Katie Merricks Counseling, LLC

01/12/2026

Finding your way through loss can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to navigate it alone. This supportive, therapist‑led group offers a compassionate space to share your story, connect with others who understand, and learn healthy ways to cope and heal.

Whether your grief is recent or long‑standing, you’re welcome. Together, we’ll explore practical tools, emotional resilience, and gentle steps toward hope.

💓Have questions? Feel free to reach out 💓

12/09/2025

A landmark study reveals 95% of Americans suffering from Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) aren't receiving the most effective care. Some snippets include:

More than 75% of people living with OCD in the U.S. are not being detected by healthcare professionals.

Even among those who receive a diagnosis, 70% are never referred to evidence-based treatment.

Just 2% of individuals identified with OCD were documented as receiving Exposure and Response Prevention (ERP) — the first-line therapy for OCD recovery.

See article made available by the International OCD Foundation and remember to seek evidence-based interventions. Read article here:

More than 10 million Americans live with OCD, yet most never receive effective treatment. Learn what’s causing this care gap—and how we can close it.

09/29/2025

For anyone who may be an avid reader, family support, individual with lived experience, and of course, my fellow clinicians: please check out this unique opportunity our affiliate of International OCD Foundation, OCD Central and South Florida, will be hosting to raise awareness of OCD during OCD Awareness Week.

OCDCSFL will be holding an online book discussion with the author, as she shares her journey with OCD and open-up to our online audience. Some of IOCDF's young adult SIG members will be partnering to facilitate what will be a lively discussion. This event is good for participants of all types - clinicians, those with lived experience, family members, educators, etc.

Participation and registration is free while we encourage donations of all sizes, for those feeling inclined.

Hoping you will join us and share with others generously 🙂

Registration Link:
https://docs.google.com/.../1FAIpQLScOKq8mNZdrEx.../viewform

09/12/2025

If you or someone you know is living in South Florida - mark your calendars for an exciting OCD Awareness Glow Painting Party hosted by OCD Central and South Florida. They even have some free tickets to give away! 🎨

Exciting news! The OCD Awareness Florida Glow Painting Party is coming up in 9 days and we have 2 free tickets to the event! Make an inspiring post or send us a PM letting us know why you should go, and we will pick the winners!

Exciting in-person South Florida community event by the OCD Central & South Florida, an affiliate of the International OCD Foundation. Fun social event for all ages to meet new friends, challenge your OCD, and embrace your creative uncertainty one paint stroke at a time!

Sunday, September 21st, 2025 from 10:30a – 12:30p EST!
Register for OCD Awareness Florida Glow Painting Party!: (Space is limited; register now!)

https://www.eventbrite.com/.../central-and-south-florida...
If you have any questions about the event, email us at info@ocdcsfl.org.

To learn more about OCD Central & South Florida, please check out www.ocdcsfl.org

04/29/2025

Any providers looking for a good virtual CE? Join OCD Central and South Florida and OCD Texas as they present OCD from a DEI Lens.

Get in now while there are seats and early bird pricing remains available :)

https://OCD-DEILens.eventbrite.com

OCD FROM A DEI LENS: IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS WHEN WORKING WITH BIPOC CLIENTS

Virtual Event with 3 CEU's!

Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/ocd-from-a-dei-lens-tickets-1320068393099

01/31/2025

International OCD Foundation is hosting the Online OCD Camp this weekend - see below to learn more information about how to register and participated! 💁‍♀️🧏‍♂️👨‍👩‍👧‍👦

The Online OCD Camp for youth and families kicks off this weekend, February 1-2, 2025. This is an amazing resource for children and their families!

A weekend full of interactive sessions, educational activities, and FUN for children aged 6-17 who have OCD - or who have a sibling with OCD. It also offers support for caregivers and families, inclusive of strategies and education fro caring for a child with OCD.

You can visit iocdf.org/camp to learn more and register today. The cost is only $75 for the ENTIRE family!

12/18/2024

Make sure you're not just taking care of others during the holiday season.

Six Things You Don't Have to Do During the "Most Wonderful Time of the Year"

12/05/2024

Feel free to join us and spread the word about OCDCSFL's annual OCD Walk in South Florida this year. A wonderful cause and reason to get together with others. Free to attend and filled with family fun activities like face painting, bounce houses, food trucks, raffles and a DJ!

💙💛💙Looking forward to raising awareness and funds for those individuals and families afflicted by OCD with wonderful people. 💙💛💙

Register here: https://support.iocdf.org/event/deerfield-beach-fl-ocd-walk/e599599

One Million Steps for OCD Walk is this Sunday, 12/8/2024!

Our non-profit organization (www.ocdcsfl.org) is putting on our annual "One Million Steps for OCD Walk," and this year's walk is in Deerfield Beach, FL!

We are also looking for VOLUNTEERS to help with event setup/breakdown, refreshments, assisting with the child/family activities, and more. Students can get community service hours for helping, and it will also look great on college applications/resumes.

If you/your child are interested in helping, please contact us ASAP at info@ocdcsfl.org.

Here's more information about the event in case it is helpful! Thanks!

10/30/2024

We know Helene and Milton have been overwhelming and life altering for so many locally and want to offer our support.

If you have a child who may benefit from participating in a FREE process group in St. Petersburg Sunday, November 3rd, please e-mail Dr. Swaim (see below) to let her know of your anticipated attendance.

A big thank you to for helping to coordinate this event!

Please share with any you think may benefit 🥰

10/07/2024

Unfortunately we are having to post-pone for safety reasons. Please stayed tuned to attend our event after Milton. 💨💦

Everyone stay safe!!

***POSTPONED: Viewing and discussion of "Unstuck: An OCD Kids Movie.”***

Given the track of Hurricane Milton, the below event that was scheduled for Sunday, October 13, 2024 at 1pm EST, in Seminole, FL will be postponed to a later date. We will let our community know once it is rescheduled.

Stay safe everyone!

09/16/2024

KMC and OCD Central and South Florida are collaborating to kick off OCD Awareness week, Oct. 13 - Oct. 19th.

Please join us as we gather at the Seminole Community Library for a viewing of UNSTUCK: An OCD Kids Movie followed by a lively discussion facilitated by Dr. Merricks. 🎥

Register with QR code or link below and share with those who may benefit from attending.

https://forms.gle/3N4qqof5hFQLCe3W9

We look forward to seeing you there! 😀

07/19/2024

Join us at the International OCD Foundation Conference in Orlando, July 25-28th as we join with those who have OCD and OCD providers.

There's still time to register to attend virtually or in person! We hope to see you there!