Medication Management

Psychiatrists provide psychiatric medication management and assessment. Understanding how a psychiatric practitioner can help you, learning what the phrase “medication management” means and knowing what to expect with your psychiatric assessment visit may reduce any concerns. An initial assessment includes an overview of your symptoms and a determination of whether or not medication is a good option in the treatment of your mental health. Where our primary care colleagues address more physical aspects of treatment, we utilize discussion to get to the root of your mental health care needs.Based on this assessment, a diagnosis is made and a treatment plan is designed with the patient at the center. If it’s in the patient’s best interests, medications will be discussed and education will be provided on the actions, uses, and side effects of the suggested medication options. When the patient agrees on a medication and treatment option, the medication is prescribed for a trial period to observe the effectiveness. This is the “medication management,” aspect of psychiatric care. We monitor the effectiveness of medication over a course of time to determine if the treatment meets the patient’s goals. Through careful monitoring and on-going discussion we find the right medication and treatment plan to improve the patient’s mental health.The use of prescription medications introduces potential risks and side effects, as with any medication. These are all discussed in detail, and weighed against the benefits of the medications, with each patient.