As a clinical psychologist, I do not
prescribe medications. On the other hand, many patients come to me already using psychiatric medications prescribed by their
primary-care physician or psychiatrist. When needed, I will ask a patient's primary-care physician to consider prescribing
a medication or making a psychiatric referral.
There
is usually no conflict between my psychological counseling and your use of such medications, and I will work with your prescribing
doctor as needed.
Some problems can be properly treated with
medications alone or with counseling alone. Often, the best practice is to use both. Make your decisions in consultation with
your treating professional.
I think
that the use of antidepressant and/or other appropriate medications is generally prudent if you are a danger to yourself or
others or if you are too overwhelmed to function without them.
