Photo of Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients), PsyD, PMHNP, Psychologist
Dr. Dianna Harris (Accepting New Clients)
Psychologist, PsyD, PMHNP
Verified Verified
Bend, OR 97702
Accepting NEW Clients (ages 18-65) as of 9/24/24 for Medication Management (I am not taking clients for therapy). Appointments are available in 2 weeks. Complete the Patient Inquiry Form on my website. You will receive a response the same or next day. My practice is primarily composed of adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I find that people reach out to treatment when excessive worry, low motivation, and negative thinking can lead to feeling less confident in their work, behind on tasks at home, and impacting their relationships. I don't treat ADHD and I don't prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax for anxiety.
Accepting NEW Clients (ages 18-65) as of 9/24/24 for Medication Management (I am not taking clients for therapy). Appointments are available in 2 weeks. Complete the Patient Inquiry Form on my website. You will receive a response the same or next day. My practice is primarily composed of adults struggling with anxiety and depression. I find that people reach out to treatment when excessive worry, low motivation, and negative thinking can lead to feeling less confident in their work, behind on tasks at home, and impacting their relationships. I don't treat ADHD and I don't prescribe controlled substances, such as Xanax for anxiety.
(458) 217-6557 View (458) 217-6557
Photo of Abby Levin, LPC, Licensed Professional Counselor
Abby Levin
Licensed Professional Counselor, LPC
Verified Verified
1 Endorsed
Bend, OR 97702
Many of us show the world only a small fraction of who we really are. It's easy to feel the pressure to conform or hide certain aspects of ourselves. My goal for therapy is to provide an opportunity for you to be your complete self, without the fear of judgment or rejection. I hope that working together will not only alleviate the pain and discomfort you may be feeling right now, but also push you to grow in new ways.
Many of us show the world only a small fraction of who we really are. It's easy to feel the pressure to conform or hide certain aspects of ourselves. My goal for therapy is to provide an opportunity for you to be your complete self, without the fear of judgment or rejection. I hope that working together will not only alleviate the pain and discomfort you may be feeling right now, but also push you to grow in new ways.
(458) 219-8590 View (458) 219-8590
Medication Management Therapists

What are the most effective ways to manage medications?

One of the most effective ways a patient can manage their medications is to keep a list of each drug and dosage they take. Such a list can be helpful in keeping to their schedule and can also be something they bring to their psychiatrist or other physician so that the healthcare provider has a clear picture of what they’re taking and in what quantity. Using a pill organizer can be useful for memory and organization. Patients should discuss their medications and their effects at every appointment.

What are the risks if medications are not managed properly?

A suboptimal approach to medication management can lead to potentially harmful health outcomes. Most psychiatric drugs have side effects, and if a patient is not aware of them, they may seek additional medical help or over the counter or prescription drugs to treat the side effects, which may have its own side effects, a process called “prescription cascade.” Another risk to disorganization is that a psychiatrist without full knowledge of a patient’s regimen could prescribe a medication that should not be mixed with a patient’s existing drugs.

What’s the best way to encourage someone to get help managing their medications?

It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing medication management as a tool for improving their life and avoiding dangerous side effects. Offering specific examples of an individual’s failure to properly manage their medication regimen should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to break management down into parts, and there are several apps that can be used to organize which drugs are ingested, when they need to be refilled, and how they should be stored.

Are there natural treatments that can replace medications?

While there are many medications that can be vital to mental health, there are some natural lifestyle changes that can help reduce the need for drugs. Regular exercise, good sleep habits, a healthy diet, and therapy can all go a long way in symptom relief. Psychiatric medications typically treat symptoms but do not necessarily treat the cause of the condition. Many clinicians consider medications an adjunct to treatment rather than a treatment in and of itself.