Many clients find talk therapy an effective way to work through difficult times and challenges. For others, therapy combined with psychiatric medication is a more effective treatment method. Just as we take medication for high blood pressure and diabetes, psychiatric medications are taken to treat the symptoms of a variety of issues including:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Attention issues
- Stress
- Panic
Thriveworks Counseling Grand Rapids is now offering medication management services through a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner. These Nurse Practitioners are highly specialized to work with psychiatric medications, provide evaluations, education and treatment for mental health disorders using medication. Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners work closely with a Psychiatrist, who consults with them on the medication and treatment they prescribe. These practitioners often have significant experience working in the mental health field and are passionate about helping clients just like you.
If I Start Taking Medication, Do I Have To Take It Forever?
Not necessarily – many people utilize psychiatric medications for a short period to work through challenging times and transitions, along with talk or other types of therapy. Sometimes medication can make it possible for clients to better handle and regulate their emotions so they are able to focus more on the other therapy they are receiving.
Some medications need to be taken for several weeks before they start to become effective at relieving symptoms. They need time to build up in our system, so we ask clients to give 4-6 weeks commitment to the process after starting medication to determine effectiveness and evaluate whether another treatment method would be more effective.
This will be an important conversation you will have with the Nurse Practitioner as you work together, along with your regular therapist. Continued evaluation of your progress is necessary to ensure the effectiveness of the treatment methods we are using.
What is the first step?
Give us a call and ask for a medication management intake appointment at 616-425-2176. We will take some information from you, set you up with an appointment, verify your insurance benefits, and send you a confirmation email with all the details you will need. Your first session will be approximately 60 minutes where you will discuss your concerns and history with the Nurse Practitioner.
