Therapy and medication together: what to ask about
Talk therapy and medication are often used together, and the right mix is different for each person. Medication decisions belong with a prescriber. Your part is to ask clear questions, share accurate information, and understand the plan. This guide lists questions to bring to a prescriber and to a therapist so nothing important gets missed.
Key points
Medication is often combined with other treatments, such as psychotherapy.
A prescriber makes medication decisions with you. A therapist does not replace that role.
Bring a full list of medications, vitamins and supplements to appointments.
Ask both your prescriber and your therapist how progress will be checked.
Do not make medication changes on your own. Talk with your prescriber first.
Can you do therapy and take medication at the same time?
Yes, many people do. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) explains that medications can play an important role in treating mental health conditions and are often used in combination with other treatments, such as psychotherapy. NIMH also describes psychotherapy as something that can be used as an alternative to medication or alongside it.
There is no single correct plan. NIMH says the right treatment plan is based on a person's individual needs and medical situation and should be chosen under the guidance of a professional. This article does not recommend for or against any medication. Its purpose is to help you have a better conversation with the people who can.
The two kinds of care can do different jobs. According to NIMH, even when medication relieves symptoms, psychotherapy can help address specific issues, such as self-defeating ways of thinking, fears, problems interacting with other people, or difficulty coping with situations at home, school or work.
Who handles what: prescriber or therapist?
A prescriber is a clinician who is licensed to evaluate whether medication is an option and to manage it over time. A therapist provides talk therapy. Not every mental health professional prescribes, which is why NIMH suggests asking a therapist directly whether medications are an option and whether the therapist is able to prescribe them.
If you see two different people, tell each one about the other. Your therapist cannot tell you whether to take a medication, but what you notice in therapy about sleep, mood, energy and side effects is useful information to bring to your prescriber. Our guide to counselors, therapists, psychologists and psychiatric nurse practitioners explains the roles in more detail.
What questions should you ask a prescriber about medication?
NIMH advises making sure you understand how to take a medication before you start using it, and talking with a provider about possible side effects and what to expect. These questions can help you get there.
What is this medication meant to help with, and how will we know if it is working?
How and when do I take it, and what should I do if I miss a dose?
How long does it usually take to notice a change?
What side effects are possible, and which ones should I call you about right away?
Could it interact with my other medications, vitamins or supplements?
How often will we have follow-up visits, and how do I reach you between them?
If it does not seem to help, what would the next step be?
If I ever want to stop, how would we do that safely together?
Would you like my therapist and you to share information, and what do I need to sign for that?
What questions should you ask a therapist?
NIMH offers a set of questions to consider when you first talk with a therapist. Several are especially useful when medication is also part of your care.
What approach will you use to help me, and what is the evidence for it?
What are the goals of therapy, and how will progress be assessed?
Do you recommend a specific time frame or number of sessions?
What happens if I, or you, feel I am not starting to improve?
Are meetings confidential, and what are the limits to confidentiality?
How should I let you know about changes my prescriber makes, or side effects I notice?
How do you prepare for a medication or therapy appointment?
Appointments are short. NIMH suggests a few steps that make the time count.
Write down your questions. Make a list of what you want to discuss and any concerns, so you do not have to rely on memory in the room.
List everything you take. Include prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, herbal remedies, vitamins and supplements. Mention any allergies and any problems you have had with medications in the past.
Review your family history. Certain mental illnesses tend to run in families, and knowing your family mental health history can help your provider.
Consider bringing someone. A close friend or relative can offer support, help take notes, and help you remember what was discussed.
Be honest and specific. Describe your symptoms, when they started, how severe they are and how often they occur. Share major stressors or recent life changes too.
Speak up if you are unsure. If a provider suggests an option you are not comfortable with, NIMH encourages you to express your concerns, ask whether there are other options, and consider another opinion.
What should you avoid doing on your own?
Changes to medication are for you and your prescriber to make together. NIMH states that people should not stop taking a prescribed medication, even if they are feeling better, without the help of a health care provider, because stopping too soon may cause unpleasant or harmful side effects. NIMH also says not to take medications prescribed for another person or give yours to someone else.
If you have a problem with a medication or a worry about it, contact your prescriber. If you are in crisis or having thoughts of suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline) or call 911. Our office does not provide emergency services.
How Balanced Life can help
The team at Balanced Life Counseling Services includes licensed therapists and a board-certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner. You can read about psychiatric medication management and individual counseling on our service pages, and learn about first visits in what to expect from therapy.
We have offices in Salisbury and Bethesda, with telehealth available. To ask how medication management appointments work or to schedule, contact us or call 443-978-8688. Coverage depends on your plan, so see insurance and fees and verify your benefits.
Frequently asked questions
Is therapy or medication better for anxiety or depression?
There is no one answer. NIMH describes treatment for conditions such as depression and generalized anxiety as typically involving psychotherapy, medication, or both, and says the choice depends on a person's needs, preferences and medical situation. A prescriber and a therapist can each explain what they would suggest for you and why.
Can my therapist prescribe medication?
It depends on the professional. Many kinds of professionals offer talk therapy, and not all of them are able to prescribe. NIMH suggests asking any therapist whether medications are an option and whether they are able to prescribe them. If not, they can talk with you about seeing a prescriber.
Will my therapist and prescriber talk to each other?
They can when you give permission. Sessions are confidential, with legal exceptions such as risk of harm to yourself or others and suspected abuse of a child or vulnerable adult. Ask each provider what release they need from you to share information. Our patient privacy page has more detail.
What should I do if I think my medication is causing a side effect?
Contact the clinician who prescribed it and describe what you are noticing. NIMH advises talking with a provider about side effects and not stopping a prescribed medication without a provider's help. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911. Your therapist can support you but cannot make the medication decision.
Sources
If you are in crisis or thinking about suicide, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). In an emergency, call 911.