One of the most common questions our psychiatric providers hear is: “Do I really need medication?” It's a deeply personal question with no universal answer. What we can do is give you the information to make an informed decision with your provider.
When Medication Can Help
Psychiatric medication can be helpful when symptoms are significantly impairing your ability to function, when therapy alone hasn't produced sufficient improvement, when there's a strong genetic or biological component to the condition, or when symptoms are severe (such as in major depression with psychotic features or bipolar mania).
For conditions like major depression, anxiety disorders, ADHD, OCD, and bipolar disorder, medication combined with therapy typically produces better outcomes than either treatment alone.
What to Expect from a Psychiatric Evaluation
At Mriya Health, a psychiatric evaluation involves a comprehensive conversation with a board-certified psychiatric provider. They'll ask about your symptoms, history, family history, previous treatments, and current medications. This typically takes 60 minutes.
If medication is recommended, your provider will explain the options, likely effects and side effects, and what monitoring will look like. There's no pressure to start medication — the decision is always yours.
Medication Is Not a Permanent Decision
Many people worry that starting medication means being on it forever. In reality, many people take psychiatric medication for a period of time — often while also working in therapy — and then taper off successfully with their provider's guidance.
Talk to a psychiatric provider
Schedule an evaluation with one of our board-certified psychiatric providers.
Learn About Medication Management