What is psychiatric medication management?
Ongoing evaluation and prescribing support for mental health conditions, provided by a licensed psychiatric provider. It usually works in coordination with therapy rather than in place of it, and it involves regular check-ins over time rather than a single visit.
Do I need to also be in therapy to see a medication management provider?
Not necessarily. Medication management typically works in coordination with therapy, and many people do both, but the right combination depends on what you're dealing with. That's something you and Rachel can work out together, including whether adding therapy makes sense if you aren't in it now.
Is medication management available outside Illinois?
No, not at this time. Rachel is licensed in Illinois only, so this service is limited to Illinois residents.
What happens at the first appointment?
The first appointment is an evaluation. Rachel will ask about your history, what's going on for you now, what brought you in at this particular moment, and what you've already tried. That might be years of therapy, a medication that didn't suit you, or nothing yet. From there, the two of you talk through what might make sense next. Sometimes that means medication. Sometimes it means a different recommendation entirely.