Psychiatric Medication Management

The benefits of medication for mental illness are innumerable. Psychiatric medications can help effectively manage mental health conditions and improve many people’s overall quality of life. These medications can help alleviate symptoms of depression, bipolar disorder, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and psychosis, allowing individuals to function better in their daily lives. Medication alone may not be sufficient for some patients. Other treatment options, such as Ketamine Infusion Therapy, Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS), Spravato, and talk therapy, can be combined with medication to manage various symptoms most effectively. It’s important to note that psychiatric medications are not a one-size-fits-all solution and may not be appropriate for everyone. Working closely with your KCLA Provider to determine the best treatment for your specific needs and goals is essential.

There are several categories and types of psychiatric medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, and anxiolytics. Here is a brief overview of each:

• Antidepressants treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders. Examples include selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) and tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline and imipramine.
• Antipsychotics treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Examples include first-generation antipsychotics like haloperidol (Haldol) and second-generation antipsychotics like risperidone (Risperdal) and olanzapine (Zyprexa).
• Anxiolytics treat anxiety disorders and include benzodiazepines like lorazepam (Ativan) and clonazepam (Klonopin).

Your partners in wellness at Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles are experts in medication management and will take the time to get to know you and your unique needs to individualize your treatment plan. When selecting a medication for a patient, the KCLA Care Team considers many factors, including your specific symptoms, medical history, and any potential interactions with other medications. They will also consider the possible side effects of the drug, your personal preferences, and treatment goals. It’s important to note that finding the proper medication and dosage may require some trial and error. Be patient and work closely with your provider to find your most effective treatment plan.

Mental Health Medication Side Effects and Monitoring

Like all medications, psychiatric medications can have potential side effects. Discussing these with your KCLA mental health professional and reporting any adverse effects you experience is essential. Regular follow-up appointments with your KCLA provider are crucial in monitoring the effectiveness of your medication and any potential side effects. Most patients start with bi-weekly appointments and then move to monthly visits after two to three. After 3-6 months of monthly visits, some patients progress to visits every other month. You and your clinician at KCLA will tailor a care protocol that meets your unique needs.

Alternative Approaches

In addition to medication and other clinical treatments such as ketamine infusions, transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), Spravato, and talk therapy, there are other useful approaches to helping manage mental health conditions. These include lifestyle optimization (such as exercise, a healthy diet, sufficient sleep, social relationships, abstaining from drugs and substances such as alcohol and nicotine, healthy stress management, etc.) and complementary and alternative treatments (such as herbal remedies, supplements, and acupuncture). Work with your KCLA Care Team to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan for your specific needs and goals.

Pricing

Ketamine Clinics Los Angeles charges $400 for a psychiatric evaluation for new patients and $200 for follow-up visits. We are currently in network with Medicare, Optum, and Managed Health Network (MHN) and can bill them for your visit; more health plans will be added soon.

Conclusion

Psychiatric medication management can be a valuable aspect of mental health treatment for many people. It’s important to work closely with your KCLA Provider to determine the most appropriate and effective treatment plan, which may include medication management if applicable. Prescription oral medication is not for everyone; fortunately, many evidence-based, safe, and effective alternative treatment options exist. The most effective treatment plan varies from person to person and often includes a combination of several different treatments.

Call now for more information. You may also complete the Psychiatry Questionnaire on this page.