Medication Management
The importance of proper medication management cannot be overstated, yet certain stigmas still arise when it comes to seeking mental health treatments, especially psychopharmacological (the technical way of saying medication-based treatments). Even though a well-matched prescription medication can greatly reduce or even eliminate symptoms and improve a patient’s quality of life, mental health professionals are very much aware that the effectiveness of these treatments varies widely from patient to patient and at least one third of patients remain treatment resistant. So, how do you go about finding a medication or combination of medications that work for your condition(s)? Well, that’s exactly what medication management seeks to answer. It all starts with a discerning provider with the experience and compassion necessary to determine a specific diagnosis, or verify an existing one, and explore medication options that are individualized for you. There are many considerations when choosing a new medication. Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles is pleased to offer medication management in-house as of 2022 with multiple expert psychiatrists on staff. Let us outline what exactly medication management is and the pros and cons below.
Currently Accepting
Is Medication Management Right For Me?
Dr. Suzie Dupée, triple-board-certified psychiatrist
What is Psychiatric Medication Management?
Psychiatric medication management refers to a level of outpatient treatment involving the initial evaluation of a patient’s need for psychotropic medications. It also entails the provision of a prescription, as well as the ongoing monitoring of a patient’s use of medication by a qualified physician or prescriber. These prescribers or physicians are responsible for ensuring that patients are reaching their desired outcomes, as well as avoiding any side-effects that could jeopardize their safety or health. By creating treatment plans that monitor a medication’s efficacy, psychiatric medication management provides individuals with ways to productively reduce or eliminate symptoms of their mental health condition(s).
Dr. Peyman Tashkandi, Director of Psychiatry
The Significance of Medication Management in Mental Health
When analyzing the relationship between medication management and mental health, one very important notion to note is that not every patient requires medication, nor is it the best fit for everyone. Some individuals may require a short-term treatment plan, while others require long-term plans to treat chronic conditions. For this reason, thoughtful and personalized medication management becomes all the more important, as this ongoing monitoring of a prescription can help address these nuances for each individual. Unlike prescriptions for physical ailments, medication management in mental health is an ongoing process, a moving target of sorts, and requires art and science to produce optimum results. Most psychiatric medications for depression and other mood disorders take time to start working, and even longer to reach peak levels, giving providers a chance to adjust dosages, the timing of dosing, and combinations of medications.
Pricing – Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles charges $400 for a psychiatric evaluation for new patients and $200 for follow-up visits. We are currently in network with Medicare, Optum, and Managed Health Network (MHN) and can bill them for your visit; more health plans will be added soon.
Breaking the Stigmas of Medication Management Therapy
Continued efforts to break stigmas regarding medication management, as well as mental health treatment as a whole, are very much needed to give individuals the resources they need to treat their conditions. Some common stigmas and questions asked by individuals seeking medication management therapy include:
- Will Medication Change Who I Am? – Medication is not going to change who you are as a person. Essentially, they will not change your character. Individuals with mental health conditions often worry that after struggling with symptoms for so long, they won’t know how they will be or act after treatment or will lose a sense of who they are. When used appropriately, medications do not do this. In fact, the right treatment plan has the potential to empower you to be more yourself, not less. After all, depression, anxiety, PTSD, and other mental health challenges are not who you are, they are something you may be challenged by, and minimizing or eliminating the symptoms associated with these afflictions brings you one step closer to the person who is underneath.
- Am I Weak or Abnormal For Needing Medication? – Absolutely not. Self-criticism is a common concern for individuals seeking medication management, but there is nothing weird or wrong about getting the treatment you need. Everyone depends on a healthy flow of neurotransmitters to function and thrive, and in truth, this process is not the same for all people. Most Americans take medication for a medical condition, and approximately 20% have received mental health treatment in the last year, with more than 16% taking a prescription medication; that’s 56 million Americans.
