Medication Management

Medication Management

Gone is the myth that mental health is separate from physical health! More and more, research is showing the links between mind and body. As a practice, our philosophy is to support activities of daily living that reduce a child’s vulnerability to having difficulties. We harp on diet, sleep, and exercise.

We believe that food can be used as medicine. We know that adequate sleep is critical to optimal peace. We insist that regular exercise—be it light or vigorous—moves kids toward good feelings, social success, and confidence. Vitamins and minerals can make a big difference, too.

Our Registered Nurse Practitioners consult with all clinicians about health issues that overlap with psychiatric issues. This might include referrals to assess for seizures, for bloodwork, for allergies, for visual/auditory processing problems, for infections, and more.

Most families who find their way to our clinic prefer to consider medication as a later step in treating pediatric mental health. We agree! Research shows that specific kinds of evidence-based therapy, social skills training, psychoeducation, and supportive reflection can go a long way to ameliorate symptoms of mental illness.

And! Medication does truly work, and for many children it’s truly helpful. There are medicines that help with anxiety, sadness, irritability, and energy levels. While medications don’t directly address social, family, or academic difficulties, they do reduce psychiatric symptoms so that gains are possible in all these areas.

Our Registered Nurse Practitioners are prepared to prescribe and monitor your child’s psychotropic medications. They’ll emphasize your child’s wellness within the larger picture of physical health. They are in no rush to medicate. They’re very happy to educate you about the types of medications, side effects, and the pros and cons of trying medications.

Research is clear: for many psychiatric symptoms, a combination of therapy and medication is the best way for children to improve. Remember: your child doesn’t get to redo childhood. A bad year can cost them self-esteem, friendships, grades, and general well-being.

Our Registered Nurse Practitioners are kind, compassionate, and very prepared to help you feel comfortable in understanding options for medications. They believe in collaborating with you, clinicians, other care providers, and schools.