MEDICATION MANAGEMENT
We bring curiosity and humility to our helping relationships, and are committed to honoring the many layers of you.
Getting Started
Your first appointment with a nurse practitioner will be focused on learning more about you and your mental wellness goals. Our seasoned practitioners have worked in a variety of settings with a wide range of presenting issues and can work with you to create a treatment plan that fits your needs. We also offer genetic testing through GeneSight for folx who have tried several medications in the past.
Here are some tips for being prepared for your first appointment:
- Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking,including dosages.
- Bring a list of psychiatric medications you’ve taken in the past
- Consider your goals –
- What symptoms are the most problematic?
- What side effects are you concerned about?
- How would you know if medication was helping?
Getting the most from treatment
Research consistently finds that medication alone may not generate the best, longest lasting results.
To get the most from medication management, consider the following:
- Am I getting enough sleep?
- Am I getting physical movement that suits my body’s needs?
- Do I have positive, supportive relationships with friends, family, and/or care providers?
- What stressors impact my ability to get all of the above?
Myth Busters
Despite the fact that physicians have been successfully treating psychiatric concerns with medication for nearly a century, there are still misconceptions about the process.
Myth #1: I’ll get addicted to my medication
The majority of medications prescribed for mental health concerns are not addictive. Medications in the amphetamine and benzodiazepine categories do carry some risk for addiction, but this can largely be mitigated by taking it as prescribed.
Addiction is characterized by craving, needing more and more over time to get an effect, and withdrawal symptoms when the substance is discontinued.
Myth #2: I’ll need to be on medication forever
It’s not uncommon for folx to choose to stay on a medication that is working for years at a time, however, 6 months to a year is often the starting point particularly in the treatment of depression and anxiety. You will always have choices when it comes to how long you stay on medication.
Myth #3: I can’t take medication, I’m pregnant or breastfeeding
Medications are rated based on their relative safety for taking while pregnant or breast feeding. Our nurse practitioners are trained in perinatal mental health, and can help you navigate the risks and potential benefits with confidence.
Michelle Helms
PMHNP-BC, WHNP, PMH-C
Michelle offers holistic, compassionate care for individuals seeking medication to help attain wellness goals.
Tiirini Hill
MSN, PMHNP-BC
Tiirini offers individualized, compassionate care for individuals seeking medication; focusing on bridging the gap between mental healthcare & accessibility.
