The Role of Medication in Therapy: What Parents Need to Know

When a child, teen, or adult is struggling with their mental health, therapy is often the first step toward healing. But for some, therapy alone may not be enough. Medication can play a crucial role in managing symptoms, allowing individuals to engage more effectively in therapy and daily life. 

As a parent, understanding how medication fits into a mental health treatment plan can feel overwhelming and scary. This guide will answer some frequently asked questions about medication -- its purposes, benefits, and how it works alongside therapy. 

👉Is Medication Always Necessary? 

No, medication is not always necessary. Many people benefit from therapy alone, especially for mild symptoms or situational stressors such as adjusting to a new school or managing work-related stress. In these cases, therapy can provide tools and coping strategies to help individuals navigate challenges without the need for medication. 

However, when mental health symptoms are persistent, severe, or significantly impact daily life—such as ongoing panic attacks, chronic depression, difficulty concentrating due to ADHD, or mood swings that disrupt relationships—medication may help regulate emotions, improve functioning, and make therapy more effective. A mental health professional can help determine the best course of action. 

👉How Does Medication Work in Mental Health Treatment? 

Psychiatric medications help balance brain chemistry, reducing distressing symptoms and allowing individuals to better engage in therapy and daily activities. Different types of medications target different symptoms, such as: 

• Antidepressants (SSRIs, SNRIs): Help with depression and anxiety by increasing serotonin and/or norepinephrine levels in the brain 

• Anti-anxiety medications: Reduce excessive worry and panic symptoms, though some are for short-term use only 

• Stimulants and non-stimulants: Improve focus and impulse control in individuals with ADHD 

• Mood stabilizers: Help regulate mood swings, often used for bipolar disorder 

• Antipsychotic medications: Used for more severe mood disorders and thought disorders 

👉How Do I Know If My Child (or I) Need Medication? 

Medication may be considered if: 

• Symptoms interfere with daily life, affecting school, work, or relationships. 

• There are persistent feelings of sadness, worry, or hopelessness that don’t improve with therapy alone 

• There are safety concerns, such as self-harm, suicidal thoughts, or severe emotional distress 

• There are significant attention, focus, or impulse control difficulties impacting academic or work performance 

• Therapy has been helpful but not enough, and additional support is needed 

A mental health professional can partner with you to help assess whether medication may be beneficial. 

👉How Long Does It Take for Medication to Work? 

Unlike other medications, psychiatric medications don’t always work instantly. Some take weeks to reach full effectiveness, it may happen gradually over time and it varies from person to person. For example: 

• Antidepressants: Typically take 4-6 weeks to show noticeable improvement 

• Anti-anxiety medications: Some work immediately, while others (like SSRIs) take time to build up 

• ADHD medications: Stimulants often work within hours, while non-stimulants take longer 

Regular follow-ups with a prescriber help ensure the medication is working properly and adjust if needed. 

👉Will Medication Change My Child’s (or my) Personality? 

This is a common concern for many parents and individuals considering psychiatric medication. The goal of medication is not to alter personality but to alleviate distressing symptoms that may be affecting emotions, behavior, and daily functioning. When prescribed and monitored correctly, medication should help individuals feel more like themselves, not less. 

However, if someone starts feeling numb or unlike themselves, it could indicate that the dosage needs adjusting or that a different medication may be a better fit. It’s important to communicate any concerns with the prescribing provider, as small tweaks can often make a big difference in how the medication feels. 

Finding the right balance may take time, but the ultimate goal is to enhance well-being, not diminish individuality. 

👉What About Side Effects? 

Like any medication, psychiatric medications can have side effects. The most common ones include: 

• Nausea or upset stomach 

• Sleep changes (drowsiness or insomnia) 

• Changes in appetite 

• Increased or decreased energy levels 

Most side effects are temporary and manageable, but it’s important to communicate any concerns with the prescriber. Sometimes, adjusting the dose or switching medications can help. 

👉Is Medication a Lifelong Commitment? 

Medication needs vary from person to person and depend on the nature and severity of the mental health condition. Some individuals take medication short-term to help manage symptoms during a particularly challenging time, such as after a major life event, intense stress, or an acute episode of anxiety or depression. Others may need long-term treatment for ongoing conditions like depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, or ADHD, where medication provides essential support for daily functioning and emotional stability. 

For some, developing strong coping strategies, therapy techniques, and healthy lifestyle habits may allow them to reduce or eventually stop medication under medical supervision. However, for others, medication remains an important and ongoing part of their mental wellness plan. The key is finding the right balance to support overall well-being. The decision to continue or stop medication should always be made in collaboration with a healthcare provider. 

Medication & Therapy: A Powerful Combination 

Medication is not a “quick fix” or a substitute for therapy. Instead, it can be a tool that enhances the effectiveness of therapy, helping adults and kids alike work through emotions, develop coping strategies, and improve overall well-being. 

If you’re wondering whether medication might be right for you or your child, Simply Bee’s team of psychiatric providers is here to help. Schedule an intake call today to speak with our team and explore the best treatment options for your mental health journey. 

Download our Medication & Mental Health Resource here!