Medication Management That Actually Listens

If you've ever felt like just another prescription pad, rushed through appointments, or left wondering what you're actually taking and why—we get it. That's not how psychiatric medication management should work.

We view medication as one thread in the rich fabric of mental wellness. Not the whole solution, not a quick fix, but a potentially powerful tool when used thoughtfully.

Medication Management Table of Contents

• Our Medication Philosophy
• What Psychiatric Medication Management Involves
• Medical Workup & Diagnosis
• Conditions We Treat
• Types of Psychiatric Medications
• Our Approach to Medication Safety
• Special Populations & Considerations
• Genetic Testing: GeneSight
• What Makes Our Medication Management Different
• Telehealth Throughout Colorado
• Insurance & Access
• When to Consider Medication Management
• Let's Talk About Medication Stigma
• Frequently Asked Questions

Our Medication Philosophy: Your Experience is Our Guide

Traditional psychiatry often follows a "doctor knows best" model. We've turned that on its head.

Your Definition of Health is Our North Star We're not here to make you fit someone else's idea of "better." We're here to help you feel the way YOU want to feel—whether that's reducing symptoms, improving function, feeling more like yourself, or all of the above.

We Reject the "White Coat Knows Best" Model Your lived experience is our most valuable resource. You know your body, your mind, and your life better than any clinical guideline ever could.

Your Voice Shapes Every Decision We're not prescribing AT you; we're collaborating WITH you. Your input, concerns, and preferences drive treatment decisions.

We Trust Your Intuition If something feels wrong, we listen. If you think a medication isn't working, we believe you. You're the expert on your own experience.

What Psychiatric Medication Management Actually Involves

Comprehensive Initial Evaluation (60-90 minutes):

• Understanding your current symptoms and how they're affecting your life
• Your history: what you've tried, what's worked, what hasn't
• Other medications you're taking and any medical conditions
• Your goals and priorities for treatment
• Your concerns about medication
• Social, cultural, and life circumstances that affect treatment
• Any past experiences with psychiatric medications

Collaborative Treatment Planning: Together, we discuss:

• Whether medication makes sense for your situation
• Different medication options and how they work
• Realistic expectations: benefits, timeline, potential side effects
• How we'll monitor progress and adjust as needed
• What to do if side effects occur
• Plan B, C, and D if the first approach doesn't work

Starting Medication:

• We typically start with lower doses and increase gradually
• Clear instructions on how and when to take medication
• What to watch for (both positive changes and side effects)
• How to reach us if you have concerns

Regular Follow-Up Appointments (30-45 minutes):

• How you're actually feeling (not just checking symptoms off a list)
• Any side effects or concerns
• Whether the medication is helping in the ways you hoped
• Dose adjustments if needed
• Coordination with other providers (therapists, primary care, etc.)

Ongoing Medication Management:

• Regular monitoring to ensure medication continues to work
• Adjustments when life circumstances change
• Lab work when appropriate
• Discussion of long-term plans (staying on medication, tapering off, trying something different)

Conditions We Treat with Medication Management

We provide medication management for:

• Depression (major depression, persistent depressive disorder, bipolar depression)
• Anxiety Disorders (generalized anxiety, panic disorder, social anxiety, specific phobias)
• PTSD & Trauma-Related Disorders
• ADHD (attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder)
• OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
• Bipolar Disorder (bipolar I, II, and cyclothymia)
• Psychotic Disorders (schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder)
• Eating Disorders (psychiatric medication support alongside specialized ED treatment)
• Sleep Disorders (insomnia, nightmares)
• Perinatal Mental Health (pregnancy and postpartum mood and anxiety disorders)
• Co-Occurring Conditions (multiple diagnoses that need coordinated care)

Types of Psychiatric Medications We May Consider

Antidepressants:

• SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)
• SNRIs (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors)
• Atypical antidepressants
• Tricyclic antidepressants (when appropriate)
• MAOIs (when other options haven't worked)

Anti-Anxiety Medications:

• Benzodiazepines (used carefully and typically short-term)
• Buspirone
• Hydroxyzine
• Other anxiety-reducing medications

ADHD Medications:

• Stimulants (methylphenidate-based, amphetamine-based)
• Non-stimulant options

Mood Stabilizers:

• Lithium
• Anticonvulsant mood stabilizers
• Atypical antipsychotics used for mood stabilization

Antipsychotics:

• For psychotic symptoms
• For mood stabilization
• For other off-label uses when appropriate

Sleep Medications:

• For insomnia
• For nightmares
• For sleep architecture issues

Off-Label Prescribing: Sometimes medications approved for one condition work well for another. We discuss this transparently when it's relevant.

