Mental Health Medication Management Clinic in Tennessee

What is Medication Management in Mental Health?

Medication management is an outpatient treatment that entails certified physicians and pharmacists evaluating the patient’s need for psychotropic medications, writing a prescription, and providing continuing medical monitoring linked to the patient’s drug usage.

Psychiatric medication management differs significantly from drug administration for physical ailments. A patient who requires antibiotic treatment for an illness, for example, should only return if symptoms continue. However, for patients seeking treatment for a mental illness like anxiety disorder or depression, talking to their doctor about their medications is ongoing. The goal is to improve a patient’s quality of life and minimize symptoms associated with the mental health issue.¹

Jump to Section

• What is Medication Management in Mental Health?
• How Does Medication Management Work?
• What Medications Are Involved in Mental Health Treatment?
• Benefits & Risks of Psychiatric Medication Management
• Does Insurance Cover Medication Management Services?
• Can Medications Be Prescribed Online?
• How to Find Medication Management Services Near Me in Tennessee?

How Does Medication Management Work?

Medication management entails keeping track of medications, reconciling them, and ensuring that patients get their desired results. Designing treatment regimens and evaluating their safety and efficacy takes a detailed examination while visiting your medical provider along with an extensive review of prescribed drugs and their possible side effects.²

Doctors often prescribe drugs at amounts proven to be effective for most patients. The patient begins treatment and then returns to the doctor to review the findings. If necessary, the psychiatrist may make dosage adjustments or even switch drugs.

What Medications Are Involved in Mental Health Treatment?

Today’s mental health professionals have a variety of medications for treating a range of mental health disorders. These medications include the following:

• Antidepressants: They are the most commonly prescribed psychiatric medications. These drugs, like Cymbalta and Prozac, work to alleviate the symptoms of depression by resolving chemical imbalances within the brain. In addition, patients with other diseases, such as anxiety disorders or ADHD, may benefit from antidepressants.
• Anti-Anxiety Medications: Patients with generalized anxiety to panic episodes can benefit from anti-anxiety medications, including Lorazepam and Clonazepam. Acute disorders that need rapid treatment, as well as chronic management of long-term conditions, can use anti-anxiety medications.
• Antipsychotics: Antipsychotics, like Geodon or Latuda, are effective for a variety of diseases, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), severe depression, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).
• Mood Stabilizers:³ Mood stabilizers, like Lithium, are generally used to treat bipolar disorder, mood swings, and, in some situations, to enhance the action of other antidepressants.
• Stimulants: As a psychoactive drug that boosts brain activity, stimulants like Adderall can temporarily increase alertness, mood, and consciousness.
• Sleeping Medications:⁴ These aid in the promotion of healthy sleeping patterns. In conjunction with behavioral health screening services and therapy, sleeping medications can help you get much-needed rest.

Benefits & Risks of Psychiatric Medication Management

As with any treatment, there are benefits and risks associated with using medications in mental health treatment. It is imperative to consult with a licensed mental health professional or doctor to find the best medication for your individualized needs. The following are some of the general benefits and risks associated with medication management.

Benefits

Risks

• Possibility of side effects
• Requires the supervision of mental health professionals
• Finding the proper dosage balance can take time
• Associated with social stigma

Does Insurance Cover Medication Management Services?

Yes, most insurance plans cover psychiatric medication management services. However, your specific plan will determine the details of this coverage, such as out of pocket costs and other limits and stipulations.

To find out more about whether your insurance will cover medication management, call your insurance company or contact us below. One of our care coordinators can help you navigate your insurance coverage and get the care you need.

Can Medications Be Prescribed Online?

In the state of Tennessee, a physician with a valid medical license in the patient’s state of residence can prescribe or dispense any drug to any individual online if the following has already occurred:⁶

• Conduction of a thorough medical history and physical examination
• A diagnosis made based on sound medical advice
• Create a treatment plan and review it with the patient
• Ensure that proper follow-up care is accessible

Keep in mind that in-person interaction is not required to establish a genuine doctor-patient relationship in Tennessee.⁷

How to Find Medication Management Services Near Me in Tennessee?

Athena Care mental health clinics in Tennessee are in-network with most major insurance plans. Filling out our free and confidential online insurance verification form is the easiest and quickest method to determine if your health care provider covers psychiatric medication management services.

Let our highly experienced, expert care coordinators handle the difficulties of contacting your insurance carrier for more information about medication management services. After completing the form, a care coordinator will review your policy and thoroughly explain your options. Rest assured, all submitted or discussed information is kept private.

With Athena Care, gaining access to mental health therapy and mental health doctors and specialists has never been easier. A care coordinator can assist you with any questions or concerns at one of our various Tennessee locations. Athena Care health clinics are open Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

When choosing medication management mental health care providers, it’s important to keep the following in mind:

• Education, training, license, and years of experience
• Specialties and services offered
• Treatment methods and philosophies
• Insurance companies they work with
• Office hours
• Pricing
• Session length

Also, don’t be afraid to ask questions.

Here, you’ll find a list of practitioners organized by city and information about their backgrounds and specialties.