Medication Management, Education, and Counseling Programs

A MISSION FOR MICHAEL

13 minutes read
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When you choose to attend an A Mission For Michael Mental Health Treatment Center, you’ll experience the individualized care, tailored to your needs and circumstances. For those who receive psychiatric care, medication education is provided beforehand so that you can make an informed decision about your care. Our behavioral health centers are located in California, Washington, and Virginia.

We provide personalized treatment within our residential treatment facilities for those who are struggling with a range of mental health conditions including mood disorders, some personality disorders, and trauma-related disorders. Our approach commonly blends the use of evidence-based practices, holistic treatments, and psychotropic medications. We’re going to spend time talking about what medication education is, and why it is an important component of psychiatric care.

What is Medication Education?

Medication education counseling involves providing education to medication options. This can include the purpose of the medication, therapeutic dosage, possible side effects, and safety precautions. This approach promotes collaboration between you and your prescriber, increasing your involvement in treatment.

Patient education on medication can also help decrease misuse. When you understand the effects of missing a dose, or taking it later than usual, you may find yourself acting more diligent about sticking with your medication routine. Knowledge is power, and you should be informed about the medications you take to support your mental health. Medication education is often included in insurance coverage for those who have prescription drug coverage. We invite you to complete our insurance verification form to learn about the details of your insurance coverage.

Patient medication education is provided by healthcare professionals who are knowledgeable about the medications you’re taking. In most cases, your first experience with medication education counseling will be with your prescribing healthcare professional when they review your medication options. This practice is not exclusive to prescribing professionals, and can include the following professionals:

  • Pharmacists: Pharmacists can provide you with medication education at the time of your prescription fills. This can include information about your dosage, the frequency of your dose, and potential side effects.
  • Nurses: Nurses, especially those working in an inpatient or residential treatment center, can provide you with detailed guidance about your medication.
  • Therapists: Therapists who have training and experience in providing medication education can help you understand the importance of medication compliance and how it affects your specific mental health symptom’s.
  • Health Coaches: Health coaches can bring medication education into your care management services.
  • Telehealth Services: Depending on your healthcare provider, you may be eligible for virtual counseling sessions. This can be a convenient care option, increasing accessibility.

In 2020, the CDC reported that 16.5% of adults were taking medications for their mental health, with about 10% of those also participating in psychotherapy or counseling. Mental health treatment rates are higher among women, who are more likely than men to use prescribed medications. Young adults aged 18 to 25 experience higher rates of mental illness and serious mental illness than other age groups.

Despite the benefits of medication, adherence remains a significant challenge, with one-third to one-half of adults struggling to take medications consistently. According to the NIMH, commonly prescribed mental health medications include antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics, and mood stabilizers. Medication and counseling together can enhance outcomes for those managing mental health conditions.

What Is the Importance of Medication Education?

Medication education on mental health conditions and coping strategies can provide you with comprehensive care.  It focuses on educating patients about prescriptions so that they can have an active role in their treatment, and know what they need to do to adhere to their medication routine. It also provides valuable information about side effects to be mindful of with medications.

Another benefit to medication education is that it can help give you some autonomy. With an active understanding of the medication you’re taking, you can have a sense of independence. You will also have the knowledge you need to avoid misunderstanding about your dosage and the frequency that you’re supposed to take your dose. Individuals who have been struggling with persistent or worsening mental health conditions are encouraged to contact AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers for a free mental health assessment. We will then review appropriate treatment options, and support you during your admission process.

What is Medication Management?

Medication management is a type of care provided for those who are actively prescribed medications for their mental health. Medication management involves continual monitoring and optimization of your medication, to ensure that you’re receiving the intended benefits. This includes regular meetings with your healthcare providers.

The purpose of medication management is to monitor medication use and safety. Personalized medication education plans address your potential side effects, interactions, and adherence challenges. This also allows you to receive continued support when changes are made to your medication regimen.

What Are Some Topics of Medication Education?

Medication education covers a wide range of topics based on your medication needs. Your experience will likely vary from others due to the individualized nature of medication management services.  Below are examples of common topics, thought this list is not exhaustive.

A key component of patient medication education is ensuring that you have a complete understanding of the purpose and benefits of the medications you’re taking. You should understand how these medications will affect your brain, body, and current symptoms. We encourage you to ask for clarification if you have questions regarding your prescriptions.

Medication adherence counseling can help you understand the dosage, timing, and the method of administration. This can decrease the risk of misusing your medication, but also help you understand what to do if you accidentally miss a dose. It can also include tips to help you take your medications consistently.

A crucial component of educating patients about prescriptions is to ensure that they are knowledgeable about the side effects of the medications they’re taking. It is also important to know what to do in the event of noticing some of these side effects. While some side effects can be minor, others are not and require immediate medical attention.

Individuals who require personalized, or tailored, medication education can receive the support they need from their prescriber. Factors that are considered include the individual’s age, medical and mental health history, and cultural considerations. Personalized support is important to decrease the risks of medication non-adherence.

Medication education will also review proper storage conditions and safe disposal methods. This is important for those who may have unused or expired medications. Storage conditions are important to ensure that your medication is not altered due to the conditions. You can inquire about medication drop-off locations within your community.

Reviewing over-the-counter medication options and alternative medications can highlight the benefits of these medications when used with your prescribed medication. We encourage you to ask questions regarding the questions you have, and review potential side effects of combining these options with your medications.

