When it comes to mental health, figuring out the best approach can feel overwhelming. Many people wonder: therapy vs medication management — which is right for me? At Balance Point Wellness, we provide expert mental health care across Maryland and Delaware, guiding you through your mental health treatment options so you can make an informed choice that fits your needs and lifestyle. With a large team of experts, we can match you with the provider who is the best fit for your unique situation.
As Jennifer Haller, CRNP, PMHNP-BC, Vice President of Psychiatry at Balance Point Wellness, explains:
“Taking the time to really listen to a person describe their symptoms allows us to come up with the most appropriate medication. It is essential to treat every person as an individual, and to provide the care that we ourselves would want to receive.”
Understanding Therapy
Therapy, also called psychotherapy or counseling, involves working with a trained professional to explore thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. It’s highly effective for conditions like anxiety, depression, trauma, and stress.
Benefits of therapy include:
- Developing coping strategies for stress, anxiety, or depression
- Improving relationships and communication skills
- Exploring past experiences to understand current behaviors
- Learning long-term tools to manage emotions
Therapy is ideal if you want to address the root causes of emotional challenges and gain insight into your behavior without relying solely on medication. It can be tailored to fit your needs and lifestyle, whether through in-person or virtual sessions.
Understanding Medication Management
Medication management involves evaluation, prescription, and ongoing monitoring of medications by a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
For many people, therapy alone provides the support and tools they need to manage life’s challenges. But sometimes, symptoms can feel too heavy to handle without extra help. That’s where medication management can make a difference.
According to Jennifer Haller:
“Medication management is a safe and effective tool to utilize for many mental health conditions including anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. It can be used in combination with psychotherapy or can be used as a monotherapy depending on a patient’s treatment plan that is determined by their provider.”
Medication management may be helpful if you’re experiencing:
- Persistent anxiety or depression that doesn’t improve with therapy alone
- Trouble sleeping, concentrating, or getting through daily routines
- Feeling “stuck” or unable to use the coping skills you’ve learned in therapy
- Overwhelming stress that makes even small tasks feel impossible
Finding the right medication can make all the difference in managing many mental health conditions, including—but not limited to—anxiety, depression, ADHD, and bipolar disorder. At Balance Point Wellness, our providers look at the whole picture. We’ll talk with you about your goals, review options, and create a personalized plan that often combines therapy and medication for the best results.
Connect with one of our expert prescribers in-person or virtually from the comfort of your home!
Remember, medication doesn’t replace therapy, and it isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. It’s one tool among many to help you feel more like yourself again.
Reducing Stigma Around Mental Health Medication
Mental health care has evolved significantly and so has society’s understanding of treatment options.
As Jennifer Haller notes:
“We have come far in our society to break down the stigma associated with taking medication for mental health conditions. This is improving the quality of life for people of all ages.”
Medication is not a sign of weakness—it’s one of many evidence-based tools that can help people regain balance, function, and confidence in their daily lives.
Psychiatry vs Therapy: What’s the Difference?
- Therapy focuses on emotions, behaviors, and coping strategies.
- Medication management addresses the biological aspects of mental health.
- Both approaches are evidence-based, and many people find that combining them provides the most effective treatment.
Why Combining Therapy and Medication Can Often Help
- Medication helps stabilize symptoms, making it easier to engage in therapy
- Therapy provides tools and coping strategies to maintain long-term wellness
- Personalized care plans can adapt as your needs change
Combining approaches ensures treatment fits your needs and lifestyle.
Making the Right Choice for You
Ask yourself:
- Are my symptoms affecting daily life or relationships?
- Do I need coping tools, immediate symptom relief, or both?
- Would a combination of therapy and medication provide the most support?
At Balance Point Wellness, our large team of experts helps match you with the provider who best fits your needs, ensuring care that truly fits your lifestyle.
Accessible Care at Balance Point Wellness
We offer virtual sessions to residents of Maryland and Delaware, accept most insurance plans, and can typically schedule appointments within 24 hours. Our in-person locations in Maryland include:
- Bel Air (Harford County)
- Hunt Valley (Baltimore County)
- Overlea (Baltimore County)
- Baltimore City
- Salisbury (Wicomico County)
We take pride in making mental health care accessible and convenient for everyone across Maryland and Delaware, ensuring that support is never out of reach when it’s needed most.
Learn More About Your Options
Ready to take the next step? Learn more about our mental health services:
References
- Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., et al. (2014). The effects of psychotherapies for major depression in adults on remission, recovery and improvement: a meta-analysis. Journal of Affective Disorders, 159, 118-126. PubMed
- Geddes, J.R., et al. (2003). Relapse prevention with antidepressant drug treatment in depressive disorders: a systematic review. The Lancet, 361(9358), 653–661. PubMed
- Favor Mental Health Services. (2022). How medication management differs from therapy and why both matter. Link
- Summit Health. (2021). Therapy and medication management together is the best treatment for mental health. Link
- Integrative Psych. (2023). Medication vs psychotherapy for mental health: Finding the right balance. Link