Photo of Meredith Harewood, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Meredith Harewood
Psychiatrist
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Meredith Harewood, MD is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She considers the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. She believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health. She provides medication management, psychotherapy in select cases, or a combination of the two. Her interests include anxiety disorders, depression, minority mental health, and maternal mental health.
Meredith Harewood, MD is board-certified in General Psychiatry and Child and Adolescent Psychiatry. She considers the entire person and how they function within their social and cultural environment rather than simply a constellation of symptoms. She believes that the best treatment results from the bio-psycho-social approach to mental health. She provides medication management, psychotherapy in select cases, or a combination of the two. Her interests include anxiety disorders, depression, minority mental health, and maternal mental health.
(323) 475-6148 View (323) 475-6148
Photo of Suellen Stevens, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Suellen Stevens
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
She has received training in psychopharmacology (medication management), and various psychotherapy modalities including cognitive behavior therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Dr Stevens is compassionate Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist with 25 years of experience treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Her practice philosophy includes evaluating the whole person in the context of their health, environment and relationships. She performs a thorough evaluation to make recommendations for treatment with an individualized balance of medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle/behavior interventions (such as exercise and nutrition) then works closely with you to follow through on your treatment in a way that optimizes your outcome and quality of life.
She has received training in psychopharmacology (medication management), and various psychotherapy modalities including cognitive behavior therapy and psychodynamic therapy.
Dr Stevens is compassionate Board Certified Adult Psychiatrist with 25 years of experience treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders. Her practice philosophy includes evaluating the whole person in the context of their health, environment and relationships. She performs a thorough evaluation to make recommendations for treatment with an individualized balance of medications, psychotherapy and lifestyle/behavior interventions (such as exercise and nutrition) then works closely with you to follow through on your treatment in a way that optimizes your outcome and quality of life.
(323) 403-0474 View (323) 403-0474
Photo of Elyse Galles, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Elyse Galles
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
My practice includes medication management of adults ages 18 and over. I have specialty training and research in college and student athlete mental health. I have a particular interest in working with young adults to build a healthy foundation to achieve their goals. In addition to medication management, my approach to mental health care involves addressing overall health and well-being, including eating habits, exercise, sleep-hygiene, cultivating healthy relationships, and finding meaning in our day to day life.
My practice includes medication management of adults ages 18 and over. I have specialty training and research in college and student athlete mental health. I have a particular interest in working with young adults to build a healthy foundation to achieve their goals. In addition to medication management, my approach to mental health care involves addressing overall health and well-being, including eating habits, exercise, sleep-hygiene, cultivating healthy relationships, and finding meaning in our day to day life.
(323) 406-7435 View (323) 406-7435
Photo of Jennifer Jordan, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Jennifer Jordan
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
I am a compassionate, Board Certified Adult psychiatrist with experience treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders.  I feel lucky to be able to work collaboratively with individuals facing unique and complex challenges at all stages of life. I believe in empowering patients to take an active role in their care, and feel that this can help us work together to achieve the most positive possible outcomes. I provide comprehensive assessments, taking into account all aspects of patients' lives, and provide both medication management and psychotherapy, or a combination of the two as appropriate.
I am a compassionate, Board Certified Adult psychiatrist with experience treating a wide range of psychiatric disorders.  I feel lucky to be able to work collaboratively with individuals facing unique and complex challenges at all stages of life. I believe in empowering patients to take an active role in their care, and feel that this can help us work together to achieve the most positive possible outcomes. I provide comprehensive assessments, taking into account all aspects of patients' lives, and provide both medication management and psychotherapy, or a combination of the two as appropriate.
(323) 538-6351 View (323) 538-6351
Photo of Catalina Villa, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Catalina Villa
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(323) 676-2665 View (323) 676-2665
Photo of Dr. Keri Biscoe | Wildflower Psychiatry, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Dr. Keri Biscoe | Wildflower Psychiatry
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90036
I help adolescents and young adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health concerns, with any combination of talk therapy, nutrition and supplement support, lifestyle modifications like exercise and sleep regulation, other evidence-based integrative psychiatry modalities, and/or traditional psychiatric medication management.
I am here to help you feel that your experiences are seen and supported, the struggles and the wins. This attentive listening is part of my holistic approach to providing customized, evidence-based psychiatric care designed to help you thrive. We'll start with a comprehensive evaluation and medical workup. From there I create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and is adaptable to progress that we track together.
I help adolescents and young adults with anxiety, depression, bipolar, ADHD, trauma, and other mental health concerns, with any combination of talk therapy, nutrition and supplement support, lifestyle modifications like exercise and sleep regulation, other evidence-based integrative psychiatry modalities, and/or traditional psychiatric medication management.
I am here to help you feel that your experiences are seen and supported, the struggles and the wins. This attentive listening is part of my holistic approach to providing customized, evidence-based psychiatric care designed to help you thrive. We'll start with a comprehensive evaluation and medical workup. From there I create a treatment plan that addresses your concerns and is adaptable to progress that we track together.
Photo of Rachel Jumonville, Physician Assistant in 90036, CA
Rachel Jumonville
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(323) 473-9403 View (323) 473-9403
Photo of Ana Jimenez, Physician Assistant in 90036, CA
Ana Jimenez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(310) 564-7263 View (310) 564-7263
Photo of Claudette Banda, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 90036, CA
Claudette Banda
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, Welcoming New Patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, Welcoming New Patients!
(310) 683-5561 View (310) 683-5561
