Medication Management

Medication management is a life-saver for serious mental health disorders like bipolar disorder and anyone struggling with severe symptoms, whether their symptoms are caused by anxiety, depression, or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). At Nicholson Psychiatry, PLLC, Jeanne Nicholson, ARNP, PMHNP-BC, is board-certified to perform comprehensive psychiatric evaluations, diagnose your mental health condition, and prescribe the medication needed to improve your symptoms. Call the office in Bellevue, Washington, today or book an appointment online to get expert medication management.

What is medication management?

Medication management is a comprehensive service at Nicholson Psychiatry, PLLC, that includes getting a prescription for psychiatric medications and having regular appointments to catch side effects and monitor your progress.

Another essential part of medication management is adjusting your treatment regimen as needed to ensure you have the best medication at the optimal dose.

There are numerous medications targeting each diagnosis. Each medication works a little differently, and every person metabolizes drugs differently. That means your treatment needs fine-tuning because the first medication or dose you receive may not get the best results.

When would I need medication management? 

Psychiatric medications dramatically improve the symptoms of many mental health conditions, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• Mood disorders
• Attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD)
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

Jeanne determines if you need medication based on your diagnosis and the severity of your symptoms. 

What happens during medication management appointments?

During your first appointment, Jeanne gathers the information needed to determine the best treatment and provide personalized care. She learns about your mental health, medical history, lifestyle, social network, and current symptoms and challenges. 

After finishing a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, Jeanne may run lab tests and ask you to complete a cognitive test. Then she diagnoses your mental health condition and recommends a treatment plan.

If she recommends medication, she discusses the potential benefits and risks, including side effects and how long before the medication takes effect.

Follow-up medication management appointments include reviewing your progress, assessing for possible side effects, and deciding whether to refill the same prescription, change the dose, or prescribe a new medicine.

Many patients have follow-up appointments once a month, but your sessions may be scheduled more or less frequently, based on your needs. For example, you may need more frequent sessions when starting a new medication or to more closely monitor severe symptoms. 

Is a referral needed for mental health medication management?

Since Jeanne is board-certified to perform psychiatric evaluations and prescribe medications, you can contact her directly if you’re struggling with mental health symptoms and need help. 

Jeanne also accepts referrals from a physician or therapist. She coordinates your care with your other medical and mental health providers, keeping them up-to-date with the medications she prescribes and her recommended treatment.

Schedule a medication management appointment today by calling Nicholson Psychiatry, PLLC, or connecting through online booking.