training in Exposure and Ritual Prevention from the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania. Monique is committed to working in collaboration with individuals to reach their goals and regain control in their lives. She is passionate about offering evidence-based treatment that incorporates individuals' needs.

Sarah Bryson, MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist for OCD at OCD North

Sarah, a Registered Social Worker with a Master's Degree from the University of Toronto and advanced ERP training, offers tailored, evidence-based OCD treatment using a holistic approach to help clients manage symptoms and lead fulfilling lives.

Sarah Bryson

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Sarah is a Registered Social Worker who is passionate about Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) treatment. With a Master's Degree in Social Work from the University of Toronto and advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) from the Perelman School of Medicine, University of Pennsylvania, Sarah offers evidence-based therapy tailored to individual needs. Sarah believes in a holistic approach to treatment, recognizing the unique circumstances of each client. Sarah works collaboratively with individuals to develop personalized treatment plans tailored to clients’ goals. Sarah is driven by a genuine desire to assist clients in reducing and managing their symptoms of OCD through the use of ERP, empowering them to lead fulfilling and balanced lives.

Denise is a registered social worker therapist with twenty years’ experience working with adults, teens, and children. Her goal is to restore hope to those struggling with OCD. Knowing that recovery is possible, Denise draws on personal family experiences with OCD. She is dedicated to serving those with OCD with compassion and understanding.

Denise MacCarthy

B.A., MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Denise is a registered social worker therapist with twenty years’ experience working with adults, teens, and children. Her goal is to restore hope to those struggling with OCD. Knowing that recovery is possible, Denise draws on personal family experiences with OCD. She is dedicated to serving those with OCD with compassion and understanding. Trained in ERP for OCD, she uses only evidence-based treatment. You will learn about OCD, how it is maintained and how to non-engage the intrusive thoughts, images, or urges. A thorough assessment is provided. Each session thereafter will focus on tools to be practiced during the week.

Denise offers afternoon and evening appointments in Ontario and Alberta. Clients who work with her appreciate her down-to -earth approach.

Her training outside of a Master of Social Work degree at Wilfrid Laurier University includes post graduate studies in cognitive behavioural therapy through:

McMaster University Clinical Sciences, and the University of Toronto.

Cognitive Behavioural Institute for Education-Certificate in EX/ ERP OCD

IOCDF- International OCD Foundation-Scrupulosity-full day workshop

BTTI: OCD Assessment YBOC, Imaginal exposure in OCD, Do and Don’ts of ERP, Taboo subtypes in OCD

NOCD-OCD treatment strategies for perfectionism and more

Safa earned her Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a Behavioral Health Scholars Fellow at UPMC's Paediatric Intensive Outpatient Program in Wexford, Pennsylvania, where she specialized in treating OCD through ERP.

Safa Alasady

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Safa earned her Master's Degree in Social Work with a specialization in mental health from the University of Pittsburgh. She was a Behavioral Health Scholars Fellow at UPMC's Paediatric Intensive Outpatient Program in Wexford, Pennsylvania, where she specialized in treating OCD through ERP. Simultaneously, she was an active member of the University of Pittsburgh’s LEND program, collaborating with an interdisciplinary team to support children and families challenged with neurodevelopmental and related disorders.

Safa now joins OCD North as an ERP Therapist, offering a therapeutic environment that is warm, safe, and action-oriented. Understanding that therapy often requires confronting discomforts, Safa is passionate about guiding clients through these challenges while also championing their strengths. She believes in the power of connection and a strong therapeutic alliance to create a safe space where clients can explore their struggles with confidence.

Nicole Bernhard, Master of Social Work (MSW) graduate student at OCD North

Nicole is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo, and advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) through the University of Pennsylvania. She brings a wealth of experience in supporting children and families with complex mental health needs. With a specific focus in pediatric OCD, Nicole offers an empathetic and compassionate approach, and an understanding of family dynamics.

