What Is Medication Management?
Psychiatric medication management is the clinical process of prescribing, monitoring, and optimizing pharmacological treatment for mental health conditions. It encompasses initial medication selection, dose titration, adverse effect assessment, drug interaction monitoring, and long-term treatment planning. Effective medication management requires regular follow-up visits with a qualified psychiatric provider.
Mental health conditions are dynamic. Stress, life transitions, hormonal changes, aging, and concurrent medical treatment can all affect how you respond to psychiatric medication. Ongoing management ensures your treatment remains aligned with your current clinical needs.
Our Medication Management Process
Following your initial psychiatric evaluation, we schedule structured follow-up appointments -- typically every 2-4 weeks during the stabilization phase. Once your symptoms are well-controlled and medication is optimized, follow-up intervals extend to every 2-3 months.
At each visit, we systematically assess symptom trajectory, medication adherence, side effects, and functional outcomes. We prescribe across all major medication classes: SSRIs and SNRIs for depression and anxiety, stimulants and non-stimulants for ADHD, mood stabilizers for bipolar spectrum conditions, and targeted medications for insomnia, PTSD, and OCD. We adjust treatment based on clinical response data, not arbitrary timelines.
What to Expect at Follow-Up Visits
Follow-up appointments are typically 15-20 minutes. We focus on measurable outcomes: Has your PHQ-9 score improved? Are ADHD symptoms interfering less with work? Have side effects diminished? This structured approach keeps your treatment on track and ensures we catch emerging issues early.
Insurance and Payment
Medication management visits are covered by most insurance plans. We accept SelectHealth, PEHP, Regence, Molina, University of Utah Health Plans, Utah Medicaid, and most commercial carriers. Uninsured patients have access to competitive cash-pay rates.
When to Seek Medication Management
If you are currently prescribed psychiatric medication by a primary care provider and want specialized management, transferring care to a psychiatric provider can improve outcomes. If you are starting medication for the first time, a psychiatry-focused practice ensures your treatment is guided by specialized training. If your current medication is not working or causing unacceptable side effects, it may be time for a clinical review and adjustment.