Do You Have to See a Therapist Before a Medication Management Provider?

A common question that many ask is, “do I need to see a therapist before considering medications?”. If you have wondered this, you aren’t alone. Experiencing mental health symptoms can be overwhelming and isolating. While you may feel alone in your struggle, you are not. Therapy and medication management can be excellent treatment interventions to improve symptoms of depression, anxiety, OCD, PTSD, ADHD and more. The question is, where do you start? 

Where to Start

The oversimplified answer is, no. You don’t have to see a therapist before you consider psychiatric medication management. You don’t have to see a psychiatric prescriber before starting therapy. It may sound cliche, but there is no wrong place to start. 

Therapists and prescribers, such as psychiatrists, psychiatric nurse practitioners and psychiatric physician assistants are all highly trained professionals, skilled in assessment. When you have a thorough assessment completed, you can begin to identify what is going on for you and the best treatment approaches to meet your needs. 

If you start with a prescriber and they feel you would benefit from therapy in addition to medication management or that you may want to start with therapy alone they can make that recommendation. Most providers are holistic in their approach, meaning that they want to treat you as a whole person, rather than only addressing bits and pieces of your concerns. 

If you start with therapy first and your therapist believes you would benefit from medication management. They can make that recommendation and assist you in finding a prescriber that can meet your medication needs. 

The Benefits of Psychiatric Medication Management

Many mental health conditions have biological aspects to them, meaning that there is something going on with the chemistry in your brain that is contributing to your symptoms. Therapy can be effective in many cases, but only medication management can address chemical concerns. 

When you are addressing the biological aspect of your symptoms you will often find that your functioning improves. You can feel more control over your thoughts and decisions. This can allow you to fully absorb what you are addressing in therapy and can set you up to be better able to utilize the valuable skills you are learning. 

Therapy and medication management work rather well together. It can be difficult to be present and utilize what you practice in therapy, however, if you are dealing with intrusive, intense symptoms. Medication management can reduce the frequency and intensity of your symptoms and in some cases even allow you to find remission. 

Psychiatric Medication Management and Therapy

At this point, you are probably getting a better idea of whether you would like to start with therapy or medication management. The next step is finding a provider that is right for you. The good news is that with Carolina Counseling Services in Fayetteville, you don’t have to choose. 

CCS contracts with skilled, licensed prescribers and therapists. You can schedule to begin both counseling and medication management at the same time. An added benefit is the variety of contracted providers you can find with Carolina Counseling Services. You are bound to find the therapist and prescriber that are right for you. 

Don’t wait for your symptoms to become unmanageable, recovery is possible. Call CCS today to schedule your first appointment. Online sessions are also available making getting the care you need and deserve easier than ever before!