Medication Management
We frequently see clients who struggle with anxiety, depression, and other mental health concerns. Many people feel uncertain about adding medication to their treatment plan, and it’s entirely normal to have questions and even reservations. Understanding the role of psychiatric services and medication management can help clarify the benefits and how they can be tailored to meet your individual needs, especially when paired with talk therapy.
Psychiatric services and medication management can be valuable tools in managing mental health conditions, particularly when symptoms significantly impact daily life. For many, medication can help stabilize mood, decrease anxiety, and provide relief from persistent depressive symptoms, giving individuals the energy and clarity they need to engage fully in therapy. When combined with talk therapy, medication management often enhances the therapeutic process, enabling clients to work on emotional issues more effectively. Therapy addresses the underlying causes of distress and helps build coping skills, while medication can alleviate symptoms that may otherwise interfere with the process.
Clients often have several questions or concerns when considering medication. Here are five common ones I encounter, along with my responses:
Will I become dependent on medication?
One of the most common concerns about medication is the fear of dependency. Most medications prescribed for anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions are not addictive. In fact, many medications are designed to be used long enough to support your healing and help manage symptoms but can be gradually reduced or even stopped with the guidance of a provider if no longer needed. Our approach to medication is careful, and we closely monitor your progress to ensure that any medication prescribed is used at the lowest effective dose for as long as it’s beneficial.
Will medication change who I am?
Medications for mental health are intended to help you feel more like yourself, not someone else. The goal of medication is to reduce symptoms that may be overshadowing your true self—like constant worry, deep sadness, or lack of motivation—so you can function and feel better. We work closely to find the right medication and dose that suits you personally, with minimal impact on your personality or sense of identity.
Are there side effects I should be worried about?
Like any treatment, medications can have side effects, but not everyone experiences them. We start with the lowest effective dose and monitor you regularly, allowing us to make adjustments if you experience any discomfort. Many side effects are mild and temporary, and for those that aren’t, we’ll work together to find alternatives that minimize impact while still effectively treating your symptoms.
What if I want to stop taking medication later on?
Medication is often a flexible part of treatment, and you have control over it. Many clients use medication as a short-term support while they develop coping skills and work through issues in therapy. If, down the line, you decide you want to reduce or stop medication, we’ll create a plan to do so safely. I always tell clients that medication is just one tool in the toolkit—it’s there for as long as it’s helpful and can be adjusted as your needs change.
Why add medication if I’m already in therapy?
Therapy is an essential part of mental health care, and adding medication can sometimes help you get more out of the process. For some, anxiety or depressive symptoms are so overwhelming that it’s hard to engage fully in therapy. Medication can take the edge off, helping you to focus and feel more emotionally grounded. When symptoms are managed, therapy can be more productive, and you may find it easier to work through personal challenges and build resilience.
Medication management is a highly individualized approach, and your comfort and preferences matter. By working closely together, we can explore whether medication could be a helpful part of your mental health journey, alongside talk therapy and other supportive services. With a collaborative, client-centered approach, we strive to make sure you feel empowered and informed about your mental health treatment at every step. Use the contact form to schedule with Aisha Vielot, FNP-BC, PMHNP-BC to get started today.