Medication
Management

Frequently Asked Questions

What Medications Are Commonly Used in Mental Health?

The types of medications I prescribe depend on your unique symptoms, history, and goals. For ADHD, treatment often focuses on improving attention, restlessness, organization, and follow-through, with both stimulant and non-stimulant options available depending on what works best for your body and lifestyle.

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For depression, there are several categories of antidepressants designed to rebalance brain chemistry. Some primarily target serotonin, others also regulate norepinephrine or dopamine, and some are better suited for supporting sleep, energy, or motivation. The right choice depends on your specific symptom profile.

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When treating anxiety, medications are typically used to calm the brain’s stress response and reduce physical symptoms like tension, restlessness, or racing thoughts. In some cases, short-term options may provide quick relief, while longer-term, non-habit-forming treatments help build lasting stability.

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For women with mood swings, bipolar disorder, or treatment-resistant depression, mood stabilizers may be helpful in regulating intensity and keeping emotions more balanced. Similarly, in cases where thought patterns, perception, or severe mood disruption are present, antipsychotic medications can be used either on their own or in combination with other treatments to bring greater clarity and steadiness.

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No matter which category we explore, my approach to medication management is never one-size-fits-all. Prescribing decisions are guided by your medical history, labs, genetic testing, and—most importantly—your goals for treatment.

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How Do You Prescribe Safely?

Safe prescribing is at the core of my practice. Before starting or adjusting any medication, I take time to complete a comprehensive, holistic evaluation—reviewing your full medical history, current prescriptions, over-the-counter medications, and supplements. I also use lab testing to identify medical conditions or imbalances that might influence how your body processes medications.

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If I find that a medication is no longer beneficial or may be causing more harm than good, I carefully deprescribe when appropriate. I may also collaborate closely with your broader medical team, including your primary care provider, specialists, and pharmacists, to make sure your medication management plan supports your total health, not just mental health.

Do I need to take medication forever?

Not necessarily. Many people remain on medication for years not because it’s always necessary, but because providers often don’t revisit the plan or offer safe options for deprescribing. When people try to reduce or stop on their own, they sometimes experience discontinuation symptoms that can feel like relapse—leading them to believe they still need medication management. My role is to help you avoid that cycle. I specialize in deprescribing safely and thoughtfully, tapering medications in a way that minimizes discomfort and reduces the risk of mistaking withdrawal for a return of symptoms. While some people do benefit from long-term treatment, many don’t need to stay on prescriptions forever. Your plan should evolve with you—not keep you stuck.​

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Can all psychiatric medications be prescribed virtually?

Most can, but certain controlled medications may require occasional in-person visits due to safety and legal requirements. When that’s the case, I’ll let you know ahead of time and help make the process straightforward. My goal is to keep care as convenient as possible while staying compliant and safe.​

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Can I treat my mental health naturally without medication?

Many of the women I work with prefer to start as naturally as possible, using supplements, therapy, and lifestyle changes before turning to prescriptions. For some, this approach is enough. For others—especially when symptoms are more moderate to severe—medication can be the safest and most effective option. My role is to help you sort out what’s appropriate for your specific situation. If supplements and other alternative strategies can get you where you want to be, we’ll focus there. If medication is necessary, I’ll explain why and make sure it’s integrated thoughtfully, often alongside natural supports, so you feel confident in the path forward.​

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How often will we meet to review my medications?

In the beginning, follow-ups are usually more frequent—every 2 to 4 weeks—to make sure your treatment is working well and you’re not experiencing unwanted side effects. Once things feel stable, appointments can be spaced further apart, with flexibility to check in if anything changes.

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What if my medication stops working?

This is where boutique medication management matters. We’ll adjust your plan, explore alternatives, and use tools like genetic testing or functional labs to find what works best for you.​

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Why choose Mind Alchemy Mental Health for medication management?

I don’t just prescribe. I take a whole-person, root-cause approach—integrating labs, genetics, nutrition, therapy, and supplements to make sure your medication management plan supports your overall health. My boutique model means more time, more accessibility, and care designed for ambitious women who want results that actually last.

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Learn More About Mental Health & Whole-Person Psychiatry

• Visit the Blog

  • What Can a Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner Do

  • Women's Psychiatry: Boutique Care that Fits your Life & Standards​

  • Women's Holistic Health: Boutique Psychiatry

  • Integrative Psychiatry in Denver for Ambitious Women

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• Explore the Media Hub

  • Videos + Podcasts​

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Trusted Resources

• National Institute of Mental Health – Mental Health Medications

• Mayo Clinic – Selecting the Right Psychiatric Medication