If you’ve been diagnosed with a mental disorder or you’re seeking treatment for symptoms of a mental illness, you’ve likely heard about the potential benefits of psychiatric medication for dealing with those symptoms. You’re just as likely to have heard, though, about the potential side effects associated with these medications. Without the proper dosage and guidance from a medical professional who understands your symptoms and circumstances, psychiatric medications can have serious negative consequences for your health.
That’s where a practice like Synchronous Mental Health comes in. We’re experienced mental health practitioners offering telehealth services for medication management in several states, including Washington. Whether you’re looking for an evaluation to determine whether medication is the right approach for you, or you’re looking for guidance when your current medications aren’t providing effective results, we’re here and ready to help.
For more information about psychiatric medications in general, what to expect from medication management services, and why you may find our practice to be the best option for you, continue through the rest of this blog post.
As written in this article by the National Institute of Mental Health, psychiatric medications are a tool used to treat a variety of mental conditions. Therapists will stick to talk therapy as the primary treatment for many patients’ symptoms, but for many others, medication is needed to supplement the effects of therapy. The decision is often made based on the severity of a patient’s symptoms and their overall circumstances, including other substances they’re taking and conditions they may be dealing with.
Psychiatric medications fall into a few different categories, including:
Medication management starts with an evaluation by a medical professional where previously-mentioned factors like your current conditions and symptoms, substances you’re taking, and the viability of medication options for treating your symptoms are all taken into account. Once you have a diagnosis, your doctor will develop a treatment plan for you and discuss the potential effects of the medication you’ll be taking for the prescribed period.
If you decide to move forward with the treatment, you’ll be put on the chosen medication for a trial period to better understand how it might affect your health long-term. If it’s providing a sufficient benefit for managing your symptoms, you’ll be able to stick with the medication for a longer period. If you’re experiencing few beneficial effects or serious side effects, you’ll be prescribed a different medication.
Our practice has provided medication management services to patients coming from a variety of different circumstances for over 22 years. We’ve previously written on our blog about our services in Portland specifically, but we strive to provide effective, judgement-free treatment no matter where you are. We’re committed to helping you manage your symptoms as safely as possible and remaining completely transparent with you about any potential impact a medication could have on your health.
We’re ready to give you the empathetic help you’re looking for on a schedule that works for you. Take advantage of our convenient telehealth services now and schedule a consultation with us. Managing your mental health can be incredibly challenging, but we’re here to help you through it with effective, professional care and treatment options.
