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Our Approach: Honest, Careful Prescribing
Medication when it truly helps, at the lowest effective dose and with as few medications as possible, and honest conversation about every choice.
Last reviewed November 7, 2026 by Alyssa Killion, MSN, APN, PMHNP-BC
Medication can change lives. It can also be started too quickly, added to without a clear reason, or kept going long after anyone has asked whether it’s still needed. We built ANK Behavioral Health to do it differently: careful about what we prescribe, honest about what medication can and can’t do, and clear about the reasons behind every choice. Every ANK provider practices this way.
This way of prescribing is sometimes called conservative prescribing, a term from a 2011 paper by Schiff and colleagues in the Archives of Internal Medicine. Its principles include considering treatments other than medication, starting only one new medication at a time, watching closely for side effects, stopping medications that are no longer needed and respecting patients’ reservations about medication.
What careful prescribing means to us
Medication when it’s truly needed
Medication isn’t the automatic next step after a diagnosis. We start by understanding what’s going on: your symptoms, your history, your health, your life and what you want from treatment. No diagnosis or prescription without a proper evaluation.
When medication makes sense, we use the lowest effective dose and make one change at a time where we can. We also aim for as few medications as possible, so it’s clear what’s helping and what isn’t, and you aren’t taking anything you don’t need.
Honest about what medication can and can’t do
Medication can ease symptoms enough that the rest of life feels more manageable. It can’t change a hard job, a painful relationship, grief or money worries, and we won’t pretend it can. When a medication is unlikely to do what you hope, we’ll tell you before anything is prescribed.
Before you start anything, we’ll talk through the possible benefits, the side effects and the alternatives, including not starting medication at all. Our post on the risks and benefits of psychiatric medication goes through the evidence in more detail.
A plan for coming off medication, when that’s right for you
For some people, medication helps through a particular stretch of life rather than for good. Once you’ve been doing well for a while, we’ll talk about whether your medication still makes sense. If lowering or stopping it is right for you, we’ll plan it together and go slowly. When to Consider Stopping Medication, and How to Do It Thoughtfully walks through how that decision is made.
Please don’t stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
Therapy and life changes are real treatment
Psychiatric medications are often used together with other treatments, such as psychotherapy, according to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). Self-care, such as regular exercise, regular meals and good sleep, can also help support treatment and recovery, NIMH says. We treat these as part of your plan, not as afterthoughts.
Our visits include real therapeutic work. Depending on your clinician, visits may draw on supportive, motivational interviewing, CBT-based, or DBT-based skills. We don’t offer standalone weekly therapy, but we’re happy to help you find a therapist and, with your permission, we’ll coordinate with them.
Serious illness, taken seriously
Careful doesn’t mean reluctant. Some conditions need ongoing treatment: bipolar disorder, for example, usually requires lifelong treatment, according to NIMH. Some people need more than one medication to stay well. That isn’t a failure, and we won’t try to talk you out of treatment that’s helping. Careful prescribing means the right treatment for you, explained clearly and reviewed at regular follow-ups.
How we work
Time to get it right. Your first evaluation is up to 90 minutes in length. Some people need more time, some less, and we take the time you need. Follow-up visits are typically 20 to 30 minutes, and extended follow-ups are available. We don’t double- or triple-book.
Diagnosis first. Earlier diagnoses aren’t accepted automatically. If something doesn’t hold up under careful review, we’ll talk about it openly before a treatment direction is set, because everything that follows depends on getting the diagnosis right.
You leave understanding your care. At every visit, we explain the diagnosis, the options and the reasons behind each choice in plain language. Decisions are made with you, not for you.
The right level of care. When outpatient care isn’t enough, we’ll tell you why and help you find the support you need.
Four values behind our care
Clear. Every diagnosis, medication choice and treatment plan is explained in plain language. You should never have to wonder what the plan is or why.
Honest. We won’t tell you only what you want to hear. When an earlier diagnosis doesn’t fit, or a medication is unlikely to help, we’ll say so. Honesty isn’t harsh; it’s respectful, and it leads to better care.
Grounded. Treatment decisions are based on evidence, not trends or convenience. Sometimes the grounded answer takes longer to reach, and it’s still the right foundation.
Human. Psychiatric care is a relationship built on trust, not a transaction. You’re part of every decision about your treatment.
Who this approach is for
This way of working is a good fit if:
- You’re unsure whether you need medication
- You’ve had mixed results with medication before
- You’re worried about side effects
- You’re taking several medications and aren’t sure what each one is doing
- You’d like a second opinion on your diagnosis or treatment
What is careful prescribing?
It means using medication only when it's truly needed, at the lowest effective dose and with as few medications as possible, with clear explanations and regular follow-ups to see how it's working.
Does this mean you avoid medication?
No. Medication can help a great deal. When it's the right choice, we'll recommend it and explain why. Careful prescribing means using medication thoughtfully, not holding it back.
How do you decide if medication is right for me?
We look at your symptoms, how they affect your life, your history and health, what you've tried before and what you want from treatment. Then we talk through the options together, including the benefits, possible side effects and alternatives.
I'm on several medications and not sure what each one is doing. Can you help?
Yes. We'll go through what you take, why it was started and what it seems to be doing. If something may no longer be needed, we'll talk about whether and how to lower it, and we'll make any change slowly, one step at a time.
Can you help me taper off a medication?
Yes. If you'd like to come off a medication, your provider will talk with you about the benefits and risks. If it makes sense, they'll create a slow, careful plan to lower it safely. Sometimes, after an assessment, your provider may recommend staying on a medication and will explain why, but the decision is yours. Please don't stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
Are you therapists?
We're psychiatric providers focused on medication, and our visits also include real therapeutic work. Depending on your clinician, visits may draw on supportive, motivational interviewing, CBT-based, or DBT-based skills. We don't offer standalone weekly therapy, but we're happy to help you find a therapist and, with your permission, we'll coordinate with them.
What happens at the first appointment?
You'll have a thorough evaluation of your symptoms, history, health and goals before any decision about medication. Your first evaluation is up to 90 minutes in length. Some people need more time, some less, and we take the time you need. Follow-up visits are typically 20 to 30 minutes, and extended follow-ups are available.
Who do you see?
Adults 18 to 65 who are physically in New Jersey at the time of each visit. Most visits are by secure video, anywhere in New Jersey. Our office is in Mount Laurel, NJ, and in-person visits there are limited and by appointment only; ask our office.
Do you take my insurance?
We're in network with Horizon BCBS NJ and most other BCBS plans, Aetna, Cigna, UHC, Optum, Oscar, Oxford and Curative. Coverage can vary by plan and by provider, so after you submit your intake packet, we'll verify your benefits and let you know what to expect before your first appointment. We don't accept Medicare or Medicaid (NJ FamilyCare). Because of Medicare and Medicaid rules, we also can't see patients with these plans on a private-pay basis.
How do I get started?
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment. We'll get you in as soon as we can.
What if I'm in crisis?
If you're in crisis or thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide & Crisis Lifeline), any time, day or night. In an emergency, call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
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