For Young Adults with Mental Health Issues
Psychiatric Medication Management
Medication isn't always the answer, but sometimes it's an important part of the puzzle. At Cornerstones of Maine, our approach to psychiatric medication management blends careful medical oversight with our holistic treatment philosophy, ensuring that when medications are used, they serve as tools for growth rather than substitutes for deeper change.
Medication Management at Cornerstones
Many young adults come to us with complicated medication histories. Some have been over-medicated, while others have never had the opportunity to try medications that might help. Some have experienced troubling side effects, while others have used medications inconsistently, making it impossible to determine their effectiveness.
Our psychiatric team gives every client a fresh start, carefully evaluating each young adult's unique needs upon arrival and working collaboratively throughout treatment to develop medication plans that support—rather than replace—the hard work of personal growth.
Psychiatric medications work best when they're one tool in a larger toolbox—one including executive functioning capabilities, life skills, lifestyle changes, healthy relationships, and more.
The Assessment Process
No matter where a client enters our continuum of care, their journey stars with a thorough assessment. New clients meet with our psychiatric providers for in-depth evaluations that include:
Medication Management for Young Adults
From there, young adults actively participate in medication decisions, learning self-advocacy in medical settings and taking ownership of their care. Our providers will explain:
Potential benefits of recommended medications
Possible side effects and how to best manage them
Alternative paths, if appropriate
When to expect results
How medications fit into the client’s overall treatment at Cornerstones of Maine
Our Medication Management Approach
Medication management at Cornerstones goes beyond writing prescriptions. Our psychiatric team provides ongoing care that includes careful prescribing, regular monitoring both within the milieu and in sessions, medication education, and integration with traditional therapeutic modalities.
Common Medication Considerations
While each young adult's medication needs are unique, medication can be helpful for:
- Anxiety Management
- ADHD Support
- Bipolar Disorder
- Depression Treatment
- Mood Stabilization
- And More
Supporting Medication Independence
As young adults prepare for greater independence, our team helps them develop the skills needed to manage medications on their own. This requires understanding their diagnosis and medication needs, learning to communicate effectively with healthcare providers, managing prescription refills and pharmacy interactions, creating systems for consistent medication taking, monitoring their own symptoms and side effects, and knowing when and how to seek help for medication concerns. This preparation helps ensure that the transition to independent medication management is smooth and successful.
A Partnership for Wellness
Effective psychiatric medication management is a partnership between providers and young adults. At Cornerstones of Maine, we foster this partnership through respect, education, and collaborative decision-making. If your young adult has had challenging experiences with psychiatric medications in the past, or if they're considering medication for the first time, our thoughtful approach might provide the balanced perspective and careful oversight needed for a positive experience. Contact our team today to learn more about how psychiatric medication management fits within our residential treatment, transitional living, and aftercare programs for young adults.