Psychiatric Medication Management in Massachusetts
Ongoing prescribing and follow-up by secure video, with the same clinician every visit.
Questions first? Call 617-858-8276. Booking and intake run through our secure, HIPAA-compliant patient portal.
Clinically reviewed by Joseph Lavoie, MSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC · Last reviewed
The short answer
Medication management means regular check-ins to see how a medication is working, adjust the dose, and handle side effects. At Journey, visits are by video and you see Joseph every time.
What medication management covers
Medication is one tool in a treatment plan, not the whole plan. Before anything is prescribed, Joseph learns your symptoms, health history, what you have tried before and what you want to change. After that, follow-up visits check what is working and what is not.
It is the ongoing part of care that follows a psychiatric evaluation. Many patients pair it with talk therapy, and Joseph coordinates with your therapist or primary care provider when you ask him to.
Starting a medication
You talk through the options, the likely benefits and the common side effects before you decide. Doses usually start low.
Adjusting what you take
If a dose is not helping or a side effect gets in the way, the plan changes. That can mean a new dose, a switch or stopping.
Watching for side effects
Each visit checks sleep, appetite, mood and anything new. You can message the practice between visits if something feels off.
How it works
- Book your evaluation. Your first visit is a full psychiatric evaluation by secure video.
- Make a plan together. You leave knowing what is being tried, why, and what to watch for.
- Follow-up visits by video. Shorter check-ins, often every few weeks at first and less often once things are stable.
- Refills sent to your pharmacy. Prescriptions go electronically to the pharmacy you choose.
Conditions we treat with medication
Insurance
In-network with 7 Massachusetts insurers, including Blue Cross Blue Shield, Aetna and Point32Health. Out-of-network invoices are available.
Frequently asked questions
How often are follow-up visits?
It depends on where you are. While a medication is new or being adjusted, follow-ups are usually every few weeks. Once things are stable, most patients come every one to three months. You and Joseph set the schedule together.
Can you prescribe ADHD medication?
Board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners can prescribe in Massachusetts, and ADHD care is part of this practice. Whether medication fits, and which kind, is decided after a full evaluation. See ADHD evaluation.
Do you take my insurance?
Journey Psychiatric Care is in-network with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts, Aetna, Cigna/Evernorth, Oscar Health, Oxford, Point32Health and UnitedHealthcare. Check your plan on the insurance page.
What if a medication isn’t working?
Tell Joseph. Not every medication works for every person, and it can take a few weeks to know. The next step might be a dose change, a different medication, adding therapy, or stopping. You will not be rushed through a change you are unsure about.
Can you take over prescriptions from my last provider?
Often, yes. Book a new-patient evaluation, bring your medication list and your last prescriber’s name, and Joseph will review what you take before continuing or changing it. How to switch providers.
Is medication management by video safe?
For most outpatient psychiatric care, yes. Video visits cover the same questions as an office visit. If you ever need an in-person exam or lab work, Joseph will tell you and help you arrange it locally.
Take the next step in your journey.
Same clinician every visit. Telehealth anywhere in Massachusetts.
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