Medication Consultation

Psychiatric staff of the Counseling and Psychological Services offers enrolled students psychiatric evaluations and medication monitoring as long as students are actively participating in counseling support with one of CAPS counselors. As with all of our CAPS services the team is committed to providing care that is welcoming, comfortable and multi-culturally sensitive for all students.

Refills

If you need a refill on a current prescription and/or do not desire or need therapeutic support, referrals to University Health Service or community psychiatrists will be provided for ongoing care. Referral information can be obtained by calling CAPS and requesting to speak to the Counselor on Duty.

Your First Appointment

Scheduling

In order to make an appointment with one of our psychiatric staff, you need to first make an appointment with a CAPS counselor. The counselor will assess your situation and if a medication evaluation is therapeutically appropriate and/or recommended, the therapist will assist you in making an appointment with one of members of our psychiatric team through the front desk receptionist.

Wait Time

The psychiatric team offers 8-10 first appointments per week for medication evaluations. Sometimes, even with the number of first appointments that are offered, the wait for a scheduled appointment can stretch longer than what we want. When this happens, please talk with your counselor about options that might be available.

Return appointments for medication monitoring are made with the individual psychiatric provider and the client at the end of each session.

What to Expect

The first appointment for a medication evaluation usually takes one hour. Sometimes a second appointment is needed to gather all necessary information and discuss treatment options.

The psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will ask you questions about your general health as well as your emotional health. Be prepared to discuss any prescription medications, over the counter medications or herbal preparations you are taking. You will also be asked about medical conditions, family medical history and known medication allergies. It will also be important to communicate any history of seizures, head injuries or eating disorders, alcohol or substance use as these conditions can influence decisions about medication options.

If, at the end of the evaluation, it appears medication would be an appropriate treatment option in conjunction with therapeutic support, the psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner will make recommendations about specific medications, discuss possible side effects, provide instructions for taking the medication and answer any questions or concerns you might have. Then, a return appointment will be scheduled to discuss how well the medication is working and if any modifications are needed.

You will continue to be monitored by the psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner as long as you are taking the medication, enrolled at U of M and receiving counseling at CAPS.

FAQ’s about Medication

Will I become a different person if I take medication?
- No. Most people who take medications are pleased to feel like themselves again and experience relief when symptoms of anxiety, depression, ADD/HD etc. are significantly reduced.
Is it a sign of weakness to take anti-depressant medication?
- No. As with any serious illness, dealing with depression takes great personal strength. Nonetheless, you may be exposed to negative attitudes about anti-depressant medications, which vary among individuals and cultures.
  
  Many students have found it helpful to take the perspective that medication is one form of treatment for depression, just as medication may be used to treat allergies, asthma, infections or diabetes.
Will I become addicted to anti-depressant medication?
- No.
How long will I need to take medication?
- It is generally recommended that medication be taken for a minimum of 9 to 12 months. This is because there is a high probability that symptoms will recur if the medication is stopped sooner. All medications should be monitored by a health care provider and stopped only under their direction.
How does the psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner decide what medication to prescribe for me?
- Medication decisions are made based on several criteria, including particular difficulties you are having, other medications you are taking, any medical problems you may have and even medication effects in other family members.
Why did the psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner prescribe one antidepressant for my friend with depression, but a different one for someone else?
- Responses to medication are highly individualized. A medicine that works well with one person may work very differently in a second person.