Other focuses of medication management are used to promote collaboration and involvement in your care. This allows you to take an active role in your healthcare decisions and voice your thoughts and concerns about your medication options. Your provider will let you know how to contact them with questions outside your appointment times if you have additional questions.

Medication Education Programs Near Me

AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers provide comprehensive care for those who are experiencing a range of mental health concerns. This often includes the use of evidence-based practices, holistic therapies, psychiatric care, and medication education. Dial (866)478-4383 to explore available treatment options.

What Disorders Are Treated With Medications

Medications can be used to treat a wide range of mental health conditions. Some providers recommend that you engage in individual therapy or group therapy for comprehensive care. Medications are used to address specific symptoms associated with mental health conditions, and improve your quality of life. A brief list of mental health disorders that may benefit from the use of medications includes:

Psychiatric Care

Psychiatric medications are used to target the areas of your brain that affect conditions like mood disorders, psychosis, and anxiety. This can include the use of antipsychotics, antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and antianxiety drugs to address specific symptoms that you’re experiencing. Psychiatric care is provided in inpatient and outpatient treatment centers.

Depression

Medications like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) or serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are commonly used to reduce depressive symptoms. These medications are often used alongside counseling services, for a comprehensive approach to recovery. This combined approach can prevent relapse and enhance your recovery.

PTSD: Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Your prescriber may review medications like SSRIs that can help manage symptoms like intrusive thoughts and hyperarousal. PTSD is a complex mental health condition that often requires comprehensive care. This can include trauma therapy and mindfulness-based therapy, in both inpatient and outpatient treatment settings.

BPD: Borderline Personality Disorder

Medications are not a primary treatment for borderline personality disorder, but they can be helpful in managing co-occurring symptoms like depression or anxiety. Your provider may discuss mood stabilizers or antipsychotics that can help with emotional regulation. Behavioral health programs are commonly used to improve emotion regulation skills and improve daily functioning.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder is an example of a mental health disorder that may require medications. Mood stabilizers like lithium and anticonvulsants help manage manic and depressive episodes. Treatment can also include atypical antipsychotics and antidepressants under careful supervision. Those who are in an active manic episode often require crisis support and medication management services.

Schizophrenia Spectrum Disorders and Other Psychotic Disorders

Antipsychotic medications, both typical and atypical, are the cornerstone of treatment for those who are living with schizophrenia spectrum disorder or other psychotic disorders. Medications are used to address specific symptoms like hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. This can improve daily functioning and overall quality of life.

Anxiety Disorders

Antianxiety medications like benzodiazepines and SSRIs are commonly used to reduce excessive worry and physical symptoms. This can include cardiovascular symptoms, gastrointestinal symptoms, tension, and sleep disturbances. These medications are often combined with therapies like CBT for long-term effectiveness in recovery.
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    What Are the Benefits of Medication Education?

    There are several benefits of medication education, highlighting its importance in mental health counseling. Medication education can help you develop a foundation of knowledge regarding the medication that you’re taking, and how it can help with your mental health concerns or conditions.

    Many find that having this knowledge empowers them in their recovery, and can boost their confidence when they speak with their healthcare providers about their medication regime. It can also reduce medication errors, and improve treatment outcomes. A notable benefit of enhanced treatment outcomes is reduced healthcare costs due to a reduced need for crisis stabilization and other intensive treatment options. Lastly, medication education can help reinforce the collaborative nature of treatment and enhance communication between you and your provider.

    Psychiatrist writing notes while having therapy session with a patient.

    What Are the Components of Medication Education Counseling?

    Medication education counseling is a personalized experience that can look different for everyone. Some of the factors that contribute to these differences include your current mental health condition, the severity of your symptoms, previous use of mental health medications, and physical health concerns.

    Medication education counseling can provide you with knowledge needed to obtain ideal health outcomes. It also encourages continued collaboration between you and your healthcare provider. Important components of medication education include:

    • Personalized Guidance: Your prescriber will provide tailored sessions to ensure that you receive the insights and knowledge needed regarding the medications you’ll be taking. This can include educating on drug interactions, and what to do if you miss a dose.
    • Medication Instructions: This focuses on teaching proper dosage and timing of your medication so that you can keep a therapeutic dose of the medication in your system.
    • Managing Side Effects: Understanding medication side effects can help promote consistency in your routine, and let you know what to do if you experience a side effect.
    • Drug Interactions: This is especially important for individuals who are taking more than one medication, those taking medications for medical reasons, and those with certain physical health concerns.
    • Adherence Strategies: Medication adherence counseling can help you learn tips and tricks to stick to your medication regimen. Consistency is key with the use of medications, which is why finding a routine that works for you is important.
    • Safety Measures: This can include reviewing proper storage and safe disposal methods.
    • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported that in 2020 16.5% of adults were taking medications for their mental health. Approximately 10% of those taking medications were also actively engaged in psychotherapy or mental health counseling.
    • Between one-third to one-half of adults taking medical or psychiatric medications struggle with medication adherence.
    • Commonly prescribed mental health medications include antidepressants, stimulants, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH).
    • Women are more likely to engage in mental health treatment than men, and generally have higher rates for the usage of mental health medications. 
    • The rates for mental illness and serious mental illness are higher among adults between the ages of 18 to 25, compared to other age groups.

    Check if your health insurance will cover the cost of mental health treatment.