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“I'm hesitant about medication or worried about being over-prescribed”
A short answer
That's a reasonable concern, and you're not alone in it. We practice careful, conservative prescribing: no prescription without a proper evaluation, and no more medication than you need. You can ask every question you have, and nothing changes without a conversation.
What careful prescribing looks like
- An evaluation first. No diagnosis or prescription until we understand your symptoms, history, health and goals.
- Medication only when it fits. For milder depression, therapy is often tried first. Medication is one option, not the automatic one.
- Going gently. People who are sensitive to side effects sometimes do better starting with a low dose and increasing it slowly.
- Regular check-ins. Follow-ups are where we look at what's helping, what isn't, and whether each medication is still needed.
Read more about our conservative approach to prescribing.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
Tell us what happened. Past problems with medications are important information, and they help shape what we suggest next.
If side effects are the worryWe look at every medication you take and why. The goal is no more medication than you need.
Our approach to prescribingThat's a fair preference to bring up, and depending on what's going on, it may be a good place to start. We don't offer standalone weekly therapy, but we're happy to help you find a therapist and will coordinate with them as part of your care.
Why medication isn't always the first stepMany people feel this way. Needing help with your health isn't a personal failing, and it's a concern worth saying out loud at your visit.
Why medication hesitation deserves to be taken seriouslyThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
Questions you can ask before saying yes
Tick the ones you want to ask, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Being cautious about medication
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Asking a lot of questions makes you a difficult patient.
Myth. Asking questions is how you get good care. If a treatment doesn't feel right to you, it's reasonable to say so and ask about other options.
2Common side effects of SSRIs (a common type of antidepressant) are usually mild.
Fact. Common side effects like upset stomach, headache or sexual problems are generally mild and tend to ease with time.
3Once you start medication, you lose your say in your care.
Myth. You're part of every decision. Nothing changes without a conversation, and you can always ask why.
What to expect
What happens next with us
1Send your intake packet
Fill out our secure intake packet. Once it's submitted, we'll verify your insurance and call you to schedule your appointment.
2Your questions first
At your evaluation, you can raise your concerns right away. We want to hear what worries you about medication.
3Our thinking, explained
We tell you what we think is going on and the options, including ones that don't involve medication, with the reasons behind each.
4A decision you make together
If medication makes sense, you'll know why, what to expect and what to watch for before you start.
5Regular follow-ups
We check in regularly to see what's working, what isn't, and what to adjust. Regular follow-ups are how patients stay on track.
The science: how we checked this
Sources
- NIMH: Mental Health Medications
- NIMH: Depression (brochure)
- NIMH: Tips for Talking With a Health Care Provider About Your Mental Health
How we checked this
- Written in our own words from NIMH, checked October 25, 2026.
- What happens at ANK describes our own approach; it isn't drawn from these sources.
- General information, not medical advice; talk with your provider.
Other starting points