Our Approach
We believe in conservative, thoughtful prescribing integrated with therapy, lifestyle changes, and family support.
For many conditions, we recommend trying therapy and behavioral interventions before medication—or alongside it from the start.
We begin with the lowest effective dose and titrate gradually, minimizing side effects while finding what works.
Frequent check-ins, symptom tracking, and lab work when indicated ensure medications are working safely.
Prescribers work closely with therapists, schools, and families through BlümConnect for coordinated treatment.
There are several pharmacological interventions available which may not be listed below. For more information about a specific medication not listed, please contact your healthcare provider.
Medications to improve focus, attention, impulse control, and executive function in children, adolescents, and adults with ADHD.
When properly prescribed and monitored, ADHD medications can significantly improve quality of life:
Extended-release mixed amphetamine salts providing all-day coverage. Highly effective for core ADHD symptoms.
Prodrug converted to active form in body, providing smoother onset and lower abuse potential.
OROS technology for consistent drug release throughout the day. Well-studied in children and adults.
Classic ADHD medication with decades of safety data. Available in IR and ER formulations.
Purified d-isomer of methylphenidate, potentially more potent with fewer side effects for some.
First FDA-approved non-stimulant. Good for those with anxiety or substance abuse history.
Newer non-stimulant with faster onset than Strattera. Good for comorbid anxiety.
Helpful for hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation. Often combined with stimulants.
Helps with hyperactivity and sleep difficulties. Often used as add-on to stimulant therapy.
Medications for generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety, panic disorder, and related conditions.
SSRIs and SNRIs are first-line treatments that address the neurochemical basis of anxiety:
Highly selective SSRI with excellent tolerability. First-line for GAD and depression.
Versatile SSRI approved for multiple anxiety disorders. Strong pediatric safety data.
The original SSRI with decades of safety data. Long half-life makes it forgiving with missed doses.
Dual-action antidepressant effective for GAD, social anxiety, and panic.
Approved for GAD in adults and children 7+. Also treats chronic pain conditions.
Non-addictive anti-anxiety medication with no sedation or dependence.
Non-habit forming for situational anxiety. Also helps with sleep and itching.
Off-label use for anxiety, particularly social anxiety. Lower abuse potential than benzos.
Antidepressants for major depressive disorder, persistent depressive disorder, and treatment-resistant depression.
Antidepressants work by modulating neurotransmitters to restore emotional balance:
Activating antidepressant without sexual side effects or weight gain. Also helps smoking cessation.
Newer antidepressant with pro-cognitive effects. May improve thinking and processing speed.
Sedating antidepressant that improves sleep and appetite. Good when insomnia and weight loss are concerns.
Active metabolite of venlafaxine with more predictable dosing and fewer drug interactions.
Breakthrough therapy for treatment-resistant depression with rapid onset. In-office administration required.
Medications for bipolar disorder and mood instability to prevent both manic and depressive episodes.
Mood stabilizers help maintain emotional equilibrium and prevent extreme mood episodes:
First-line for bipolar depression prevention. Weight-neutral with good cognitive profile. Requires slow titration.
Gold standard for bipolar with proven anti-suicide effects. Requires regular blood monitoring.
Effective for acute mania and mixed episodes. Requires liver monitoring. Contraindicated in pregnancy.
Unique dopamine partial agonist with lower metabolic risks. Approved for bipolar, schizophrenia, depression augmentation.
Approved for bipolar depression and mania. Sedating properties helpful for sleep.
Approved for bipolar depression with favorable metabolic profile. Must take with food.
Newer option for bipolar mania and depression. D3 receptor preference may help motivation/cognition.
Medications for schizophrenia, psychotic disorders, and severe psychiatric conditions.
Antipsychotics address positive symptoms and help stabilize thinking and behavior:
Commonly used for psychosis and autism irritability. Available in oral and long-acting injectable forms.
Very effective for psychosis and mania but carries significant metabolic risk.
Active metabolite of risperidone. Monthly and quarterly injectable options available.
Gold standard for treatment-resistant schizophrenia. Requires weekly blood monitoring (REMS program).
Medications for insomnia, sleep-onset difficulties, and circadian rhythm disorders.
Improving sleep quality has wide-ranging benefits for mental and physical health:
Natural sleep hormone, first-line for pediatric insomnia. Helps with sleep onset and circadian rhythm.
Commonly used off-label for insomnia. Non-habit forming. May help with comorbid anxiety.
Helpful for ADHD-related insomnia and nighttime anxiety. Also reduces nightmares.
Short-term treatment for adult insomnia. Rapid onset. Risk of complex sleep behaviors.
Newer sleep medication blocking wake-promoting orexin. Different mechanism than traditional hypnotics.
Medications to address associated symptoms like irritability, anxiety, and sleep difficulties in autism.
While no medication treats core autism symptoms, medications can improve quality of life:
First FDA-approved medication for autism irritability. Effective for aggression and tantrums.
Second FDA-approved medication for autism irritability. Lower metabolic risk than risperidone.
Helpful for hyperactivity, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation in autism.
Antioxidant supplement with emerging evidence for irritability and repetitive behaviors.
Medications for obsessive-compulsive disorder, typically used alongside ERP therapy.
SSRIs at higher doses reduce OCD severity and improve response to therapy:
FDA-approved for OCD in children 7+ and adults. Higher doses often needed than for depression.
FDA-approved for OCD in children 8+ and adults. Strong evidence base for OCD.
Most effective medication for OCD but with more side effects. Reserved for treatment-resistant cases.
Medications supporting treatment of post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma-related symptoms.
Medications can reduce PTSD symptoms and support engagement in trauma-focused therapy:
One of two FDA-approved medications for PTSD. Reduces all symptom clusters.
Second FDA-approved PTSD medication. More sedating than sertraline. Requires careful tapering.
Specifically targets PTSD-related nightmares and sleep disturbance. Blood pressure medication used off-label.
Reduces physical symptoms of anxiety and hyperarousal. Can be used PRN for triggering situations.
Antidepressants may increase suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults under 25 during initial treatment. This risk must be balanced against the significant danger of untreated depression. Close monitoring during the first weeks of treatment is essential. If you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, or suicidal thoughts, contact your provider immediately or call 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline).
Our Process
Your safety is our priority. We monitor all medications closely with regular check-ins and appropriate lab work.
Complete evaluation before starting any medication, including physical exam, relevant labs, and mental health assessment.
Frequent check-ins during initial treatment (1-2 weeks), then monthly until stable, then every 3-6 months.
Appropriate blood tests for medications that require it—metabolic panels, drug levels, blood counts as indicated.
BlümConnect portal for messaging, symptom tracking, and reporting concerns between scheduled appointments.
Our psychiatric team is here to discuss options, answer questions, and work with you to find the right approach for your family.