- Can I Get Addicted to Mental Health Medications? – Research suggests that most mental health medications have low abuse potential. The stigma of “depending on a medication” does not imply that you will become addicted. Instead, it explains that in order to see necessary results, medication may be needed for some time. If you see positive results with a medication and stop taking it, some of the symptoms it was successfully treating may return and be unpleasant or difficult to deal with. This does not mean you’re addicted or dependent on the treatment. You should never adjust your dose or stop taking your medication without speaking with your prescribing physician first, as this can be dangerous and even fatal in some cases. When taken as prescribed, most medicines are extremely safe.
- Not Every Medication Works For Everyone – This is the purpose of medication management, wherein not all treatments or prescriptions work for every individual. If you don’t see results after a while, consulting with your physician or prescriber can give you the opportunity to change medications, dosages, timing of doses, combinations of medications, and more. Don’t be discouraged if results are not immediate, as this again is an ongoing process that needs time to develop.
- Medication is Not Supposed to Be an Easy Fix – Just as results may not be evident immediately, it’s crucial to remember that medication management therapy is not an easy, end-all process. Individuals often become frustrated if they don’t immediately see results, or if some symptoms still persist. Medication does not help with coping skills in these situations, however it does act as a starting point to move forward with. That’s why pairing medication with therapy, other treatments, and lifestyle optimization is so valuable, as it helps address the whole person.
Find Medication Management Near LA
As a relatively newer treatment option, the use of clinically-administered ketamine can help relieve symptoms of depression, anxiety, PTSD, addiction, and other mental health conditions and disorders. At Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles, we are the foremost experts in Ketamine Infusion Therapy which is one of the fastest-acting, safest, and most effective mental health treatments available today. Many individuals who have been unable to get results via conventional medication or are experiencing intolerable side effects are now utilizing ketamine treatments to relieve or completely eliminate their depression symptoms. In some cases, patients respond better to prescription medications after receiving infusions of ketamine. We are pleased to offer a comprehensive solution to your mental health needs with the addition of multiple board-certified psychiatrists offering med management in-house.
For more information, contact KCLA today. We offer free consultations and all inquiries are confidential. Call or text 310-270-0625 now.
OUR LATEST REVIEWS
Lauren – Mother of PTSD and depression patient
I saw my son once again.
Although all the medical treatment Matt has received was valuable in some way, the only time in 16 years I saw the person who is my son once again quietly emerge, was after the ketamine infusions.
Allen – Engineer
My successes have been phenomenal.
I have cut down on my Effexor to 75 Mg per day. I have eliminated lithium from my regiment and haven’t needed ambien for about month now to sleep. My klonopin I’ve reduced to once every other day. The infusions really helped my depression and chronic pain in my neck. My depression has never been better and I am cutting down on my other medications with great success. Thank you, thank you Dr. Mandel!
Katharine – Registered Nurse
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles,
When I found Ketamine Clinics of Los Angeles and began to research the treatment, I felt my spirits lift. I felt hope. From the moment I called their office, I knew I was in good hands. As someone who works in healthcare, I couldn’t believe how kind and attentive Dr. Mandel and his entire staff were. I know they really care about me. The treatment is the only thing in more than 30 years that has produced such rapid and dramatic improvement in my mood.
Keith – Lawyer
My doctor recommended that I try ketamine
My doctor recommended that I try ketamine at this time because he considers that there is now enough clinical information to make an informed decision about its effectiveness and side effects, and specifically recommended Dr. Mandel, who even with a glowing recommendation from someone for whom I have tremendous respect, vastly exceeded all of my expectations.
Alex – Teacher
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again.
Dr. Mandel has truly made my unlivable life, livable again. My ability to get out of bed early and or nearly right as I wake up has significantly improved. I’m able to keep up with my incredibly hectic schedule. My overall mood is high and lethargy is low. My social anxiety is at an all time low, and I haven’t had a panic attack since my first infusion.