Psych Meds: Do You Need Psychiatric Medication Management?

In the United States, about 20% of adults take psychiatric medication and can benefit greatly from having a psychiatric expert, such as a medical doctor who is a psychiatrist, oversee their psychiatric medication management. That’s because psychiatrists who are also medical doctors have much more training and experience in the management of psych meds (such as medications for anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder, and other mental disorders or emotional problems). Psychiatrists generally have much more training in mental health medications than neurologists, internal medicine doctors, or even psychiatric nurse practitioners.

Can a Psychiatrist Prescribe Psychiatric Meds Online?

Yes, a psychiatrist can prescribe psychiatric medications online after doing a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, needs and circumstances through a tele-health video visit. In Florida, at the time of this writing, a psychiatrist can prescribe Schedule II medications such as stimulant medication for ADHD (e.g. Adderall) and benzodiazepines (such as Xanax or Klonopin). However, our team is dedicated to help you live a happy, satisfying, and anxiety-free life, eventually without anxiety medication or with minimal anxiety medication.

We have specialized training in additions and are able to help you reduce your need for medication in a comfortable manner with the right support, and without judgement.

You may have also heard that there is an upcoming change to federal law about the prescribing of controlled substances online. Controlled substances are certain types of psychiatric medications or medications for anxiety and ADHD that can be addictive. This will not impact our practice much, because in addition to telemedicine, we have a team of mental healthcare professionals physically in our Plantation FL office.

What is Psychiatric Medication Management?

Psychiatric medication management involves working with a psychiatrist to make sure that your psychiatric medications are effective and safe. At first, the psychiatrist will talk with you to understand your mental health symptoms and your goals as far as what result you would like from the psych medication. The physician will also ask you information about your medical history and any other medications you are taking.

Then, your psychiatrist will either prescribe new mental health medication or make changes to your current medication, or even help you gradually reduce or eliminate some medications. This process of psychiatric medication management may include changing doses, switching medications, detoxing from certain drugs, or adding new drugs.

It’s important to have medication evaluations and medication re-evaluations with a qualified and skilled psychiatrist on a regular basis to make sure your medication is still working and does not have problematic side effects. We’ve seen manay patients who, year after year, continue to get their mental health medications refilled by their internal medicine doctor or primary care physician. This is usually not a very effective way to manage psychiatric medication, because physicians who are not psychiatrist have not completed any specialized training in the management of psychiatric medications.

How do I know if I need Psychiatric Medication Management?

That’s a great question! A lot of times, mental health symptoms and emotional wellness concerns can be improved with psychotherapy and counseling. But sometimes, a combination of both of therapy and medication works best. For some mental disorders, like severe bipolar disorder or schizophrenia, medication might be necessary. And other times, you may benefit from medication for a short period of time while you’re going through a difficult time in your life. No matter what your needs are, our team of amazing mental health professionals can help you figure it out, in a safe, caring and confidential environment.

Expert Psychiatric Care in Broward County Florida

Our main office in located in Broward County, Florida (in mid-town Plantation, about 10 to 15 minutes drive from Fort Lauderdale, Davie, Cooper City, Weston, Pembroke Pines, Sunrise, Tamarac, Lauderhill, Dania Beach, and Hollywood, Florida. Give us a call at 954-559-2936 or shoot us a email at info@LifeCounselor.net !