Frequently Asked Questions

Psychiatric medication management is an active collaborative process where a psychiatrist evaluates your symptoms, prescribes appropriate psychiatric medications, monitors their effectiveness, manages any side effects, and adjusts dosages or medications as needed. It's not a one-time prescription—it's ongoing treatment tailored to your unique needs.

Taylor Andrews is a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC) with specialized training in psychiatric medication management. As a nurse practitioner, Taylor holds a Master's degree and is licensed to prescribe and manage medications in Colorado.

Medication management and therapy are complementary. Many patients benefit from both. While we focus on psychiatric medication management, we often coordinate with your therapist to ensure comprehensive care. We can also provide referrals if you need a therapist.

It depends on the medication and condition. SSRIs for depression typically take 2-4 weeks to show benefit. Some medications work faster (like anti-anxiety medications), while others take 6-8 weeks. We monitor your response carefully and adjust as needed.

We provide psychiatric medication management for depression, anxiety, ADHD, bipolar disorder, OCD, PTSD, trauma, sleep disorders, and addiction (including medication-assisted treatment). We also treat adolescents and provide specialized care for complex psychiatric presentations.

Telehealth appointments are conducted via secure video. You'll join from home (or anywhere private) using your computer, tablet, or phone. The quality of care is identical to in-person appointments. All conversations are HIPAA-compliant and encrypted for privacy and security.

Yes. Research shows telehealth psychiatric care is equally effective as in-person care for medication management. Video allows for good connection, clear communication about symptoms, and thorough clinical assessment. Many patients prefer the convenience of telehealth.

Initial evaluations are 60 minutes. This gives us adequate time to thoroughly understand your symptoms, medical history, medication history, family history, and current life situation. A thorough evaluation is crucial for effective psychiatric medication management.

Initial follow-up is typically 2-4 weeks after starting medication to monitor response and side effects. As medication stabilizes, follow-up appointments may be every 4-8 weeks. Once stable on medication, maintenance appointments can be quarterly or biannually. We adjust based on your needs.

We have a secure messaging system for non-urgent questions about your psychiatric medication management. Emergencies should be directed to emergency services (911) or a psychiatric emergency room. We respond to secure messages within 48 hours.

Several options exist: increase the dose (if tolerated), switch to a different medication, or add a second medication (augmentation). Sometimes the first medication isn't the right one. Finding the right medication is a process, and we systematically work through options until we find what works for you.

All psychiatric medications may have side effects. We discuss potential side effects before starting medication and monitor for them during treatment. Many side effects improve over time. If side effects are intolerable, we have strategies: reducing dose, timing medication differently, adding another medication to counteract the side effect, or switching medications.

Stopping psychiatric medication should be done with medical guidance. Some medications need to be tapered gradually (not stopped abruptly). Stopping suddenly can increase symptoms or cause withdrawal effects. If you want to discontinue medication, discuss it with Taylor to develop a safe plan.

Taylor conducts comprehensive ADHD assessments through clinical interview, symptom history, and behavioral evaluation. While we provide clinical psychiatric evaluation, comprehensive ADHD testing (psychoeducational testing) may be done through a psychologist who can provide detailed cognitive testing.

ADHD stimulant medications are safe and effective when used properly under medical supervision. Concerns about dependency apply to diversion/abuse, not appropriate clinical use. We monitor heart rate and blood pressure and ensure the medication is truly helping your ADHD symptoms.

Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) uses FDA-approved medications (buprenorphine and naltrexone) combined with counseling to treat Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) and alcohol use disorder. Medications prevent withdrawal symptoms, reduce cravings, and block the rewarding effects of opioid use, allowing people to stabilize and recover.

No. MAT medications are taken under medical supervision at controlled doses. They prevent the high, prevent withdrawal, and allow people to stabilize their lives. It's medical treatment, not addiction. Many people on MAT go to school, work, rebuild families, and maintain long-term recovery.

We work with many insurance plans. Contact us with your insurance information and we can verify coverage. We also offer self-pay options with pricing available upon request.

We can provide documentation that you can submit to your insurance for out-of-network reimbursement. We also offer self-pay options. Contact us to discuss payment options that work for your situation.