Psychotropic medications are the medications that can be used to affect mood, cognition, perceptions, behaviors, and thoughts. These medications are often prescribed for mental health conditions, like depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, anxiety disorders, etc. Psychotropic medications can be prescribed by various professionals with a license to do so, like physician’s assistants, psychiatric nurse practitioners, and medical doctors, like a psychiatrist. Therapists, counselors, and social workers do not prescribe medications, but they do play a vital role in mental health care by conducting routine psychotherapy. Before starting medication I will discuss alternatives, side effects, risk versus benefit, and the expected outcome with my clients. Both the medical provider and patient need to be in agreement on what issues are being addressed and what an ideal outcome would be before starting treatment. Prescription medications are not needed for all patients; some clients will benefit from over-the-counter remedies or changes to their self-care routine. When medications are prescribed, they do not always have to be taken forever. In some cases, psychotropic medications are used long-term, such as in the management of serious mental illness. In others, medications can be used in short-term contexts to alleviate symptoms until root issues are addressed. However, it is important to consult with a medical provider before discontinuing medication since it can be dangerous to stop them suddenly.
Utilizing counseling and honing in on coping skills are also both great tools to help with the challenges that arise from mental health conditions. These tools are sometimes the only resources that people need in order to get back to their best and function appropriately in day-to-day life. There are instances, however, where additional tools may be needed to help navigate through the hard times while completing therapy and learning other beneficial skills. Medications can help make the challenges a little more manageable. They will not get to the root of the problem, but it can make the journey there become bearable.
If you think medications may be appropriate for you, feel free to schedule a consultation with me! My consultations are free, can be done online or in-person, and give us a chance to meet and see if your needs align with the services I provide. I do not see clients for billable appointments before conducting a consultation- I want both of us to know that we'll be a good fit before I begin managing your medication. Following a consultation, I see my clients for their intake appointment. The intake appointment is billed (either through insurance for clients with in-network plans or out-of-pocket for others) and will last one full hour. I prefer to conduct intakes in-person so that we can meet face-to-face at least once, but I am happy to work with clients for whom telehealth is the best option Toward the end of that appointment, my clients and I will a discussion about their needs and goals. From then on, I meet with my clients regularly for 30-45 minutes at a time to see how their treatment is going, make any necessary adjustments, and find out how else I can support them!
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