Nicole Bernhard

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Nicole is a Registered Social Worker with a Master’s degree from the University of Waterloo. Having completed her clinical practicum at OCD North, she gained over 450 hours of direct experience before officially joining the team. Nicole has also completed advanced training in Exposure and Response Prevention therapy (ERP) through the Centre for the Treatment and Study of Anxiety (CTSA) at the University of Pennsylvania. She brings a wealth of experience in supporting children and families with complex mental health needs. With a specific focus in pediatric OCD, Nicole offers a unique perspective to treatment. Her empathetic and compassionate approach, along with her understanding of family dynamics and specialized training in OCD treatment, helps to create a space where individuals feel safe, supported, and understood.

With over 15 years of experience in the social services sector, Cara supports children, youth, families, and individuals using a strengths-based, client-centred approach. As a bilingual practitioner fluent in English and Filipino, Cara is dedicated to providing culturally responsive, accessible care to diverse populations.

Cara Dyke

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie

Cara holds a Master of Social Work degree from the University of Windsor and received specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention through the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania.
 
With over 15 years of experience in the social services sector, Cara supports children, youth, families, and individuals using a strengths-based, client-centred approach. She is passionate about helping clients build confidence in managing OCD through practical skills, education, and compassionate support, empowering them to create meaningful change and live fuller lives beyond OCD.
 
As a bilingual practitioner fluent in English and Filipino, Cara is dedicated to providing culturally responsive and accessible care to diverse populations.

Jayden is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work and specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) for OCD. He provides compassionate, evidence-based care, working collaboratively with clients to create individualized treatment plans. Jayden is dedicated to helping individuals with OCD overcome challenges and reconnect with what matters most to them.

Jayden Pooni

MSW, RSW, ERP Therapist

Offers virtual sessions

Jayden is a Registered Social Worker with a Master of Social Work degree from Daemen University in Buffalo, New York. He completed his clinical practicum at OCD North, gaining over 500 hours of direct experience before joining the team as a therapist. Additionally, Jayden completed specialized training in Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) through the Cognitive Behavioural Institute for Education, earning a Certificate in EX/RP for OCD.

Jayden is dedicated to supporting individuals living with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) through compassionate, evidence-based care in a collaborative and supportive environment. He believes that a strong therapeutic relationship is the foundation for meaningful and lasting change and works closely with each client to develop individualized treatment plans that align with their unique needs, values, and goals.

Jayden understands the significant impact OCD can have on daily life and is committed to helping clients face their fears, and reconnect with the activities and values that matter most to them.

Meet Our Barrie Nurse Practitioners

Jennie Cruickshank, MSCN, NP-PHC Nurse Practitioner at OCD North

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.

Jennie Cruickshank

MSCN, NP-PHC

Offers virtual & in-person sessions in Barrie

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.

Get Started With OCD Treatment in Barrie, Ontario.

Step 1

Book an Assessment

During this no-obligation initial assessment we’ll answer all of your questions and help you discover the journey to OCD recovery is possible. If you decide, in the first 15-minutes of your assessment, that we’re not the right fit for you, no problem! You won’t be charged for the session.

Step 2

Begin your Recovery Journey

 Your first few sessions are dedicated assessment sessions.  It’s crucial our therapists understand how the OCD manifests so we can develop a comprehensive treatment plan.  Expect this process to take 2-3 sessions.

Step 3

ERP Treatment Plan

After the assessment is complete, you and your therapist will understand the core fear maintaining OCD symptoms, and develop and ERP treatment plan so you can regain your life from OCD.

Seeking Professional Help Is Not a Weakness

Our therapists are trained extensively to use the best treatment for OCD, helping you and your family overcome OCD and reclaim your life.

Get the FREE OCD 101 eBook!

The OCD 101 guide breaks down foundational OCD concepts in an easy-to-understand manner. Learn about obsessions, compulsions, & OCD treatment.