Today we’re tackling a topic that is––well––kinda complicated: medication. Child & adolescent psychiatrist (and our co-founder) Dr. Monika Roots explains what it really takes to look at the full ecosystem of a child’s health and ability to flourish.  

As Dr. Monika mentioned, there are many considerations that factor into how we develop a treatment plan for any child or teen who seeks care at Bend. Medication can help bring a child to a more comfortable and stable baseline, especially when monitored by a psychiatric provider who selects the right medication and the right dose. This is critical because not everyone responds to or tolerates medications. In fact, in some situations, the medication side effects can make things worse! 

For us, the goal of medication is for kids to be better able to learn crucial coping skills that they need for long-term resilience. That’s why coaching and therapy are important companions to any prescription treatment plan. Importantly, it also gives kids the best chance of needing minimal or no medications in the future.

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