Medication Management
Medication can be an important part of care for anxiety, depression, and many other mental health concerns. Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, provides individualized medication management for patients age 9 and older in Chandler, Arizona, Boise, Idaho, and through virtual visits.
Medication management is designed to help determine whether a medicine is appropriate for your diagnosis, whether your current treatment is working as intended, and whether the dose or medication choice should be adjusted over time.
Dr. Frances Spink combines medication oversight with ongoing psychiatric evaluation and follow-up so treatment can evolve with your symptoms, goals, medical history, and lifestyle.
Answers to Your Medication Management Questions
What is medication management?
Medication management at Essential Mental Healthcare, PLLC, uses psychiatric medication when appropriate to reduce troublesome symptoms and support day-to-day functioning. Dr. Spink also reviews medications you already take to determine whether they fit your diagnosis and whether the current dose remains appropriate.
Care may be combined with in-person or telepsychiatry follow-up so treatment can be reviewed regularly and adjusted as your needs change.
Which conditions can medication management address?
Medication management may be considered for a wide range of mental health concerns, including:
- Insomnia and eating disorders
- Phobias and panic attacks
- Schizophrenia and behavioral concerns
- Difficult life transitions, school concerns, and low self-esteem
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Substance use disorder and stress-related symptoms
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Personality disorders and bipolar disorder
- Anxiety and depression
- Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
Medication is not necessary for every patient. Treatment is individualized to your symptoms, medical history, goals, and lifestyle.
Am I a candidate for medication management?
A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation helps determine whether medication could be useful. Dr. Spink reviews emotions, behavior, thoughts, mood, current medications, and other health information before recommending a plan.
Symptoms that may prompt evaluation include persistent mood changes, difficulty concentrating, hopelessness, panic attacks, obsessions or compulsions, nightmares, flashbacks, or substance-related concerns.
When appropriate, GeneSight genetic testing may also be used to provide additional information about how your body may respond to certain psychiatric medications.
What can I expect during medication management?
Medication management includes routine follow-up to review how well treatment is working, discuss possible side effects, and decide whether a medication or dose should be adjusted. Follow-up may take place in person or virtually.
Your care plan may also include healthy lifestyle recommendations involving sleep, nutrition, exercise, stress reduction, and social support when those changes can strengthen overall mental wellness.
To schedule an in-person or telepsychiatry medication-management evaluation, call the office or use the online booking option.