Do You Prescribe Medication? Do I Need It?
I am a Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC). I do not prescribe medication. Only a Psychiatrist, Medical Doctor, or Nurse Practitioner can do that. For example, Psychiatrists have a degree in medicine. They are physicians that have specific training in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illnesses who attended medical school and receive an M.D. After finishing their medical training, they also complete an additional four years of residency training in mental health. Therapists, or Counselors, are professionals qualified to assess, diagnose, and provide mental health services depending upon training and experience. They typically require two or three years of graduate study, including practicum and internship experience, followed by at least 2 years of full time field experience, require face-to-face patient and clinically supervised hours, and must pass the state or national examination in order to be recognized as a Licensed Practitioner.
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action; however, a therapist will go over the effective treatment options with you given your particular needs and symptoms. You are also encouraged to speak with your Primary Care Physician as to what may best fit your current needs and if medication and what type of medication is right for you.
Note: It is well established that deeper or more subtle psychological and emotional problems/suffering cannot be solved solely by medication. Medication works to treat the symptom, which is not necessarily the ‘problem.’ Outpatient therapy goes to deeper levels, so you can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being using an integrative approach to wellness.
In some cases a combination of medication and therapy is the right course of action; however, a therapist will go over the effective treatment options with you given your particular needs and symptoms. You are also encouraged to speak with your Primary Care Physician as to what may best fit your current needs and if medication and what type of medication is right for you.
Note: It is well established that deeper or more subtle psychological and emotional problems/suffering cannot be solved solely by medication. Medication works to treat the symptom, which is not necessarily the ‘problem.’ Outpatient therapy goes to deeper levels, so you can best achieve sustainable growth and a greater sense of well-being using an integrative approach to wellness.
