Medication Management Services

Getting tested for medication for mental health involves a comprehensive evaluation by a healthcare professional to tailor treatment to your specific needs. The process typically begins with a detailed assessment, where the clinician will ask about your symptoms, medical history, and any previous treatments you’ve tried. This might include discussions about how your condition affects your daily life, your overall health, and any other medications you’re currently taking. The healthcare provider may also use standardized questionnaires or scales to gauge the severity of your symptoms. Based on this information, they will consider whether medication could be beneficial and, if so, which type might be most effective. Sometimes, this involves a trial-and-error approach, where different medications are tested over time to find the right fit, while closely monitoring for efficacy and any potential side effects. Throughout this process, open communication with your healthcare provider is crucial to ensure that the treatment plan is adjusted as needed to best support your mental health.

To start medication management, you will need to complete our interest form on our website (or over the phone) to start our intake and screening process. In this application, you will provide your personal information, medical history, and current medication details. After submitting the application, our team will review the information to determine the appropriateness of medication management, reach out to you for additional information, or give recommendations for more appropriate level of care. Once the screening is complete and approved, our team will contact you to schedule your intake appointment with a healthcare provider who will assess your needs and develop a personalized medication plan.

Therapists, while highly skilled in providing mental health support and therapy, are not authorized to prescribe medication. This responsibility falls to healthcare professionals such as psychiatrists, primary care doctors, and nurse practitioners who have the necessary medical training and licensure to evaluate, prescribe, and manage psychiatric medications. At Light Counseling, Lori Ball, a dually certified Advance Practice Nurse and Nurse Practitioner, can meet with you to discuss the potential of medication needs. 

• Severe Symptoms: When symptoms are intense and significantly impair daily functioning or quality of life (e.g., severe depression, anxiety, or psychosis).
• Persistent Symptoms: When mental health issues persist despite non-pharmacological treatments (e.g., therapy, lifestyle changes) or if such treatments alone have been ineffective.
• Acute Episodes: In cases of acute episodes of mental illness, such as a manic episode in bipolar disorder or severe panic attacks.
• Risk of Harm: When there is a risk of self-harm or harm to others, and medication may help stabilize mood and reduce risk.
• Chronic Conditions: For chronic mental health conditions where long-term management is necessary to maintain stability and prevent relapse (e.g., schizophrenia, bipolar disorder).
• Functional Impairment: When mental health issues severely impair the ability to perform daily tasks, maintain relationships, or hold down a job.

Medication decisions should always be made in consultation with a healthcare professional, who can assess the individual’s specific needs and circumstances.

Medication management is often covered by insurance, but coverage can vary depending on your specific plan. It’s important to note that medication management services, which include the evaluation and adjustment of medications by a healthcare provider, typically require pre-authorization from your insurance company. This means that before your provider can proceed with the service, your insurance must approve it to ensure coverage. It’s always a good idea to contact your insurance provider directly to confirm the details of your coverage, including any necessary steps like pre-authorization.