Many appointments can be conducted remotely. However, as of May 11th, 2023, any patient prescribed a controlled substance will need to come into the office at least once a year, in accordance with the Ryan Haight Act, a federal law.

It all depends on what you’re most comfortable with. Both psychiatrists and psychiatric nurse practitioners are highly-trained and experts in their fields. Every patient has different needs and your practitioner will determine if they are the right fit for you.

Yes, a psychiatric nurse practitioner (NP) can prescribe medication and treat you for your condition just as a psychiatrist would.

Our providers will prescribe what they believe to be appropriate for our patients. While your feedback is appreciated, it is 100% up to our providers’ discretion to prescribe what they believe is necessary.

No. Sometimes our medication management providers do not think medication is the appropriate solution for what you are experiencing. Sometimes they will recommend changes in diet, therapy or other solutions.

Only if you are traveling in-state. State law mandates that you are physically in the state where your clinician is licensed during your appointment. For all new patients coming in for medication management and therapy, cancellations will result in forfeiture of your deposit. If you reschedule 24 hours prior to your appointment, your deposit will roll over. For established patients, cancellations within 24 hours of the appointment will result in a charge that is the full rate of the service.

If you experience side effects from your medication, it's important to notify your healthcare provider promptly. Some side effects might be mild and manageable and short term, but others can be more severe and require adjustments to your medication regimen. Your provider can help determine whether the side effects are typical, if they will likely subside over time, or if your medication needs to be changed. Do not stop taking the medication without consulting your provider. Stopping medications without consulting your provider may result in worsening of your symptoms or other unintended challenges.

The time it takes for mental health medications to start working can vary widely depending on the type of medication and the individual. For example, antidepressants typically take about four to six weeks to begin showing noticeable benefit, but it can sometimes take longer to experience the full benefits. Medications for other disorders, like schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, might show some effects sooner, but also usually require time to reach full efficacy. It's important to have ongoing communication and follow up appointments with your healthcare provider during this period to monitor progress and make any necessary adjustments.

It is generally not safe to stop taking mental health medication without consulting your healthcare provider, even if you feel better. Many mental health conditions require long-term treatment and stopping medication abruptly can lead to a relapse or withdrawal symptoms. If you feel that you might not need medication anymore, discuss this with your provider. They can assess your situation and, when appropriate, will help you taper off the medication gradually and safely to minimize any potential negative effects. If you have more questions or need personalized advice about managing mental health medications, our team at Fairfax Mental Health & Wellness is here to help. Contact us to learn more about our services and to schedule an appointment with one of our experienced mental health professionals. Together, we can find the right approach for your mental wellness journey.