Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT)
Research shows a combination of medication and therapy can successfully treat addiction, and in some cases can help sustain recovery.
Mental Health Medication Management
Medication can be an important part of treatment for mental health conditions, substance use disorders and co-occurring diagnoses. When prescribed appropriately and monitored over time, medication may help reduce symptoms, support stability and improve daily functioning.
At Citizen Advocates, mental health medication management is provided as part of a coordinated care plan. Many individuals benefit most when medication is combined with therapy and other supportive services.
What Is Mental Health Medication Management?
Mental health medication management is the ongoing process of evaluating symptoms, prescribing psychiatric medication when appropriate and monitoring how medications are working over time. It includes:
- Reviewing mental health history and current symptoms
- Discussing medication options, benefits and possible side effects
- Monitoring safety and effectiveness
- Adjusting dosage or changing medications when needed
- Coordinating care with your therapist and care team
Medication management is not a one-time visit; it is ongoing care designed to support long-term wellness.
What You Can Expect
Initial Assessment
Before starting a medication management plan, individuals complete an initial assessment with one of our therapists. This helps ensure your care team understands your needs and can coordinate services.
If your need is urgent, please visit one of our 24/7/365 Behavioral Health Campuses in Malone, Ogdensburg or Watertown.
Referral and Evaluation
If medication may be helpful, you will typically be referred to a psychiatrist or psychiatric nurse practitioner. During this appointment, the prescriber will evaluate symptoms and determine whether medication is appropriate.
Prescriptions and Insurance Support
Our team can:
- Send prescriptions to the pharmacy of your choice
- Assist with insurance prior authorizations when needed
- Coordinate refills as appropriate
Follow-Up Visits and Adjustments
Most medications involve an initial adjustment period followed by a maintenance period. Regular follow-up appointments help your care team:
- Monitor side effects and symptom improvement
- Adjust medication safely when needed
- Manage refills and ongoing care
All medications should be taken exactly as prescribed by a qualified mental health professional.
Spravato® (Esketamine) Treatment for Depression
Available at: Malone Outpatient Clinic, 31 Sixth Street, Malone
As part of our mental health medication management services, Citizen Advocates offers Spravato® (esketamine) nasal spray treatment for individuals with treatment-resistant depression.
Spravato is designed for people who have not responded well to other depression medications. It is administered on-site under the supervision of a medical doctor or psychiatric nurse practitioner.
How Spravato Treatment Works
- Spravato is given as a nasal spray at the clinic.
- After administration, the individual is monitored on-site for approximately two hours to ensure safety.
- A nurse is always present during the session.
- Treatment is typically scheduled once or twice per week, depending on individual needs.
Spravato treatment takes place in a dedicated room designed to promote privacy and comfort, with quiet surroundings, soft lighting and recliners.
Admission Criteria
To qualify for Spravato treatment, individuals must first complete an assessment and meet established clinical criteria. Our care team will determine whether this treatment option is appropriate based on diagnosis, treatment history and current symptoms.
Medication and Recovery
Taking prescribed medication is not the same as substance use. Some people in recovery worry that taking medication is “wrong,” but medications used to treat mental health conditions are different from substances that cause intoxication or interfere with recovery.
We work with individuals to understand the potential benefits and risks of medication so they can make informed decisions and feel confident in their treatment plan.
Looking for Medication Support for Addiction?
If you are looking for medication treatment for opioid or alcohol use disorder, you may benefit from Medication for Addiction Treatment (MAT).
Medication Management for Children and Teens
Citizen Advocates also provides youth medication management services for children and adolescents experiencing emotional or psychiatric conditions.
Contact Us
To learn more about mental health medication management or to schedule an appointment, contact your local Citizen Advocates clinic.
Related Medication Services
Youth Medication Management
Youth medication management services for children and adolescents combine psychiatric evaluation, careful monitoring and family collaboration to support mental health and daily functioning.
Need help navigating our mental health services?
At Citizen Advocates, we work as a team to provide the best individual, person-centered services to the people we serve. Care coordination assists clients with identifying and accessing the services that will assist them in addressing the problems they are experiencing, or that will help them to achieve a higher quality life or level of functioning.
Go to Care Coordination »