Guides
What to Expect From Medication Management
Medication management means working with a psychiatric provider to decide whether medication could help, choosing one carefully, and adjusting over time. Here is what each step looks like at our practice.
The short answer
Your first visit is a psychiatric evaluation by video. Your provider reviews your symptoms, history, current medications and goals, explains your options, and agrees on a plan with you. Follow-up visits are shorter and focus on how you are doing, side effects and whether to adjust. All visits are by telehealth anywhere in Texas.
What to have ready for your first visit
- A list of current medications and doses, including supplements
- Medications you have tried before and how they went
- Your main concerns and what you hope will change
- Names of your other doctors and your therapist, if you have one
- A private place for the video call
How it usually goes
- 1.
Evaluation
A thorough first visit to understand the full picture.
- 2.
Plan
A choice you make together, which may or may not include medication.
- 3.
Follow-ups
Regular check-ins to track progress and side effects.
- 4.
Adjustments
Changes are made gradually and explained clearly.
Side effects and patience
Many medications take a few weeks to show their full effect, and some side effects ease with time. Tell your provider about anything that bothers you rather than stopping on your own, since some medications need to be tapered.
Working with your therapist
Because therapy and medication are in one practice, your prescriber and therapist can coordinate with your written permission. Many people do best with both: medication to ease symptoms and therapy to build skills and change patterns.
At a glance
- Format
- Telehealth anywhere in Texas
- Provider
- Dr. Richard P. Diaz, DNP, PMHNP
- Payment
- Private pay
- Medications
- Non-stimulant psychiatric medications
- Languages
- English, and Spanish with Dr. Diaz
Questions worth asking your provider
How long until I should notice a difference? Which side effects are common and which mean I should call? What happens if I miss a dose? How will we know when it is working? Writing your questions down before each visit makes the time more useful, especially early on.
Questions
Do I need a therapist to get medication management?
No, but coordinated care is available if you want it.
Do you prescribe stimulants?
Our prescribers offer non-stimulant psychiatric medications.
How soon can I be seen?
Often within a week.
Request a medication consultation
Request a visit with Dr. Diaz in the client portal, or call 832-876-3232.