What are Medication Management Services?
An increasing number of people are experiencing a variety of psychiatric conditions. When looking for help in addressing the symptoms associated with these conditions, there are two main options, psychotherapy and psychopharmacology (psychiatric medications).
With Psychiatric Medication Management, the goal is to treat symptoms with medications in the most complete and efficient way possible while minimizing any possible side effects. Many people will not need chronic medications and will be able to get off of medications in the course of their treatment.
What Conditions are Treated with Medication Management?
Treatment with psychiatric medication include but are not limited to:
Anxiety
Attention Deficit Disorders (ADD/ADHD)
Bipolar Disorder
Depression
Mood Disorders
Panic attacks
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
What happens during a Medication Management appointment?
An initial evaluation will include psychiatric, social and medical history to determine what may or may not have worked for you in the past and decided on a treatment course moving forward.
If medication management is deemed appropriate, discussion of options including risks and benefits will occur. Other recommendations including other medical evaluations or concurrent psychotherapy will made as well. While some psychotherapy techniques may be employed during medication appointments, this will not be our main focus as more time is often required for appropriate psychotherapy treatment.
During follow up medication management appointments we will review the progress of certain symptoms and address any concerns with current treatment plan. Appropriate adjustments can then be made.
Benefits of specialized Medication Management?
With appropriate Medication Management, negative symptoms can be better controlled and day-to-day functioning at work or in interpersonal relationships improved. The problem of over-medication can be monitored and medications decreased as symptoms lessen.