Psychiatry & Medication Management
At Pyramid Online Counseling, we are able to provide psychiatric services via telehealth to adolescents and adults ages 16 & up who reside in New Jersey or Pennsylvania.
We employ several highly qualified psychiatric professionals who use a collaborative approach to medication.
We feel that therapy is a vital part of the healing process, and sometimes medication is an important part of that process too. Our psychiatric professionals work together with you to create a unique treatment plan to help improve your quality of life through medication management.
What is psychiatric medication management?
There are FDA-approved medications to treat many psychiatric illnesses. Medications are often most helpful when used in combination with individual and group therapies, taken as prescribed and monitored by a psychiatric prescriber. For best practice, the decision to start medication is made after the prescriber and the individual meet for an assessment. In this assessment an individual’s symptoms, history and preferences are determined and treatment options are discussed. Our psychiatric professionals are committed to assisting clients achieve and maintain their mental health treatment goals.
How can psychiatric medications help?
Psychiatric disorders are a leading cause of disability in the United States. Symptoms can range from mild to severe – including life threatening and fatal. Medications can be essential for someone experiencing an undiagnosed or untreated psychiatric illness. Examples of psychotropic medications are antidepressants, mood stabilizers and antipsychotics such as Zoloft, Lamictal and Abilify. The type, dose and length of time of medication management depends on the illness and severity of symptoms.
Common psychiatric disorders that can benefit from medications are:
Major depressive disorder
Bipolar disorder
Schizophrenia
Obsessive compulsive disorder
Generalized anxiety disorder
How do I know if psychiatric medications are the best choice for me?
Being diagnosed with a psychiatric disorder can be confusing and scary. There are many misconceptions, myths and false information about psychiatry on mainstream and social media. Receiving education on treatment options can ease fears and give clarification. This education includes what to expect from medication management as well as any possible side effects.
A trial of psychiatric medication may be recommended if…
You are experiencing symptoms for most days and for most of the day
Your symptoms are preventing you from functioning at work, school or at home
Your symptoms include thoughts of wanting to hurt yourself or others
You are seeing or hearing things that others cannot, and they are distressing to you
You have noticed a significant change in your eating, sleeping and personal hygiene
You are unable to find joy in things that you used to love
Close family and friends have commented that you “are not yourself” or express worry about your behaviors
You are able to take medications daily
Meeting with one of our psychiatric mental health nurse practitioners does not mean you have to start medications. Initial and ongoing assessments can provide an avenue to be able the make the best choice for you and your treatment. Please reach out to our admissions team to discuss scheduling a psychiatric evaluation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Follow up appointments are twenty minutes and will be scheduled from every two weeks to every three months depending on symptoms, illness, schedule and availability of the client and prescriber.
Sometimes it is hard to remember symptoms or behaviors experienced when ill. It can also be difficult to recall past medication trials. Family members, as well as current and past prescribers, can help fill in the gaps and provide other insights. Consents provide an avenue for us to coordinate with these individuals.
If possible, have a list of all medications you are currently taking including over the counter meds, supplements and other substances. Additionally, having a list of past psychiatric medications you have used is also helpful.
If you can’t afford your medication let your prescriber know. They may be able to provide you with other less expensive medication options.
Your psychiatric prescriber will most likely not be able to give you the cost of your medication. That information is given to you from your pharmacy. Prices for medication depend on the type of medication, your insurance plan and your pharmacy. We do not provide medication samples.
PMHNP stands for Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. They are APRN or Advanced Practice Registered Nurses. They assess, diagnose and treat psychiatric illnesses and prescribe psychotropic medications. They often provide the same services as medical doctors do depending on the state. Psychiatrists are medical doctors that have completed medical school and residency.
Online psychiatric treatment is three easy steps away:
1 – Create a Profile
Create a Pyramid Online Counseling account and answer a few easy questions about yourself and the challenges you’re facing.
2 – Schedule an Appointment
We match your answers with the psychiatric provider most qualified to help you thrive.
3 – Begin Your Therapy Journey
You’ll meet directly with a remote healthcare provider, through confidential, HIPAA-compliant software that allows you to connect and reconnect as often as you need.
