There are a large number of different mental health conditions and different medication options, and so the duration of taking medication will depend on a variety of factors. Most medications do not create any kind of “dependency.” 

With some mental health disorders, medication can help “lift the fog” enough for other interventions, like therapy, to be more effective. In those cases, long term use may not be needed. For other disorders, ongoing medication is an important part of the lifetime management. 

We’ll talk with you about the best plan for your care, including if and when it would make most sense to discontinue medication.

All treatments for mental health concerns do have the potential for side effects. Leaving mental health conditions untreated can also cause serious issues too, however. In discussing your options for treatment, we will thoroughly explain what you can expect and help you consider any risks and benefits. You'll be invited to share any concerns you have and explore those fully. If you choose to start medication, we'll be with you along the way to help you assess how things are going.

Psychologists are mental health providers with a doctorate in psychology who provide diagnostic testing and psychotherapy and sometimes do research. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with specialized training in mental health and the brain. They usually prescribe medication and may manage medical aspects of psychological problems.

Not necessarily. Psychotropic medications are all different and have varied influence on a pregnant person or fetus. At times, it can be more risky to discontinue a medication that is helping. It’s imperative to talk with a provider to know the specific risks and benefits of your medication plan.

The research overwhelmingly suggests that the most effective approach is actually to do both. Medication and therapy can both help each other work most productively, and people who do both tend to have the best outcomes and the least return of symptoms. 

Therapy and medication can work well in combination with each other, and having providers in collaboration with one another is always the best approach.