Photo of Desiree Bonomo, Physician Assistant in 90036, CA
Desiree Bonomo
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(310) 349-3712 View (310) 349-3712
Photo of Ana Jimenez, Physician Assistant in 90036, CA
Ana Jimenez
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(310) 504-6986 View (310) 504-6986
Photo of Lalaine Otadoy, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 90036, CA
Lalaine Otadoy
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(310) 360-7200 View (310) 360-7200
Photo of Lisa Chan, Physician Assistant in 90036, CA
Lisa Chan
Physician Assistant, PA-C
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(818) 960-6464 View (818) 960-6464
Photo of Taylor Alexander, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 90036, CA
Taylor Alexander
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is a challenging thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now, welcoming new patients!
(818) 717-7025 View (818) 717-7025
Photo of Carmela Zaragoza, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 90036, CA
Carmela Zaragoza
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
Our providers offer medication management, various modalities of therapy such as CBT, and telepsychiatry appointments.
We know asking for help is not an easy thing to do. We also know that finding a provider you trust to help you navigate mental health care can be a challenge. That's why we're here, and we're doing things differently. As a patient at Bonmente, you enjoy comprehensive treatments customized specifically for your unique circumstances, convenient telemedicine appointments that allow you to see your provider from the comfort of home, an online patient portal that lets you communicate directly with your provider, and a highly trained support team that makes becoming a patient as simple as it should be. Now welcoming new patients!
(818) 748-1859 View (818) 748-1859
Photo of Dr. Angela Goddard, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Dr. Angela Goddard
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
2 Endorsed
Los Angeles, CA 90036
JAN 2024: I am currently accepting new patients. I help adults of all ages work through their problems, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job loss, bereavement, and coping with illness. I am a psychiatrist that also practices psychotherapy and treatment may consist of talk therapy, medications, or both. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right person to help you and to answer your questions.
JAN 2024: I am currently accepting new patients. I help adults of all ages work through their problems, including (but not limited to) depression, anxiety, stress, relationship issues, job loss, bereavement, and coping with illness. I am a psychiatrist that also practices psychotherapy and treatment may consist of talk therapy, medications, or both. I offer a free 15-minute phone consultation to determine if I am the right person to help you and to answer your questions.
(310) 928-9771 View (310) 928-9771
Photo of Raelin Bright Wellness, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 90036, CA
Raelin Bright Wellness
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, PhD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036  (Online Only)
Tired of ER visits due to panic attacks? Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you have racing thoughts, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or trouble relaxing? Are you feeling sad, like a dark cloud is over you or experiencing trauma responses? Do you feel treated as a number, not a person, when seeking help? I provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. My approach is person-centered; I have mastered listening and recognizing people’s needs. I treat with evidence-based practices and believe in medication reduction as much as possible to avoid people being on too many medications.
Tired of ER visits due to panic attacks? Do you feel anxious, sad, out of control, or overwhelmed? Do you have racing thoughts, have nightmares or trouble sleeping, or trouble relaxing? Are you feeling sad, like a dark cloud is over you or experiencing trauma responses? Do you feel treated as a number, not a person, when seeking help? I provide mental health treatment that is tailored to fit your needs. My approach is person-centered; I have mastered listening and recognizing people’s needs. I treat with evidence-based practices and believe in medication reduction as much as possible to avoid people being on too many medications.
(949) 993-0199 View (949) 993-0199
Photo of Monique Sinclare, Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner in 90036, CA
Monique Sinclare
Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, NP
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Monique works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Monique believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
Monique works with individuals who are looking to gain insight into themselves and improve their quality of life. She seeks to understand each individual holistically, including their backgrounds and the strengths they already possess to provide an individualized approach. Monique believes that establishing a strong alliance with her clients is essential to getting the most out of therapy and creating lasting change. Through this alliance, she partners with her clients to explore and address thought and behavior patterns that serve as barriers to enjoying life fully.
(323) 784-9629 View (323) 784-9629
Photo of Michele Wang, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Michele Wang
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Dr. Wang was born and raised in Los Angeles. She finished her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Literature and graduated with a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. During medical school, Dr. Wang worked with the Ministry of Health in Peru looking at adolescent attitudes towards substance abuse. The following year, the American Psychiatric Association awarded her funding for smoking cessation research at Langley Porter, UCSF.
Dr. Wang was born and raised in Los Angeles. She finished her undergraduate studies at the University of California, San Diego with a degree in Literature and graduated with a medical degree from the University of California, San Francisco. During medical school, Dr. Wang worked with the Ministry of Health in Peru looking at adolescent attitudes towards substance abuse. The following year, the American Psychiatric Association awarded her funding for smoking cessation research at Langley Porter, UCSF.
(323) 859-7138 View (323) 859-7138
Photo of Anjam Bahl, Psychiatrist in 90036, CA
Anjam Bahl
Psychiatrist, MD
Verified Verified
Los Angeles, CA 90036
Anjam Bahl MD is a Double Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatrist practicing since 2016. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College of Columbia University and then remained at Columbia to complete her Doctor of Medicine. She then completed Residency in Adult Psychiatry at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Subsequently, she completed a Child and Adolescent Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Over the years Anjam has been described as "extremely well organized, thorough, and thoughtful in her assessments and treatment recommendations.
Anjam Bahl MD is a Double Board Certified Child and Adult Psychiatrist practicing since 2016. She received her Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College of Columbia University and then remained at Columbia to complete her Doctor of Medicine. She then completed Residency in Adult Psychiatry at Stanford Hospital and Clinics. Subsequently, she completed a Child and Adolescent Fellowship at the University of California, San Francisco. Over the years Anjam has been described as "extremely well organized, thorough, and thoughtful in her assessments and treatment recommendations.
(323) 760-7547 View (323) 760-7547
Medication Management Psychiatrists

