Therapy is a great way to take control of your mental health and try to see some positive changes in your life. However, many may feel like they need some sort of medication or additional help. Knowing how to talk to your therapist about medication can lead to new solutions, but you should go into the conversation with an understanding of your therapist’s role and what they can or can’t do to help you.
Start the Conversation Openly
The first step in discussing medication with your therapist is to approach the subject honestly and directly. Mentioning medication is not an admission of weakness or failure—it’s a way of taking control of your mental health. You can start by sharing your feelings and observations about your mental health.
Most therapy is psychotherapy, which focuses mostly on talking and seeing if these conversations are yielding positive results, such as changes in behavior. If you feel like talk therapy is not helping you, you could have a more deeply-rooted issue that could benefit from medication. The best way to explore possible options is to be open and honest with your therapist, so try not to filter your concerns when you bring it up.
Understand Your Therapist’s Role
Your psychotherapist is likely not a psychiatrist and can’t directly prescribe you any medication themselves. Asking your therapist more about their role can help you communicate your concerns, get their insight, and seek emotional support.
However, many therapists are familiar with mental health medications and can guide you through the decision-making process if you decide medication is the best option for you. They can also refer you to a psychiatrist who can prescribe the medication you need and help you monitor its affects. If you do your therapy sessions online, your therapist could help you set up a telehealth medical consultation with a psychiatrist, during which they can prescribe and manage your prescription.
While your therapist won’t directly provide you with medications, talking with them can start a necessary collaboration between your therapist, psychiatrist, and yourself to get you the help you need.
Ask Questions and Share Concerns
Knowing how to talk to your therapist about medication allows you to establish a conversation that can help you make an informed decision. It’s a great opportunity to ask questions and bring up any potential concerns you might have.
Some of the most common concerns with medication are cost, dependency, or risky side effects. Your therapist can address those fears, provide reassurance, and give you realistic expectations about what medication might—or might not—do for your mental health.
Discussing medication with your therapist is just one step along your path to mental health improvement. The point of this conversation can help you address your needs and goals, and it’s far easier to start the conversation with open and honest dialogue.