When should I consider medication treatment?
Have you ever felt stuck, like no matter what you do, nothing seems to change? Maybe you've worked on sleep health, overhauled your diet, even tried the supplements that promised the world, but you're still stuck in a fog. Or maybe you've put in real work on breathing techniques, cognitive skills, and processing, and your anxiety is still ever-present. If that's you, it might be worth asking whether there's a chemical imbalance that needs to be addressed.
Here's how I think about it: our brains are organs, just like any other, with their own complex wiring and genetic factors. We wouldn't hesitate to treat a heart condition or a thyroid imbalance, so why do we hesitate with our brains? To be clear, healthy habits matter enormously, and therapy is an essential part of mental health treatment. But if you're doing everything right and still feel stuck, it might be time to consider medication as a tool to add to your toolbox.
How does medication work?
Our brains run on a vast network of brain cells and chemical messengers called neurotransmitters. They're constantly at work regulating mood, sleep, pleasure, sensory processing, and more. Many of the symptoms we experience trace back to how these systems are functioning.
Neurotransmitter activity is shaped by genetics and by how our brains have adapted to past experiences. When that activity gets out of balance, it can show up as prolonged depression, manic episodes, anxiety, or trouble with focus and executive functioning. If we work together, we'll talk in depth about what's likely driving your specific symptoms. Psychiatric medications are designed to target those neurotransmitters directly, helping retrain your brain and restore a healthier balance.
I've worked with plenty of people who feel hesitant about starting a psychiatric medication, and I understand it completely. Taking any medication is something that should be considered carefully. But I like to ask: would you take a blood pressure medication if diet and exercise alone weren't cutting it? Of course. Would you take insulin for diabetes that diet couldn't manage? Without question. I'd invite you to think about your brain the same way. Keep doing the good work — the therapy, the processing, the sleep, the nutrition. These things are vital. But if you're still stuck despite doing everything right, medication might be what finally moves the needle and gets you past the plateau.
How do I start the medicine process?
I am currently taking on new clients and would love to set up a consultation if you feel that medication is your next step!
I work with clients ages 6 and up. I treat anxiety disorders, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, depression, bipolar depression, thought disorders, personality disorders, and ADHD. I especially love working with the LGBTQI+ community and with clients navigating the peri/postpartum period. These are populations close to my heart, and I feel lucky to get to support them.
My offices are co-located with Southeast Psych, and together we've built a collaborative partnership aimed at giving our clients truly comprehensive care. At the core of how I practice: I want you to understand your treatment, not just follow it. I believe medication works best paired with holistic care and ongoing therapy, and I'm passionate about psycho-education and building relationships with my clients that are honest, collaborative, and built on trust. Nothing about your treatment plan is one-size-fits-all. It's built around you.
How does the treatment process work?
In our first session, my focus is getting to know you; understanding what brought you here and taking a deep dive into your concerns. As your medical provider, I'll also gather your medical and psychosocial history so I have the full picture of all factors before presenting a plan.
Your care is personalized, built around you and tailored to your specific needs. There is no template. My style is relational and educational: I want to know your priorities, your lifestyle, your preferences. I always practice within the bounds of psychiatry and FDA guidance, but there's often more than one reasonable path forward. When that's the case, we'll talk through the options together and land on a plan we both feel good about. Not everyone is a candidate for medication! But it can be a wonderful tool when appropriate.
Most psychiatric medications take some time to reach their full effect, so nothing else pauses in the meantime. Continue with the lifestyle changes, keep up the therapy. They all work together toward the same goal: real, lasting relief. And as we go, we can always adjust course. My promise to you is that we'll make every change safely and thoughtfully, together, until we find what actually works for you.
You can find my profile on Psychology Today profile HERE and information about my practice with Middle Tennessee Mental Health and Psychiatry Group