Over the last few years, mental health has become a concern for many.
Whether you’re handling an existing mental health condition or are dealing with a recent diagnosis, managing your medication can be a challenge.
It’s something that many people struggle with, especially when it comes to taking multiple medications. So how do you find a good combination of medicine and make adjustments as needed?
A medication management psychiatrist is trained to ensure you take the right medication at the right times. They can also assist if you have any questions, concerns or need help making adjustments to your dosage. Here at Synchronous Mental Health, we believe in providing our patients with holistic care for their mental health. So if you’re thinking about using medication to address your mental health issues, here are a few people that can help and what they can provide.
General Practitioners
General practitioners technically can prescribe you medication for mental health. However, they are not trained in the nuances of medication specifically designed for mental health concerns. If you’re in a position where you feel you need medication and aren’t able to see a psychiatrist in the immediate, a general practitioner will be able to help in the meantime. If you’re in an emergency, it’s best to call 911 and get to the emergency department for support. Regardless, you should follow up with a psychiatrist or another mental health professional afterward to ensure you’re taking the right medication for your diagnosis.
Psychiatrists
Psychiatrists work with patients to ensure they have the ability to manage their mental health in a positive way. They are extensively trained in diagnosing potential imbalances and finding the right medication to guide their patients toward a more level lifestyle. For example, a medication that works better for you if you have depression, whereas another medication works better for someone with anxiety. That said, some psychiatrists can have a tight schedule, and it may be a challenge to find time to connect with them. That’s when it’s a good idea to connect with a psychiatric nurse practitioner.
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Psychiatric nurse practitioners act like psychiatrists since they can assess patients and help decipher what the best next steps may be for treatment. They are advanced registered nurses who have finished their graduate program but do not yet have a doctoral degree. That said, they have plenty of experience and will likely be able to provide you with the guidance you need in working towards a solid medication plan for your mental health needs.
While adding medication into your daily life can feel overwhelming, it isn’t impossible. And getting the support you need is important. Here at Synchronous Mental Health, we strive to give our patients the care and attention they need to feel balanced and cared for. If you’re considering using medication to manage your mental health, feel free to reach out to us! We’d love to hear about your goals and help you work toward a stress-free life.