Home / Not sure where to start?
“I've been struggling for a while and I'm starting to think medication might help”
A short answer
That's a thoughtful thing to notice, and it's one of the most common reasons people reach out. Your first visit looks at what you've been going through, your history and your goals. If medication could help, your provider will explain the options and the reasons behind each one, and you'll decide together. If it isn't the right fit, we'll say so.
What we'd want you to know
Medication can play an important role in treating many mental health conditions, often alongside other care like therapy. It isn't always the first step. For milder depression, therapy is often tried first; for moderate or severe depression, medication is usually part of the starting plan.
Medication also takes patience. Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work, and sleep, appetite and energy often improve before mood does. Finding the best fit can take more than one try. That's why we start with a careful evaluation, not a prescription.
Something to think about
Which sounds like you?
Tap the one that's closest. Nothing is saved or sent.
Struggling quietly still counts, and it's worth talking about at your evaluation.
Burnout or depression? How to tellMedication is sometimes added when therapy alone hasn't been enough. If you have a therapist, we're happy to coordinate with them as part of your care.
How medication management worksYou don't need to know before you come in. Sorting that out is part of the evaluation. Some medical conditions, like thyroid problems, can cause symptoms that look like depression, so we look at your health too.
What the evaluation coversThat's a fair feeling. You can ask every question you have, and nothing starts without a conversation.
If you're hesitant about medicationThis isn't a diagnosis. Only an evaluation with a qualified provider can tell you what's going on.
Bring this to your visit
What helps your first visit
Tick what applies, then copy your list. Nothing is saved or sent.
Myth or fact? Starting medication
Choose an answer for each to see the explanation. Nothing is saved.
1Medication for depression or anxiety works within a few days.
Myth. Antidepressants usually take 4 to 8 weeks to work. Sleep, appetite and energy often improve before mood lifts, so it helps to give a medication a fair chance.
2It can take more than one try to find the medication that works best for you.
Fact. People respond to medications differently, and it may take several tries to find one that works well with the fewest side effects.
3If you start a medication, you'll be on it forever.
Myth. Not necessarily. If you later want to come off a medication, your provider can lower it slowly and safely with you. Please don't stop a medication on your own; some can cause withdrawal symptoms or a return of symptoms if stopped suddenly.
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.
2A careful evaluation
We talk about what you've been going through, your history, your health and your goals. 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.
3Your options, explained
We tell you what we think is going on and walk through the options, with and without medication, and the reasons behind each. You decide together with your provider.
4Regular 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
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