While our expertise is in prescribing medication treatments that can improve the well-being of our patients, we believe that mental well-being can be approached in a myriad of ways. At the first appointment, Dr. Liang will formulate a treatment plan. We will only move forward with the treatment plan if both the patient and the physician see the plan as the best fit for the patient’s success. If a medication is recommended, Dr. Liang and our providers will only prescribe medication with the patient’s consent.
On the first visit, patients may be seeking to use certain medications or refills of certain medications that were prescribed by a previous provider. We do an independent comprehensive psychiatric evaluation, so there may be occurrences when we will have a different medical opinion. If you have seen or are seeing a previous psychiatrist, therapist, psychologist, etc. we ask that you bring previous medical records so that we can make an informed treatment plan and coordinate care.
In certain cases, we may not prescribe medication at the first appointment. This may happen especially if the patient does not have pre-existing medical records that show a dependable diagnosis and existing prescription and/or if the medication is a controlled substance (stimulants like Adderall, Ritalin, etc; benzodiazepines like Klonopin, Lorazepam, Valium, Xanax, etc.; other controlled substances like Lunesta and Ambien, etc.). For new patients, we will check their profiles on CURES (Controlled Substance Utilization Review and Evaluation System). If we do choose to prescribe such controlled medications, we request our patients to see our providers monthly to every three months depending on the treatment plan for proper medication management.
We strive to provide thorough and thoughtful care, but treatment is a team effort. All psychiatrists and physicians have different styles in their practice. If either the patient or our team feels that the patient-physician relationship is not tenable, then we recommended the patient seek another psychiatrist or mental health provider for help.