Therapy and medication can provide excellent avenues for overcoming depression, anxiety, and trauma. Choosing between therapy and medication can be challenging for those beginning their mental wellness journey. Some therapists may recommend therapy first, while others may prescribe medication first to see which conditions respond to treatment. However, some therapists work with a combination of both therapy and medication, called medication management therapy, to ensure the best possible results.
What is Medication Management Therapy?
Medication management therapy is a combination of medication management and therapy services. It allows therapists to cooperate with their client’s pharmacies and help patients get the most from their treatment. Because of this cooperation, therapy clinics, pharmacies, and patients are able to oversee treatment for various aspects of mental health care, including:
- Side-Effects Checking: Patients can report to their therapists about the side effects of their medications and review their symptoms with their therapists. Through this method, therapists can make adjustments to their treatments and ensure healthier results. This is especially important for those who face long-lasting symptoms associated with bipolar disorder, manic-depressive disorder, and other conditions.
- Medication Success: Treatment plans that include both medication and therapy can be better managed. Both long-term and short-term treatment plans can be discussed with patients and help determine the appropriate treatment based on their history and medical conditions.
- Better Education: One of the biggest benefits of this treatment is that it encourages patients to be active within their healthcare, empowering them to be knowledgeable about their medications and health. This also decreases the risk of prescription drug abuse and addiction to other substances.
- Improved Conversations: By managing mental health disorders through their treatments, patients are able to experience a better quality of care and reduce the risk of medication-related side effects.
But what therapies can be combined with medication management therapy? Psychotherapy’s reported to be an excellent form of therapy that works well with medication management. Therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy have been reported to be even more successful combined with medication than therapy or medication alone. Combined treatments often produce better results because of the consistent cooperation provided with both methods and help ensure the patient a more robust treatment plan that addresses their concerns.
How Can Therapists Provide Medication Management Therapy?
Psychiatrists, psychologists, and some therapists are able to provide prescription medications for mental health disorders, and for most patients, it requires the combination of multiple specialties in mental health to provide these services. However, patients opting into medication management therapy will experience more success with treating their mental health through this cooperation than alone.
If you’re seeking out therapy treatment for any struggles you’re facing with your mental health, don’t hesitate to contact your local therapist for an appointment. By speaking with a therapist, they can provide you with the types of therapy and medications you need most to treat your mental health and ensure a healthier, happier you.