Our Approach to Medication Safety

We're Conservative but Not Scared: We don't over-prescribe, but we also don't withhold medication that could genuinely help.

We Monitor Carefully:

• Regular check-ins on how medication is working
• Lab work when appropriate (liver function, kidney function, drug levels, etc.)
• Attention to medication interactions
• Monitoring for side effects

We Adjust Based on Your Experience: If something isn't working or causing problems, we change course. You're never stuck with a medication that isn't right for you.

We Coordinate with Other Providers: We communicate with your therapist, primary care doctor, and other providers (with your permission) to ensure coordinated care.

Special Populations & Considerations

Pregnancy & Breastfeeding: We carefully weigh risks and benefits, stay current on research, and make decisions collaboratively based on your situation.

Children & Adolescents: Age-appropriate medication selection and monitoring, with attention to developmental considerations.

Older Adults: Careful medication selection with attention to metabolism changes, other medications, and medical conditions.

Complex Medical Conditions: Coordination with medical providers when you have conditions that affect medication choices.

Prior Substance Use: Non-judgmental approach to medication selection that considers your history.

Genetic Testing: GeneSight

We offer pharmacogenomic testing (GeneSight) to understand how your genetics might affect:

• Which medications are more likely to work for you
• Which medications might cause side effects
• Appropriate dosing based on how your body metabolizes medications

This is optional but can provide valuable information, especially if you've tried multiple medications without success.

What Makes Our Medication Management Different

Time: We don't rush. Initial appointments are 60-90 minutes; follow-ups are 30-45 minutes.

Listening: We actually listen to what you're experiencing, not just what we expect to see.

Collaboration: You're not being told what to do; we're figuring it out together.

Trauma-Informed: We understand that medication experiences can be triggering, and we approach care with that awareness.

Culturally Responsive: We understand how cultural background, identity, and experiences affect medication experiences and expectations.

Whole-Person Care: We consider your entire life context, not just symptoms.

Flexibility: If something isn't working, we try something else. You're not stuck.

Telehealth Throughout Colorado

All appointments are virtual, which means:

• No need to take time off work for appointments
• Access to psychiatric care regardless of where you live in Colorado
• Comfort and privacy of your own space
• Same-week appointments often available

Insurance & Access

We accept most major insurance including:

• Aetna
• Cigna
• United Healthcare
• Oscar
• Optum
• Blue Cross Blue Shield
• Private pay options available

Note: We do not accept Medicaid or Medicare at this time.

When to Consider Medication Management

You might benefit from medication management if:

• Symptoms are significantly affecting your daily life
• You've tried therapy alone and it's not enough
• Your symptoms are severe or worsening
• You've been on psychiatric medication but need better management
• You want to try medication for the first time
• You're experiencing a crisis or acute episode
• You have co-occurring conditions that need coordinated medication management

Let's Talk About Medication Stigma

There's still a lot of stigma around psychiatric medications. You might have heard:

• "You should be able to handle this without medication"
• "Medication is just masking the real problem"
• "You'll be on it forever"
• "It will change who you are"

Here's the reality: Psychiatric medications treat real medical conditions. You wouldn't feel bad about taking medication for diabetes or high blood pressure. Mental health conditions are just as real and just as deserving of treatment.

And no, medication doesn't change who you are—it helps you feel MORE like yourself by reducing symptoms that get in the way of living your life.

Ready for Medication Management That Actually Works?

If you're tired of rushed appointments, if you want a provider who actually listens, if you're ready for collaborative care that respects your experience—we're here.

Book an appointment online or call us at (719) 212-1951.

Same-week appointments available. Better mental health is possible.

Frequently Asked Questions

Forest Path Psychiatry & Healing is a nurse-led psychiatric practice serving all of Colorado via telehealth. Our board-certified PMHNPs provide comprehensive, trauma-informed medication management with a focus on collaboration and your lived experience.