Obsessive-compulsive disorder therapists & psychiatrists in Orlando, FL

I trained in medicine before I became a therapist, and it changed what I listen for. When a client tells me her chest tightens before every meeting, or that she can't stop thinking about a diagnosis, I take the physical side of that seriously.

I hold a PhD in health psychology and I'm a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor in Illinois and Florida. My published research is on post-traumatic growth in women. Since 2020 I've also taught graduate counseling and psychology as an adjunct professor.

I see adults dealing with trauma and complex trauma, chronic illness, health anxiety, depression, grief, and major life transitions. I work with women through perinatal and postpartum struggles and through fertility challenges. I also see adolescents.

I speak English, Hindi, Arabic, and Urdu. If you're dealing with immigration, acculturation, or family expectations that don't translate easily, you won't have to explain that context to me first.

Hello, my name is Aracelys Cruz, and I am a board-certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner (PMHNP-BC). I completed my advanced training in psychiatric nursing at FNU/PMHNP-BC. I’m passionate about supporting people through life’s challenges and helping them feel heard, respected, and empowered. I work with clients struggling with anxiety, depression, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health concerns. My approach is collaborative and compassionate, combining therapy, lifestyle guidance, and medication management when needed. My goal is to walk alongside you as we build a path toward balance and wellness.

I believe therapy is not about “fixing” you-It’s about empowering you. Together, we will work to uncover your strengths, clarify your goals, and build skills that support meaningful, lasting change. Whether you are feeling overwhelmed, stuck, or simply seeking personal growth, I’m here to walk alongside you in this therapeutic process.

I look forward to connecting with you.

I graduated from The Ohio State University with my DNP in 2020 focusing on efficient pathways to implement depression screening post-stroke to identify mental health needs. After working a couple years as a nurse practitioner within neurosurgery, I transitioned from Ohio to Florida and pursued my PMHNP certification from Florida State University. Over the past 5 years I have been treating psychiatric needs in LTC around Florida. I am currently working to expand into independent practice and work personally with individuals creating a therapeutic relationship and enhancing their mental health.

You don’t have to keep doing everything on your own.

Maybe you’re used to being the strong one—the person who keeps going, takes care of everyone else, and pushes through even when you’re exhausted. But underneath it all, you may be anxious, overwhelmed, disconnected, angry, or simply tired of feeling like you’re constantly in survival mode.

Maybe your mind won’t slow down. You overthink everything, struggle to sleep, feel stuck in patterns you don’t understand, or find yourself reacting more strongly than you want to. Maybe relationships have become difficult, you’re struggling to reconnect with the people you love, or you’re wondering, “Why don’t I feel like myself anymore?”

You don’t have to come to therapy with all the answers. We can work together to understand what’s happening beneath the surface, untangle the patterns that are keeping you stuck, and develop practical tools to help you feel more grounded and in control. My goal isn’t simply to help you manage symptoms—it’s to help you understand yourself, strengthen your relationships, and build a life that feels more like yours.

I also believe that healing can involve the deeper questions of life. If spirituality, faith, personal beliefs, purpose, or meaning are important to you, I welcome bringing those parts of yourself into therapy. Sometimes healing isn’t just about feeling less anxious or depressed—it’s about reconnecting with who you are, what matters to you, and the life you want to create.

You’ve spent enough time surviving. You deserve the opportunity to heal, reconnect, and truly live. If you’re ready to take that first step, I’d be honored to help you along the way.

I am a dedicated Nurse Practitioner with a strong background in mental health and primary care, committed to providing compassionate, patient-centered care. I earned my advanced practice degree from Wilkes University and have experience working with diverse populations across various clinical settings.

My approach is collaborative and holistic—I believe in treating the whole person, not just symptoms. I work with clients experiencing anxiety, depression, mood disorders, ADHD, and life transitions. I strive to create a supportive, non-judgmental environment where clients feel heard, understood, and empowered.

I utilize evidence-based treatments, including medication management when appropriate, and incorporate supportive and solution-focused approaches tailored to each individual’s needs. My goal is to help clients achieve stability, improve daily functioning, and enhance their overall quality of life.

I understand that seeking help can be a big step, and I am here to support you throughout your journey with respect, empathy, and professionalism.