“Mental health problems don’t define who you are. They are something you experience. You walk in the rain, and you feel the rain, but you are not the rain.” – Matt Haig
Psychopharmacological interventions include the prescribing or de-prescribing of psychotropic medications and the ordering and interpretation of diagnostic and laboratory tests.
Psychotropic medications provide support in the treatment of mental health disorders, regulate brain chemistry, can alter moods, perceptions, and behaviors and can alleviate symptoms of depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, and other mental health conditions. When used in conjunction with therapy, psychotropic medication(s) can create a stable foundation from which you can more effectively engage in the therapeutic process. By addressing the neurochemical imbalances that may contribute to mental health challenges, psychotropic medication(s) can help you feel more balanced and better equipped to tackle the psychological and social aspects of your mental health journey.
Different psychotropic medicines come with different risks. These risks may be higher for certain populations or those with certain health conditions. Before prescribing psychotropic medications, Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health will ask about any known medical issues, including but not limited to, heart conditions, diabetes, or high blood pressure to ensure the medication won't aggravate these preexisting conditions. Before starting any psychotropic medications, Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health may require special testing, including but not limited to, blood work, an EKG, a Sleep Study, or evaluation by outside Provider
Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health believes it is essential to collaborate with you about psychotropic medications to promote your understanding of medication(s) being used, symptoms being targeted, and potential side effects, with the goal to facilitate your adherence and recovery. In utilizing any psychobiological intervention, including the prescribing of psychotropic medications, Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health will intentionally seek specific therapeutic responses to your symptoms, anticipate common side effects of any medication being prescribed, ensure safeguards against adverse drug interactions (mostly related to other medications you are taking or foods you are eating), and be alert for unintended or toxic responses. Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health will obtain a detailed Informed Consent before any medication is prescribed and will monitor you closely for medication efficacy and side effects which may require frequent follow-up visits, as well as follow up laboratory studies and/or other special testing
Follow-up visits after psychotropic medication(s) have been prescribed can vary, are patient specific, and will be discussed during the Informed Consent process.
Psychotropic medication(s) include:
- Antidepressant Medications
- Antipsychotic Medications
- Anti-Anxiety Medications
- Mood Stabilizing Medications
- Stimulant Medications
Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health is committed to abide by ethical principles regarding the provision of any Psychopharmacological interventions
Respect: commitment to honor every patients’ worth and dignity
Autonomy: commitment to honor the patients’ right to self-governance
Beneficence: commitment to honor the responsibility to act in a way that seeks to provide the greatest benefit to every patient
Fidelity: commitment to faithfulness to the interests of the patient
Nonmaleficence: commitment to do no harm
Veracity: commitment to the duty of truth and honesty
Justice: commitment to the act of fair treatment, without prejudice
Privacy: commitment to the protection of patients’ personal information
Integrity: commitment to honorable conduct within the Nursing Profession
Balance Psychiatry & Mental Health believes it is unethical to prescribe psychotropic medications without, at least, a minimum of brief Psychotherapy.
