Psychotherapy

Psychotherapy can be an important part of a psychiatric medication management appointment.

In addition to discussing medications, your provider may spend time offering therapeutic support, guidance, and skill-building to help address emotional and psychological concerns alongside medication treatment.

HARMONY Psychiatric Services

Katie Stanford (APRN, PMHNP-BC) Athens Ohio

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Katie Stanford

How Psychotherapy Is Integrated Into Medication Management

During medication management visits, brief psychotherapy may be used to:

  • Explore how symptoms are affecting daily life

  • Identify thought patterns, stressors, or behaviors impacting mood

  • Provide coping strategies and emotional support

  • Strengthen insight and self-understanding

  • Support medication effectiveness through behavioral and lifestyle strategies

This integrated approach allows treatment to address both biological and emotional aspects of mental health.

What to Expect During the Appointment

  • Review of symptoms, medications, and side effects

  • Time for focused therapeutic conversation

  • Collaborative problem-solving and goal setting

  • Practical strategies to use between visits

  • A supportive, non-judgmental environment

Psychotherapy provided during these visits is typically brief and goal-focused, and tailored to your immediate needs.

How This Approach May Help

Integrating psychotherapy into medication management can:

  • Enhance treatment effectiveness

  • Improve coping and emotional regulation

  • Reduce reliance on medication alone

  • Support long-term mental wellness

  • Help you feel more understood and supported

Safety, Collaboration, and Individualized Care

  • Care is personalized based on your symptoms and goals

  • Treatment decisions are made collaboratively

  • Ongoing monitoring ensures both emotional and physical safety

  • Referrals for more intensive therapy are offered when appropriate

Who May Benefit From This Integrated Approach?

This approach may be helpful if:

  • You want more support than medication alone

  • You benefit from brief, focused therapeutic guidance

  • You are managing ongoing stress, life changes, or emotional challenges

  • You prefer a comprehensive, coordinated care experience

A Supportive, Whole-Person Approach

At Harmony Psychiatric Services, medication management appointments are designed to be thoughtful, supportive, and comprehensive. By integrating psychotherapy into these visits, we aim to treat the whole person—not just symptoms—while supporting meaningful and sustainable mental health improvement.