Dr. Yates believes that medications can serve as effective tools for change and self-empowerment. However, if overused, or misused, medications can create additional and more complex difficulties in life. The efficacy and risk-benefit ratio of any medication is determined by the intended goal of treatment, which Dr. Yates can take the necessary time to help you clarify and define in your individualized treatment plan.

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Will I need medications? In general, less is more. Dr. Yates feels that it is important, whenever possible, to refrain from using medications to distance ourselves from deeper emotional or relational issues which may benefit from simple and direct exploration in psychotherapy, with or without medications. Having noted this, it is also important to consider the fact that some conditions and treatment goals are less complex, more straightforward, and require simple medication regimens with brief, infrequent follow-up visits.

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What if I need help decreasing or stopping medications? It is very important to seek qualified medical care when considering decreasing or discontinuing any psychiatric medication. If done incorrectly, serious medical complications can arise, including some that are potentially life threatening. In this day and age, busy lifestyles, overworked doctors, and misleading pharmaceutical direct-to-consumer advertising (on television and in print) can each contribute to overprescribing, polypharmacy, and significant difficulties "coming off" psychiatric drugs, especially those for anxiety, depression, and bipolar disorder.

 

For these reasons, Dr. Yates is proud to offer services to help individuals safely begin, increase, decrease, maintain, or safely discontinue medications, if desired. Dr. Yates would enjoy working with you to create an individualized treatment plan that addresses your unique needs as they change over time.