Mental Health Medication Management
What is Medication Management?
Navigating mental health and medication options can be complex, with a variety of psychotropic medications available. In psychiatric medication management, there is a meticulous evaluation and monitoring of an individual’s response to medications prescribed for their mental health condition. A medical provider specifically trained in psychiatry/mental health, properly diagnosing, and psychopharmacology is crucial for receiving top-notch care.
Effective care involves medication management in addressing health issues and their impact on individuals. Since medications affect each person differently, it’s vital to monitor for side effects and interactions with other medications to guarantee tailored and appropriate care.
In medication management, individuals dealing with mental health issues are usually overseen by both a Psychiatrist/Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner—and a therapist concurrently. Collaborating with a therapist allows the prescriber and therapist to jointly monitor any adverse effects of medication on the individual’s symptoms and coordinate care more effectively.
Call our office at 208-391-7804 for more information.
How does medication management work?
Initial Provider Meeting:
During your initial psychiatric evaluation, Jake Clark-Bellenfant, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, the Medical Director at Symmetry Counseling, will inquire about your personal and family medical history, social history, current symptoms, and concerns. Providing an accurate account of your medical background, including illnesses, disorders, current medications, and past medication trials for mental health disorders is crucial to creating an effective treatment plan and medication regimen that is best tailored for the individual patient.
Following the evaluation results, the provider will offer a diagnosis and present a personalized treatment plan. Should you choose to proceed with medications offered, specific medication(s) will be chosen and prescribed for a trial period. The provider will discuss potential side effects and dosages to prepare you for what to expect while taking the medication(s). It’s important to note that not everyone with a psychiatric condition may require medication.
Medication Management:
Following a predetermined amount of time, you and your provider will evaluate its effectiveness in addressing your symptoms. If the medication proves successful and is adhered to as instructed, you may continue its use under the monitoring of your medical provider. Alternatively, if the medication is ineffective or there is a partial response, further trial periods with different medications or adjunctive medications may be considered to find the most suitable option for your treatment. In addition to symptom monitoring through medication, you may be advised to engage in counseling or participate in behavioral or cognitive therapies to enhance symptom management.
Why is medication management important?
Effective mental health medication management is crucial for numerous reasons, such as integrated monitoring for alterations, potential mitigation of health risks, and bridging care disparities to achieve cost-effective and favorable outcomes for patients.
Diagnoses/Problems Commonly Seen for Medication Management
- Depression/Irritability/Mood Swings
- Anhedonia/Loss of interest or pleasure in doing things or life
- Mood Disorders including Bipolar I and II
- Anxiety
- Panic
- OCD
- PTSD
- Insomnia/Fatigue/Daytime Sleepiness
- ADHD
- Seasonal Affective Disorder
- Substance Use Disorder Maintenance (We do not provide Suboxone/Buprenorphine Treatment for Opioid Use Disorder at this time)
- Symptoms Associated with Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Memory Problems/Neurocognitive Decline