Chosen carefully. Reviewed often. Adjusted as life changes.
Psychiatric medication can change a great deal, and it works best when someone takes the time to get the diagnosis right, explain the choices, and stay with you afterward. That is what our psychiatrist-led team does, for children, teens, adults, and older adults.
What medication management means here
Psychiatric medication is not a prescription handed over at the end of a short visit. It starts with a careful diagnosis, a conversation about what you're hoping changes, and an honest discussion of options, including the option of no medication. Once we start, we follow up closely, adjust as needed, and keep the regimen as simple as possible.
Your first visit
Plan on 45 to 60 minutes. We review what's been happening, your medical and psychiatric history, current medications, past treatments and how they went, family history, and sleep and substance use. Lab work is ordered when a medication calls for it. You'll leave with a diagnosis, if one fits, a plan you helped choose, and a clear idea of what to expect in the first weeks.
Follow-up care
Follow-ups are more frequent at the beginning, while we find the right medication and dose, then spaced out once things are stable. Each visit covers how you're doing, side effects, and whether anything in your life has changed that affects the plan. With your permission we coordinate with your therapist, primary care physician, or pediatrician so everyone is working from the same page.
Who provides it
Dr. Khurram Shaikh, a Harvard Medical School-trained, board-certified psychiatrist, directs the practice and leads a team of board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioners. Evaluations and follow-ups are with clinicians who know your history, under one roof. Meet the team.
Conditions we manage medication for
- Anxiety and panic
- Depression
- ADHD
- Bipolar disorder
- PTSD and trauma
- Autism spectrum disorder
- Personality disorders
- Psychotic disorders
- Psychiatric disorders of the elderly
Common questions
Do I need to be in therapy to get medication here?
No. Many patients see us for medication alone, and many combine it with therapy elsewhere. If we think therapy would help, we'll say so and help you find a therapist. Our consulting partners at Unlatched Mind Counseling see clients at our office and virtually.
Can you take over prescriptions from my previous psychiatrist?
Usually, yes. Bring your current medication list and any records you have, and we'll do a full evaluation at the first visit rather than simply continuing what was there. If a medication is working, there's no reason to change it; if it isn't, this is a good moment to look again.
How do refills work between visits?
Refills are written to last until your next scheduled visit. If you're running low, call or text the office a few days ahead and we'll take care of it. Controlled medications such as stimulants have additional rules and are refilled only at or between regular follow-up appointments.
What if I have side effects?
Call us. Most side effects are mild and fade within a couple of weeks, but some mean the dose or the medication should change, and you shouldn't have to wait for your next visit to find out. We schedule early follow-ups for exactly this reason. For a severe reaction, go to the emergency room.
Will I be on medication forever?
It depends on the condition and how many episodes you've had. For a first episode of depression or anxiety, treatment often continues several months after you feel well and is then tapered. For bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, and recurrent conditions, ongoing medication is usually the safest path. Either way, stopping is planned together, never abrupt.