Why follow-up matters
Most psychiatric medicines take weeks to show their full effect, and the first dose is rarely the final one. Medication management means regular check-ins with the same provider who knows your history, so dose changes, side effects, and life changes are handled thoughtfully instead of guessed at.
What we manage
We prescribe and monitor medicines for depression, generalized anxiety and panic, OCD, ADHD, bipolar disorder, PTSD symptoms, PMDD, and sleep problems linked to mental health. We see adults and teens 15 and older.
Busy Denver schedules
Many of our patients work long hours in tech, healthcare, construction, or hospitality. Some fly out of DIA every week. Your provider will set visit spacing and medicine timing around your real life, including time-zone changes and late restaurant shifts that push bedtime past 2 a.m.
Cannabis and alcohol in the mix
Cannabis is legal and common in Colorado, and it matters for medication planning. Heavy use can worsen anxiety, disturb sleep quality, and, in some people, trigger or worsen psychosis. Alcohol can blunt antidepressants and add risk with sedating medicines. Your provider will talk about these openly so your plan is safe and effective.
At each visit
We review sleep, appetite, energy, mood, focus, and side effects. We ask about new prescriptions from other doctors and anything you picked up at the pharmacy counter, since some cold medicines and supplements interact with psychiatric drugs. Short rating scales track progress over time.
Lab monitoring
Lithium needs regular blood levels plus kidney and thyroid checks. Valproate needs liver tests and blood counts. Some antipsychotics require weight, blood sugar, and cholesterol monitoring. Stimulants call for blood pressure and heart rate checks. Your provider will set a schedule and explain why each check matters.
Controlled medicine rules
ADHD stimulants are Schedule II medicines. Each fill needs a new prescription, and your provider reviews Colorado's prescription drug monitoring program before writing one. Some benzodiazepines and sleep medicines are also controlled. These rules protect patients and are part of every visit.
Heat, hiking, and lithium
Summer hikes along the Front Range and hot-yoga classes cause heavy sweating, which can push lithium levels up. Drink plenty of water, and call us if you feel shaky, nauseated, or confused. Some antidepressants and antipsychotics also make it harder to handle heat.
Travel and time zones
If you fly often for work, keep medicine in your carry-on, never in checked bags, and bring enough for delays. Crossing several time zones can shift doses; your provider can suggest a simple plan so you do not double up or skip.
Changing or stopping a medicine
If a medicine only partly works, your provider may raise the dose, switch, or add a second medicine. After several tries, GeneSight testing can add information. If you want to stop, never quit suddenly; your provider will plan a slow taper to avoid withdrawal and relapse.
Winter mood dips
Even in a sunny city, shorter days from November through February can drag down energy and mood. Some patients need a temporary dose change in winter. Others add morning outdoor time or a bright light box on the advice of their provider. Tell us if your mood follows the seasons so we can plan ahead before the dark months arrive.
Teens and their families
For patients 15 to 17, a parent or guardian is part of medication decisions. Your provider explains what each medicine is for, what side effects to watch, and when to call. As teens get older, we help them take more ownership of their own care.
When to call between visits
Reach out if you notice new thoughts of self-harm, unusual energy with little sleep, a rash, fainting, or side effects that make daily life hard. In a crisis, call or text 988 or call 911.
Getting started
New patients begin with a psychiatric evaluation. If you are transferring care, bring your medicine list or bottles. We are at 2301 Blake St. Become a patient without a referral.
Why Choose Elevate Denver Mental Health?
- Now accepting new patients across the Denver metro and all of Colorado - no 3-month waitlists
- Board-certified psychiatric providers, not just therapists
- We take most major insurance, plus Medicare — and keep costs transparent
- Real evaluations, not 10-minute med checks