Medication Management

What is Medication Management?

Psychiatric medications can be powerful tools for healing — but only when prescribed and monitored with care. At The Psychiatric Center, medication management means more than just writing a prescription. It’s an ongoing process of:

• Understanding your goals and symptoms
• Choosing the right medication (or deciding not to use one)
• Monitoring for effectiveness and side effects
• Adjusting treatment as your needs change

Who provides this service?

Our medication visits are led by:

• Board-certified psychiatrists
• Psychiatric nurse practitioners (NPs)
• Psychiatric residents, supervised directly by Dr. Sarah Graff

Whether you’re just beginning treatment or have years of experience with medication, we’ll meet you where you are.

Common Concerns We Address

We understand that taking psychiatric medication can feel overwhelming. These are some of the most common questions we hear — and we’ll always talk through them with care and honesty.

Will this change who I am?
No. Our goal is never to dull or erase you — but to help lift the symptoms that interfere with your daily life.

What about side effects?
Every medication has potential side effects. We’ll discuss them openly and monitor you closely. Most side effects, if they occur, can be managed or resolved by adjusting the dose or switching medications.

Do I have to stay on it forever?
Not necessarily. We’ll revisit that question regularly. Some people benefit long-term; others use medication for a season. You’ll never be pressured.

Can you prescribe controlled substances like stimulants or benzodiazepines?
Yes — when clinically appropriate and safe. Controlled medications require stricter monitoring, and we follow best-practice guidelines to prevent dependency or misuse.

What to Expect

Psychiatric medication isn’t one-size-fits-all. We use a personalized, evidence-based approach that includes both clinical expertise and — when appropriate — genetic testing.

1. Initial Evaluation
   We’ll review your symptoms, medical and psychiatric history, and any past medication trials. We take time to understand not just what’s going on, but why — from your metabolism to your neurological profile.
2. Personalized Treatment Plan
   We use GeneSight® pharmacogenomic testing in select cases to understand how your unique genetic makeup may affect your response to psychiatric medications. This helps us choose medications that are better aligned with your body’s ability to metabolize and process treatment.
3. Expert Medication Selection
   Our clinicians bring advanced training in psychopharmacology — the science of how medications affect the brain. Whether you’re starting your first medication or switching after a difficult experience, we select treatment based on your clinical picture, goals, and likely biological response.
4. Ongoing Monitoring & Adjustment
   We typically see patients every 4–8 weeks during the early phase of treatment. As stability improves, visit frequency may be reduced. We adjust doses or switch medications based on your experience, not a rigid algorithm.

Our approach is collaborative, not prescriptive. You’ll be part of every decision.

Telehealth Availability

Medication management visits are available via telehealth or in-person, depending on your preference and the type of medication being prescribed.

Insurance & Coverage

We accept:

• Anthem / BCBS
• Cigna
• Medicare (as a non-participating provider for psychiatric services — we bill for you; Medicare reimburses you)

Learn more on our FAQ Page →