Medication Management Services

Psychiatric medications, such as antidepressants, mood stabilizers, or stimulants, are often the first recourse for mental health treatment, but they are by no means an easy fix. People respond to different drugs in different ways, and it can take some trial and error before patients discover the right medication or routine for them. That’s why it is essential to have ongoing consultations with an experienced psychiatric professional while taking medications.

At Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry, we understand that everyone is unique, and there is no one-size-fits-all approach to good mental health. That’s why our medication management service is personalized to your specific needs, preferences, and goals. Our team works closely with you to develop a treatment plan that addresses your symptoms, improves your quality of life, and supports your overall well-being.

What Is Medication Management?

Medication management for mental health involves the careful and systematic prescribing, monitoring, and adjustment of medications to treat psychiatric conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bipolar disorder, and anxiety.

This treatment, called psychopharmacology, works by using medications to alter brain chemistry to alleviate symptoms and improve overall functioning. Different medications may be preferred for different types of mood disorders. However, there are some medications that are effective for multiple mental health conditions due to similarities in the underlying causes.

Examples of psychiatric medications:

• Depression – Antidepressants like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly prescribed as mood stabilizers to alleviate feelings of sadness or hopelessness. Commonly prescribed SSRIs include Zoloft, Prozac, and Lexapro.
• OCD – In OCD, depression medications such as SSRIs or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) may be used to reduce obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors.
• Bipolar disorder – In bipolar disorder, mood stabilizers like lithium or anticonvulsants are prescribed to regulate mood swings and prevent episodes of mania or depression.
• Anxiety – For anxiety disorders, medications like benzodiazepines or SSRIs are often prescribed to reduce excessive worry, panic attacks, or other symptoms of anxiety.

Medications for mental health are used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan that may also include therapy, lifestyle changes, and other interventions such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS). The ultimate goal is to alleviate symptoms, improve quality of life, and enable individuals to function better in their daily lives.

Why Choose Medication Management?

Not everyone responds to medications in the same way. Depending on the severity of symptoms and their individual characteristics, a patient may require a higher or lower dose or a change of medications in order to properly experience relief from their symptoms or avoid unwanted side effects. For example, common side effects of antidepressants include lowered libido, weight gain, and blurred vision.

Studies show that just over half of people on antidepressants or antipsychotic medications experience bothersome side effects (1,2). While these are usually preferable to experiencing the symptoms of mental illness, proper medication management can help to minimize or eliminate side effects by finding the most well-tolerated medication routine for you.

A patient’s response to medications can also change over time, and it’s hard for them to know when it’s the right moment to make a change or start coming off their meds. That’s why it’s crucial to actively consult with a psychiatric professional during your course of medications.

Covered by Insurance And Accessible Through Telemedicine

It’s important to note that medication management at Madison Avenue & Psychiatry is provided exclusively through our telemedicine services, ensuring convenient access to care from the comfort of your home.

Keeping to a medication management routine can be challenging during our busy lives, but the advantages of telemedicine ensure that you can fit in consultations whenever you have some time and an internet connection.

Our practice is located in the heart of New York, and telemedicine services are available to patients in New York State and New Jersey. We are covered in-network by most major insurance plans, including Medicare, United Healthcare, Aetna, Cigna, and more, and can typically negotiate out-of-network arrangements with other insurers.

Our Medication Management Providers

Dr. David Woo, MD, brings a wealth of expertise and compassion to his practice. Certified in Psychiatry and Geriatric Psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology, Dr. Woo has been serving patients in private practice since 2002. His approach combines evidence-based medicine with psychodynamic psychotherapy, aiming to achieve the best possible outcomes for each individual.

As our senior psychiatrist, Dr. Woo supervises the medication management program at Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry and will evaluate all patients in the initial sessions. Ongoing sessions will be conducted with one of our other capable med management specialists, with an option to return to Dr. Woo for further consultations.

Dr. Stephanie Neves, DNP, is a highly skilled psychiatric nurse practitioner who provides clinical guidance with warmth and understanding. With a doctorate in nursing practice and board certification, Dr. Neves delivers culturally competent care in a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental environment. She has extensive experience working with diverse populations, including LGBTQIA patients, and is committed to helping you feel heard, valued, and empowered on your journey to wellness.

Maria Baig is an NCCPA-certified physician assistant dedicated to helping people with anxiety, depression, and ADHD be the best versions of themselves through medication and lifestyle changes. She has a special interest in child and adolescent psychiatry but enjoys working with patients of all ages and backgrounds.

Getting Started With Medication Management

If you’re ready to take control of your mental health and explore the benefits of medication management, we invite you to contact Madison Avenue TMS & Psychiatry today at (212) 731-2033 or via our website. Get the most out of your medication—reach out to us now and take the first step towards a brighter, healthier future.

Resources:

1. Cascade, E., Kalali, A. H., Mehra, S., & Meyer, J. M. Real-world Data on Atypical Antipsychotic Medication Side Effects. Psychiatry (Edgmont). 2020;7(7), 9-12 Link. Accessed March 5, 2024.
2. Kelly, K., Posternak, M., & Jonathan, E. A. Toward achieving optimal response: Understanding and managing antidepressant side effects. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience. 2008;10(4), 409-418. Link. Accessed March 5, 2024.