How to Talk to Your Therapist About Medication

It is an ordinary thing to ask

Some people feel awkward raising medication in therapy, as if it means therapy is not working. It does not. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) says psychotherapy and medication are the most common forms of mental health treatment, and that psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to medication or alongside it.

NIMH also notes that medications are often used in combination with other treatments, such as psychotherapy. Even when medication relieves symptoms, it says therapy can help with specific issues, like self-defeating ways of thinking or difficulty coping with situations at home or work.

So asking is not a step away from therapy. It is a chance to look at the whole picture with someone who already knows your story.

What your therapist can and cannot do

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) lists the professionals who can prescribe medication, including psychiatrists and primary care physicians. Licensed professional counselors and licensed clinical social workers provide therapy but are not among the prescribers.

That still leaves your therapist a lot to offer. They can help you:

• Put into words what you hope medication might change.
• Notice patterns over weeks, such as sleep, energy, mood or worry, that are worth sharing with a prescriber.
• Write down your questions and concerns before a prescriber visit.
• Think through feelings about medication, including worries about side effects or what taking it means to you.
• Coordinate with your prescriber, if you give permission.

How to bring it up

You do not need the perfect words. A plain sentence at the start of a session is enough, so there is time to talk. Here are a few ways people open the topic:

• "I've been wondering whether medication could help. Can we talk about that?"
• "My doctor mentioned medication and I'm not sure how I feel about it."
• "I started a new medicine last month. Can we keep an eye on how I'm doing?"
• "I'm worried about side effects. Can you help me figure out what to ask?"

Getting ready for a prescriber visit

If you decide to talk with a prescriber, your therapist can help you prepare. NIMH suggests a few steps that make any visit more useful.

1. 1Make a list of questionsWrite down what you want to discuss. Your therapist can help you sort the questions that matter most to you.
2. 2List every medicine you takeNIMH says to tell your provider about all medications, including over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements.
3. 3Describe your symptoms clearlyNIMH suggests being specific about when symptoms started, how severe they are and how often they happen. Patterns you noticed in therapy can help here.
4. 4Consider bringing someoneNIMH notes that a trusted friend or relative can offer support, help take notes and remember what was discussed.

When your therapist and prescriber work together

NIMH notes that discussions with a health care provider are private and cannot be shared with anyone without your expressed permission. To let your therapist and prescriber talk, practices usually ask you to sign a form, often called a release of information, that says what may be shared and with whom. You can ask questions about it before you sign.

Coordination matters most when more than one person is involved in your care. MedlinePlus, from the National Library of Medicine, notes that one provider may not know about medicines another provider has given you, and suggests giving all of your providers a copy of your medicine list.

If you already take a medicine, tell your therapist about it, and about any changes. NIMH advises that people should not stop taking a prescribed medication without the help of a health care provider. Your therapist can help you plan that conversation, but the decision belongs with your prescriber.

How we can help

Our therapists do not prescribe, and they are glad to talk about medication whenever you want to. For people physically located in Pennsylvania during each visit, a licensed psychiatrist on our team, a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO), offers medication management by secure video. With your permission, he and your therapist here can coordinate your care. Read more about online psychiatry in Pennsylvania.

Therapy is online for clients physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arizona, Colorado or Florida during sessions. Outside Pennsylvania, medication questions go to your own prescriber, and your therapist can still help you prepare. Our therapists offer anxiety therapy and depression therapy, among other services. Book a free 15-minute consultation on our booking page.

If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.