Medications for Mental Health
Mental health treatment looks different for everyone.
For many people, psychiatric medications are an important part of recovery. They help stabilize mood, reduce anxiety, or lift the weight of depression so that therapy can work.
At The Meadowglade, medications are never used as a standalone treatment. They are one tool within a carefully designed, individualized treatment plan. Each plan is overseen by experienced psychiatrists who take the time to understand you.
To learn more about medication management options in Los Angeles, California, contact us today.
How Psychiatric Medications Work
Psychiatric medications work by influencing the chemicals in your brain called neurotransmitters that regulate mood, thought, sleep, and behavior. These medications help create the neurological stability that makes healing possible.
Every person’s brain chemistry is unique. That’s why finding the right medication often takes time, adjustment, and close collaboration with a psychiatrist.
Types of Medications We Use In Treatment
Our psychiatrists draw from several categories of psychiatric medications depending on your diagnosis, history, and goals. At The Meadowglade we use a variety of medications, each extensively studied and proven effective for the treatment of mental health concerns.
Antidepressants
Antidepressants are among the most widely used medications for mental health. They are primarily prescribed for depression, anxiety disorders, OCD, and PTSD, and work by balancing neurotransmitters like serotonin, norepinephrine, and dopamine.
We may prescribe any of the following antidepressants:
Mood Stabilizers
Mood stabilizers help regulate extreme shifts in mood, energy, and behavior. They are most commonly used to treat bipolar disorder but may also play a role in managing certain anxiety and personality disorders.
We may prescribe any of the following mood stabilizers:
- Lamictal
- Lithium
- Depakote
Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic medications are used to treat conditions that involve distorted thinking, perception, or breaks from reality, such as schizophrenia, psychosis, and bipolar disorder with psychotic features. Some are also used at lower doses for depression and anxiety.
We may prescribe any of the following antipsychotics:
- Seroquel
- Abilify
Anti-Anxiety Medications
Anti-anxiety medications help manage the physical and psychological symptoms of anxiety, including persistent worry, panic, and tension. Unlike benzodiazepines, many of the medications we use are non-habit-forming and safe for longer-term use.
We may prescribe any of the following anti-anxiety medications:
- Buspar
- Hydroxyzine
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Medication Management at The Meadowglade
Prescribing medication is just the beginning. What matters most is what happens after.
Our on-site psychiatrists monitor your response to any prescribed medications throughout your time with us. If something isn’t working as expected, we adjust at a pace that makes sense for you.
Here’s what medication management looks like at The Meadowglade:
- Psychiatric Evaluation: Before any medication is recommended, you’ll meet with one of our psychiatrists for a comprehensive evaluation of your diagnosis, symptoms, history, and goals.
- Individualized Prescribing: We don’t use a one-size-fits-all approach. Your medications are selected based on your specific diagnosis and clinical picture.
- Ongoing Monitoring: We track how you’re responding — watching for effectiveness, side effects, and any needed adjustments.
- Integrated with Therapy: Medication management works alongside your therapy program, not separately from it. Your treatment team communicates and coordinates throughout.
- Transparent Communication: You will always know what you are taking and why. We encourage questions and welcome open conversation.
Common Questions About Psychiatric Medication
No. Medication is never required. Many clients achieve meaningful progress through therapy alone.
That said, if our clinical team believes medication could benefit your recovery, they will discuss that recommendation with you openly. We always take time to explain the reasoning and answer any questions you have. The final decision is always yours.
In most cases, yes. Insurance plans typically cover medications that are clinically indicated as part of a mental health treatment program. Coverage can vary depending on your specific plan and the medication prescribed. Verify your insurance to learn more about your benefits before you begin.
This is more common than many people realize, and it doesn’t mean medication can’t help you.
Finding the right psychiatric medication is often a process. The first option isn’t always the right one. Factors like dosage, duration, and the combination of medications all play a significant role in outcomes.
Our psychiatrists are experienced in working with clients who have had previous treatment attempts, and they approach each case with fresh eyes and genuine curiosity.
A medication that “didn’t work” in the past may simply not have been the right fit or may not have been paired with the right therapeutic support.
Meet Our Clinical Team
Narine Babikian, MHA
Executive Director
Joseph Gulino, MD
Psychiatrist
Yj Kim, MD
Psychiatrist
Learn More About Medication Management in Los Angeles
You don’t have to figure this out alone. Whether you have questions about a specific medication, want to understand your options, or are ready to begin treatment, our admissions team is here to help.
Contact us today to begin.
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Yj Kim, MD
Psychiatrist
Haroon Burhanullah, MD
Psychiatrist
Narine Babikian, MHA
Executive Director