What are the most effective ways to manage medications?

One of the most effective ways a patient can manage their medications is to keep a list of each drug and dosage they take. Such a list can be helpful in keeping to their schedule and can also be something they bring to their psychiatrist or other physician so that the healthcare provider has a clear picture of what they’re taking and in what quantity. Using a pill organizer can be useful for memory and organization. Patients should discuss their medications and their effects at every appointment.

What are the risks if medications are not managed properly?

A suboptimal approach to medication management can lead to potentially harmful health outcomes. Most psychiatric drugs have side effects, and if a patient is not aware of them, they may seek additional medical help or over the counter or prescription drugs to treat the side effects, which may have its own side effects, a process called “prescription cascade.” Another risk to disorganization is that a psychiatrist without full knowledge of a patient’s regimen could prescribe a medication that should not be mixed with a patient’s existing drugs.

What’s the best way to encourage someone to get help managing their medications?

It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing medication management as a tool for improving their life and avoiding dangerous side effects. Offering specific examples of an individual’s failure to properly manage their medication regimen should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to break management down into parts, and there are several apps that can be used to organize which drugs are ingested, when they need to be refilled, and how they should be stored.

Are there natural treatments that can replace medications?

While there are many medications that can be vital to mental health, there are some natural lifestyle changes that can help reduce the need for drugs. Regular exercise, good sleep habits, a healthy diet, and therapy can all go a long way in symptom relief. Psychiatric medications typically treat symptoms but do not necessarily treat the cause of the condition. Many clinicians consider medications an adjunct to treatment rather than a treatment in and of itself.