
Medication Management
What is Medication Management?
For many mental health conditions, clinicians frequently recommend the use of medications—those that influence a person’s mental state, such as antidepressants—as a treatment option and a complement to talk therapy. A session with our clinicians can be a starting point for discussing potential benefits or concerns related to taking medication. Medication Management is only provided by our board-certified Medical Doctors (Psychiatrists) or Nurse Practitioners (NPs). They can determine if medication is right for you and provide ongoing support.
Medication Management or Psychotherapy (Talk Therapy)
Which One is Right For Me?
Our clinicians will evaluate your mental health history, symptoms, previous medications, impairment levels, diagnosis, and overall well-being to determine if a Talk Therapy or Medication Management appointment would be a better fit for your needs. In some cases, Medication Management may be recommended later to address moderate to severe symptoms that haven’t responded adequately to Talk Therapy alone. Our goal is to help you regain your ability to function and enjoy life.
Prescription Medication
Psychiatric medications are prescribed to treat various mental health conditions, such as depression, anxiety disorder, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and others. The effectiveness and side effects of psychiatric medications can vary depending on the individual and the medication being taken.
Prescription medications may be part of your treatment. If medication is prescribed, your provider will explain why we have chosen a certain medication and any potential side effects. Most of the medications we use take time to work. It will be important for you to take your medications as prescribed and be willing to give them a chance. This may take up to 3 to 4 weeks.
It is a common misconception that those who are suffering emotionally lack character and strength. This is far from the truth. Our clients seek symptom relief and display the courage and hard work to look at themselves and their lives and take positive steps to change.
In general, psychiatric medications work by altering the levels of chemicals in the brain, such as neurotransmitters, to improve symptoms. Some medications may work quickly, while others may take several weeks or months to show results. It is essential to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you do not see immediate improvement.
Because of the potential risks and side effects of certain medications, they may need to be adjusted; therefore, we will generally give you only enough medication to last until your next appointment. It is important for you to let us know about any other medications you are taking, either prescribed by other physicians or purchased over-the-counter, such as cold pills, diet aids, or homeopathic drugs.
Common side effects of psychiatric medications may include dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, nausea, changes in appetite, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. However, not everyone experiences side effects, and the severity and duration of side effects can vary. It is essential to work closely with a healthcare provider when taking psychiatric medications to ensure that the medication is working effectively and to monitor for any potential side effects. The provider may adjust the dosage or switch medications if needed.
If you have questions about the instructions for your medication or are concerned about side effects, you can call us and select the medication refills option.
It is also important to note that psychiatric medications are just one aspect of treatment for mental health conditions. Therapy, lifestyle changes, and support from family and friends may also be essential components of treatment.
Medication Refill Policy
All prescription medications require regular appointments and careful monitoring as part of your care. We make every effort to prescribe enough medication to last until your next appointment.
It is our policy not to call in medications. However, under certain circumstances, we may phone in an amount enough to last until your next visit. Please note that Medication refills are not considered a medical emergency.
Refill requests will be processed only during routine office hours (not during evenings, weekends, or holidays) and usually take 2-3 business days to complete. A call-in medication fee may be assessed to your account, and your insurance does not cover this fee.
To request a medication refill, call us and select the medication refill option. Then, leave a message with your information. Please include your full name, date of birth, callback number, medication name, dose, instructions, and reason for requesting the refill.
Our policy for medication refills emphasizes the importance of regular appointments and careful monitoring as part of your care.
Call-In Medication Fees
Your prescriber will electronically send enough medication to last until your next appointment. If you miss your appointment for reasons not related to Hendricks Therapy, a call-in fee may apply.
$20.00 – 1st prescription
$10.00 – Additional prescriptions
It is important to ensure that the address we have on file for you matches the address on file with your pharmacy to avoid having your prescription rejected by your pharmacy.
NOTE: All prescriptions will be sent electronically to the pharmacy on file for you. Most pharmacies do not accept printed prescriptions.
Delays in Getting Your Medication
While we do our best to send prescriptions quickly and accurately, delays can still happen. Please be patient, as several factors – often beyond our control – may cause holdups:
Technology Issues
Your prescription often passes through multiple systems–ours, your pharmacy’s, your insurance carrier’s, and Surescripts. Glitches in any of these can delay processing.
Medication Shortages
National or local shortages may slow down fulfillment. Sometimes your help is needed to call nearby pharmacies to check availability.
Prior Authorizations
Insurance companies may require medical justification for certain prescriptions. This process can take several days and may delay approval.
Address Mismatch
If the address in our system doesn't match the one your pharmacy has on file, your prescription may be rejected. Please ensure both are up to date.
We appreciate your understanding and patience as we work to get your medications to you as quickly as possible.
Injections for Treatment of Opioid Addiction
Hendricks Therapy offers Medication-Assisted Treatment for Opioid Addiction. Now you can receive your weekly or monthly injections after getting your drug test at Hendricks Therapy. Letting Hendricks Therapy give you an injection is a much safer and more consistent way to receive your medication.
Injections are available at our Plainfield (317) 718-8436 and Lafayette (765) 709-0500 offices. Call or text today to schedule an appointment.
Our Comprehensive Mental Health Team Consists of:
Board-Certified Psychiatrists
Board-Certified Psychiatric Nurse Practitioners
Clinical Nurse Specialists
Clinical Psychologists
Licensed Clinical Social Workers
Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists
Licensed Mental Health Counselors