Not necessarily.

How long medication is appropriate depends on the condition being treated, your symptoms, how you respond to treatment and other individual factors.

For some people, medication may be used during a particular period of life. For others, longer-term treatment may provide the best symptom management and quality of life.

These decisions should be made collaboratively with your prescribing provider. You should not stop or change psychiatric medication without first discussing it with the clinician managing your treatment.

Medication management is designed to evaluate exactly those concerns.

Your provider can review what you are taking, how long you have been taking it, what symptoms have improved or persisted and any side effects you are experiencing.

When appropriate, your provider may recommend changes to the medication, dosage or treatment strategy.

The goal is to find a treatment plan that provides meaningful benefit while minimizing unwanted effects.

Your first appointment typically involves a comprehensive evaluation of your symptoms, health history, current and previous medications, treatment experiences and goals.

Your provider may ask about areas such as mood, anxiety, attention, sleep, physical health and daily functioning to better understand the full picture.

From there, you can discuss whether medication may be appropriate and, if so, what treatment options make sense for you.

Follow-up appointments focus on how you are responding, whether symptoms have changed, possible side effects and whether any adjustments are needed.

Trifecta medication management providers work with a range of mental health concerns, including:

• Anxiety
• Depression
• ADHD
• Mood disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Panic attacks and panic disorders
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Trauma- and PTSD-related symptoms
• Sleep and insomnia concerns
• Eating disorders
• Mood swings
• Postpartum and women’s mental health concerns
• Other psychiatric symptoms

Your provider will determine whether medication management is appropriate based on your individual symptoms, health history and needs.

Yes. Virtual medication management is available when clinically appropriate and when the provider is licensed to treat clients in the state where they are physically located during the appointment.

Some medications have additional requirements.

For certain controlled medications used for severe anxiety, panic or insomnia, Trifecta requires an in-person initial appointment and at least one in-person appointment each year during ongoing prescribing.

Your provider can explain any requirements that apply to your specific treatment.

You and your counselor may discuss the possibility of adding medication to your treatment plan depending on the severity of symptoms, but in general, meeting with a counselor does not require that you also see a prescribing provider.

If the medication is a controlled substance (benzodiazepine) such as Xanax or Klonopin, our prescribing providers require patients to be seen in person for their first appointment and then may be seen virtually for follow-up appointments. For ongoing treatment where controlled substances are prescribed, we require at least one in-person appointment annually.

If the medication is a controlled substance (sedative-hypnotics) such as Ambien or Lunesta, our prescribing providers require patients to be seen in person for their first appointment and then may be seen virtually for follow-up appointments. For ongoing treatment where controlled substances are prescribed, we require at least one in-person appointment annually.

If the medication is a controlled substance (stimulant) such as Adderall or Vyvanse, our prescribing providers require patients to be seen in person for their first appointment and then may be seen virtually for follow-up appointments. For ongoing treatment where controlled substances are prescribed, we require at least one in-person appointment annually.

There isn’t one point at which everyone “should” consider medication.

It may be worth speaking with a qualified prescribing provider when symptoms such as anxiety, depression, ADHD, panic, mood changes, OCD or sleep difficulties are interfering with relationships, school, work or everyday life.

A medication evaluation does not automatically mean you will be prescribed medication. It is an opportunity to discuss what you are experiencing, understand available options and make an informed decision with your provider.