Psychiatric Medication Management
Psychiatry
Psychiatric medication can be a powerful treatment for many mental health conditions. The right medications help to regulate the biological processes in your brain, which can reduce your harmful thoughts and emotions. While it may not be a substitute for therapy, countless patients credit their psychiatric medication for allowing them to regain control of their lives.
If you struggle with your mental health, you might have considered taking medication to alleviate some of your struggles. Starting a new medication is a major step in your mental health journey, so it’s important that you work closely with your psychiatrist. If you already take psychiatric medication, it’s important to continue to check in with a psychiatrist to make sure everything is working as it should. Improving your mental health is a long-term process, and medication adjustments along the way are very common.
The Beverly Hills Therapy Group offers medication management services for individuals who are currently taking psychiatric medications or who are interested in starting. We understand the vital role that medication plays in mental healthcare, and we help our clients find safe, effective, and personalized regimens.
What Is Psychiatric Medication Management?
Medication management is the process of consulting with a psychiatrist to find the medications that work best for you. When you first begin medication management, your psychiatrist will assess your needs, symptoms, and health background. Then, they’ll prescribe one or more medications with the goal of getting your symptoms under control.
Medication management does not end with that first prescription, though. It’s an ongoing process for as long as you continue with your medications. Because everyone responds differently to medication, your medication management psychiatrist will likely adjust prescriptions and dosages over time. Some patients taper off of their medications as they see long-term improvements with their mental health. Others need to try new medications if they start having issues with their current ones. The purpose of medication management is to ensure that the prescriptions continue to work as they should.
Some people with psychological disorders use only medications to manage their symptoms. In many cases, though, medication management works best when combined with therapy. The medication helps to regulate your mood or prevent extreme behaviors, and therapy helps you develop coping skills so that you can actively overcome the challenges in your life. The Beverly Hills Therapy Group provides both medication management and therapy services so that our clients can receive complete care through one practice.
Why Psychiatric Medication Management Is Important
Anyone who takes prescriptions for a mental health disorder should receive medication management services. Taking care of your mental and emotional health is an ongoing process, and the continued support from a medication management psychiatrist will allow you to thrive.
Mental health disorders are extremely complicated. Two people with the same diagnosis may have vastly different symptoms and health histories. Therefore, they need completely different prescriptions. Everyone responds differently to medications, too. You might have a fantastic experience with one medication while someone else reacts poorly to it. You need to work closely with a psychiatrist so that your prescriptions are perfectly tailored to your own needs.
Psychological conditions can change over time, too. Symptoms can naturally get better or worse as you age, and external factors in your life can play a major role in your mental health. As you go through life transitions or face crises, you and your psychiatrist may need to adjust your medication regimen. Regularly checking in with a professional ensures that you get the adjustments you need as quickly as possible.
Medication management also helps you stay safe while you’re on your prescriptions. Unfortunately, many psychiatric drugs have side effects. Your medication management provider can offer suggestions to minimize the side effects and stay healthy. They’ll consider how your psychiatric medications could interact with other prescriptions, too.
If you’ve been taking a prescription and are considering stopping, medication management is essential for you as well. Some people stay on medications for their whole lives, and others reach a point where they’d like to stop. Either option can be fine as long as you have support from your healthcare team. Stopping a medication on your own without monitoring can have serious consequences for your mental health. Your psychiatrist will help you safely end your medication regimen while keeping an eye on your symptoms.
What to Expect
You might feel nervous or stressed before your first medication management appointment. Some people are hesitant to open up to a professional about their psychological struggles, and others are worried that taking medication will change who they are. It’s completely natural to feel this way, but remember that your psychiatrist is here to help you. Their job is to equip you with the tools you need to reach your mental health goals.
At your first appointment, your psychiatrist will start with an assessment. They’ll collect information about your medical history and ask you about your symptoms. They may also make a diagnosis if you aren’t already diagnosed with a psychological disorder. Based on the assessment, your psychiatrist may recommend one or more medications. However, the decision to follow through with the prescription is always up to you. Ask your psychiatrist any and all questions you may have about the medications.
If you get a prescription, you’ll begin by taking it on a trial basis. Your psychiatrist will closely monitor your symptoms to make sure the medication is working and that you don’t experience dangerous side effects. Over time, they may make changes to your medication regimen to help you get the best results.
Medication Management in Beverly Hills, Ca
If you’re looking for medication management in the Beverly Hills area, we’re here to help. The Beverly Hills Therapy Group provides medication management services with a licensed psychiatrist. We know how important it is to find the right medication regimen to manage your symptoms, and our goal is to provide compassionate, personalized care for all of our clients. Contact The Beverly Hills Therapy Group today to learn more.
Ron N. Gad, PhD
FounderDr. Ronen Nissan, PhD is the founder of Beverly Hills Therapy Group in California. Dr. Gad holds a PhD in clinical psychology from Pacifica Graduate Institute. Along with his staff of licensed therapist, Beverly Hills Therapy Group provides mental health services for many disorders including anxiety, trauma, depression, and several others.