When it comes to managing mental health concerns, sometimes the benefits of psychotherapy are simply not enough. That’s where medication management comes in. Medication management services involve collaboration between a behavioral health provider, patient, and sometimes other healthcare providers to create a personalized plan for success.
For many patients, effective medication management can lead to incredible relief from the symptoms of mental health disorders that previously might have seemed insurmountable. However, it’s important to go about medication management in the right way. Working with a licensed practitioner and ensuring medication adherence are crucial to get the most out of your mental health medications. Today, we’re covering the ins and outs of medication management to ensure that you are set up to thrive!
What Is Medication Management?
Often called simply “med management,” psychiatric medication management is a collaborative process between a licensed behavioral health professional and a client or patient. Med management is used to address the symptoms of mental health conditions, including anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, PTSD, and so many more. By working with a trained mental health professional, you will be able to evaluate your symptoms and come up with a treatment plan catered to your individual needs.
It’s also worth noting that medication management is an ongoing process, not a one-and-done scenario. Prescribing medication is just the first step in medication management services. After the initial prescription, you will follow up with your provider to monitor your progress. You will consider how well the medication is working to mitigate the symptoms of your mental health concerns. You want to make sure you are able to minimize side effects while maximizing the benefits of the treatment plan. If the medication you are initially prescribed is not working for you or is presenting disruptive side effects, your provider might suggest a different medication or an alternate course of treatment.
Let’s dive a little deeper into medication management tools and the process behind med management…
What Is the Medication Management Process?
The medication management process begins with an initial evaluation of a patient’s needs followed by a prescription to address symptoms. After medication is prescribed, med management involves ongoing monitoring by a qualified prescriber such as a nurse practitioner therapist. Let’s break down the steps in medication management services:
Diagnosis: Before medication is prescribed, a Maryland therapist will assess the client’s status to build a diagnosis that reflects each individual’s unique struggles. Providers will look at both the symptoms and the root causes behind a client’s presentation. For instance, someone who is struggling with disordered sleep might be experiencing that as a symptom of another mental health concern, such as PTSD or bipolar disorder.
Treatment Plan: Once a provider has established a diagnosis, they will come up with an individualized treatment plan that will help address symptoms and allow the client to live a more fulfilling life. A treatment plan might be multifaceted – for instance, it could include both talk therapy and med management.
Prescription: A major component of medication management tools is prescribing the right drug for each person’s individual needs. Working with a trained therapist in Baltimore is a great way to find the right option for your unique health concerns. After your script is written, you can pick up your medication at a local pharmacy.
Ongoing Monitoring and Evaluation: Remember, medication management is not a one-stop shop. It’s important to continue seeing your provider for follow-up appointments, at which you will look at the efficacy of the prescribed medication. Is it treating your symptoms? Is it introducing any side effects that are negatively impacting your day-to-day life? If so, your provider can adjust the med management prescription in order to better serve you by changing the drug, dosage, or other factors.
Medication Management for Seniors
Medication management for seniors is no different than med management strategies for younger clients. You will want to work with a trained therapist in Towson or the greater Baltimore area in order to diagnose your mental health concern, create an individualized treatment plan, and receive a prescription. You will also want to attend follow-up appointments to ensure all is well with your plan and your medication.
Sometimes, medication management for seniors is confused with medication adherence. Medication adherence is different from psychiatric medication management and refers to ensuring that individuals adhere to the medication schedule determined by their provider. For instance, medication adherence could look like using a pill box to ensure you remember to take your prescribed medicines each night.
Know Your Medication Management Tools
Why is it necessary to work with a licensed provider to establish a strong medication management plan? First of all, you’ll need to work with a qualified professional in order to get a prescription written. But more importantly, an untrained individual might not have the knowledge to avoid medication interactions, understand side effects, and choose the right dosage.
When you work with the experts, like our talented team at Triumph Behavioral Health, we’ll make sure you are set up for success. We’ll work with you on an ongoing basis to ensure you’re getting the most possible benefit out of your medications and avoiding any side effects that disrupt your life. You shouldn’t have to introduce new complications in order to feel better, and we’ll work with you to find your ideal med management solution.
Explore Medication Management Services at Triumph Behavioral Health
At Triumph Behavioral Health, you’ll have the opportunity to work with some of the best therapists in Maryland as you explore the benefits of psychotherapy and medication management. Our team will work closely with you to assess your individual circumstances and unique needs, determining the best course of treatment. Your personalized treatment plan might include talk therapy, med management, and other aspects of wellness to embody a holistic solution catered to you.
You can even use our therapy appointment patient portal to schedule a same week therapy appointment and get started on your path forward. We can’t wait to meet you and work together to build a better tomorrow. Reach out to us now to kick off your journey! At Triumph, we care.