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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.
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:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Located in San Diego and Orange County, AMFM Mental Health Treatment Centers include medication education for those who are considering, and those who are actively taking, medications for their mental health concerns. Our providers work diligently to ensure that you have the knowledge you need to confidently manage your medication regimen.
A Mission For Michael, treatment locations in Virginia blend the use of psychotherapy, holistic approaches, and medication management services. Our integrative approach can address the various aspects of your life that have been affected by your mental health challenges. Reach out today to explore current treatment openings.
In Seattle, Washington, A Mission For Michael has holistic therapy programs for those who are experiencing mental health disorders and dual diagnosis conditions. Our comprehensive treatment programs include therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and creative therapies. Contact us today to learn about available treatment options.
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:
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We accept most major insurance providers and can check your coverage levels for you.
If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
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.
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:
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If we are not an appropriate provider for care, we will assist in finding a care provider that can help.
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