How Often Should You See Your Psychiatric Provider?

If you are considering psychiatric medication management, or have already started, you may be wondering how often you need to see your prescriber. This is a very valid question, however, it does not have a clear cut answer. The frequency of your appointments can depend on a variety of factors. Let’s explore the aspects that can go into deciding how often you will need to be seen. 

Factors to Consider

When determining how often your appointments will be, your psychiatric prescriber will consider many factors. There are some that will be unique to your needs and some that will be more standard for most clients. Some of these factors can include: 

1. The severity of your symptoms. If your symptoms are persistent and severe you may need to be seen more often to find the right regimen for you. It is important that you are seen frequently enough to assess how medications are working for you and make any necessary adjustments. Severe and persistent symptoms may require more to reach stability. 
2. Whether or not your medication is new to you. If you are starting a new medication there may be a need for more frequent appointments to assess how well it works for you. If you are restarting a medication that you have been on before, this may be different. It is always important to discuss this with your prescriber, together you can decide the best time for follow up. 
3. How you have responded to medications in the past. If you have a tendency toward experiencing side effects or having to change your medication treatment plan, more frequent sessions may be needed initially. Your psychiatric medication management plan needs to be geared toward your unique needs, your past responses to medications should also be taken into consideration. 
4. Stressors in your life or upcoming changes. What is going on in your life can impact how you’re feeling. The frequency and severity of your symptoms can be linked to life stressors and major changes. If you are under a great deal of stress, experiencing grief, loss, trauma etc your medications may need to be adjusted to adequately treat your symptoms. Your prescriber can take this into consideration when recommending the frequency of your appointments. 
5. Co-curring medical concerns. If you are experiencing additional physical health concerns your medications may need to be followed more closely. It is always important to share with your prescriber any and all medications you are taking. Many can interact, if your provider is aware of all of your medical conditions and medications they can make a plan better suited to your needs and decrease the likelihood of an adverse reaction. 
6. Progress and stability. How you are responding to medications is also a factor in determining how often your appointments will need to be. Once you are feeling stable on your medications and you are doing well you may be able to space out your sessions. It is always best to discuss this with your prescriber so that you are being seen as often as you need. 
7. Your personal needs. Your own personal needs also come into account. Some feel comfortable spacing out their appointments and this works best for them and their schedules. Others prefer to be seen more often to check in and address their treatment plan. Together, you and your psychiatric professional can decide what is best for you.  

There is no one size fits all approach to psychiatric medication management. Everyone is different. Symptoms are experienced differently and you may not respond to medications in the same ways as others. This is why your provider will work with you to find the treatment plan that is best for you. 

Carolina Counseling Services and Psychiatric Medication Management

CCS in Southern Pines contracts with skilled licensed psychiatric professionals. Our caring providers will work with you to create a medication management treatment plan that best meets your unique needs. 

There is no one size fits all approach with CCS. Find the provider that is right for you today! CCS also contracts with licensed therapists, allowing you to receive comprehensive treatment all in one place. Call now to get started!