Medication and Therapy Together: How They Can Work as a Team

Two of the most common treatments

The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) describes psychotherapy and medication as the most common forms of mental health treatment. It also says medications are often used in combination with other treatments, such as psychotherapy.

For depression and for generalized anxiety disorder, NIMH says treatment typically involves psychotherapy, medication or both. The right plan depends on a person's needs, preferences and medical situation, and is chosen in consultation with a mental health professional or a health care provider.

So if you are wondering whether you have to pick one, the answer is no. Many people use both, and many use one at a time. What matters is a plan that fits you.

What each one does

Medication works on brain chemistry. NIMH explains, for example, that antidepressants work by changing how the brain produces or uses certain chemicals involved in mood or stress. NIMH stresses working with a health care provider on a treatment plan that fits your needs and medical situation, and notes that it may take several tries to find the one that works best with the fewest side effects.

Therapy works on thoughts, feelings, behaviors and relationships. NIMH describes psychotherapy as treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts and behaviors. That can include questioning unhelpful thoughts, learning to cope with stress, building problem-solving and communication skills, and practicing mindfulness and relaxation.

NIMH makes a point worth remembering: even when medication relieves symptoms, psychotherapy can help address specific issues, such as self-defeating ways of thinking, fears, problems interacting with other people, or difficulty coping at home, school or work.

Why the order can differ

There is no single sequence. For milder depression, NIMH says psychotherapy is often tried first, with medication added later if therapy alone does not bring a good response. For moderate or severe depression, NIMH says people usually are prescribed medication as part of the first treatment plan.

Some people start with medication and add therapy later. Others begin in therapy, and their therapist notices patterns that are worth raising with a prescriber. NIMH notes that finding the best treatment may take trial and error, and that both psychotherapy and medication can take some time to work. Patience, and honest check-ins, help.

How a prescriber and therapist coordinate

When you see both a prescriber and a therapist, your care works best if they are not on two separate tracks. Coordination simply means they can share relevant information, such as what your therapist is noticing between visits or a change to your medicine, so each can do their part well.

This happens only with your permission. Many practices ask you to give that permission in writing, on a form often called a release of information, that names who may share what with whom. You can ask exactly what will be shared before you agree. If you have questions about privacy, read our notice of privacy practices.

Practical tips for using both

• Tell each professional about the other, and give them each other's names if you want them to coordinate.
• Keep one up-to-date list of everything you take, including over-the-counter medicines and supplements, and share it with both.
• Jot down changes in sleep, mood, energy or side effects between visits, and bring the notes to your prescriber.
• Use therapy to prepare questions for your prescriber, and to talk through how you feel about taking medication.
• Never start, stop or change a medicine on your own. NIMH advises talking to a health care provider before starting or stopping any medication.
• If therapy or medication does not seem to be helping, say so. Your plan can be adjusted.

How we can help

At Locascio Wellness, our therapists offer support such as anxiety therapy and depression therapy by secure video for people physically located in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Arizona, Colorado or Florida. Our therapists do not prescribe.

For people physically located in Pennsylvania during each visit, a licensed psychiatrist on our team offers medication management by secure video and is open to new patients and referrals. With your permission, your therapist here and the psychiatrist can coordinate your care. Outside Pennsylvania, medication questions go to your own prescriber.

You can meet our team or reach out through our booking page. If you are in crisis, call or text 988, or call 911. Locascio Wellness does not provide emergency services.