For some people, therapy alone brings real relief. For others, medication can help ease symptoms enough to make day-to-day life, and therapy itself, feel more manageable. The National Institute of Mental Health notes that mental health medications often work best in combination with other treatments, such as psychotherapy.
At The Anxiety Treatment Center of Greenwich, medication is not a default. When appropriate, it can be part of a comprehensive care plan, and we offer careful, collaborative medication management for both youth and adults. That means taking time to understand your symptoms and goals, explaining options in plain language, and making decisions together. When medication is not the right fit, therapy approaches such as cognitive behavioral therapy remain at the center of care.
Medication management is an ongoing partnership, not a one-time prescription. According to NIMH, anxiety medications may take several weeks to start working, and finding the right fit can take some patience. Regular check-ins make it possible to review how things are going and adjust the plan together, always with your safety in mind.
We start by understanding symptoms, health history, current medications and goals before discussing whether medication may help.
Benefits, possible side effects and alternatives are explained clearly, so you or your family can make an informed choice.
Follow-up visits review what is helping, any side effects, and whether the plan needs adjusting over time.
Never stop or change a medication without talking to your prescriber first. Any change is planned safely, step by step.
Medication questions look different at every age. For adults, the conversation often centers on how symptoms affect work, relationships and sleep, and how medication might fit alongside therapy. For children and teens, families are part of every step. The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry advises that psychiatric medication for young people be used as part of a comprehensive treatment plan, with ongoing assessment and, in most cases, therapy.
There are also specific safety considerations for young people. NIMH notes an FDA warning that some children, teens and young adults under 25 may have increased suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first weeks, so close monitoring and open communication with parents matter.
ATC is not a general mental health clinic. We specialize in anxiety and related disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder and OCD, and psychopharmacological support is one of the center’s specialties.
Our founders bring specialized training in this area. Maryellen Pachler Kennell, APRN, is a board-certified Nurse Practitioner in child and adolescent psychiatry and a former clinical researcher at the Yale Child Study Center’s Research Unit in Pediatric Psychopharmacology (RUPP). Jill Vaughan Tesei, APRN, is a board-certified Family Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner with specialized training in psychopharmacology through the Yale Child Study Center. Learn more about our founders.
When it may help, optional Genomind genetic testing uses a cheek swab to help guide medication decisions. Medication is always one part of a broader plan that can include therapy and other treatment options designed around each person’s age, symptoms and goals.
No. Medication is only considered when it may be appropriate, and it is one part of a broader care plan. Many people's treatment focuses on therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Any decision about medication is made together, after a careful conversation about your symptoms, history and goals.
It varies from person to person. NIMH notes that some anxiety medications may take several weeks to start working, and finding the best fit can take some trial and error. Regular follow-up visits give us a chance to review progress and any side effects together.
Please don't stop or change a medication on your own, even if you feel better. NIMH advises that a prescribed medication should only be stopped with the help of a health care provider, because stopping suddenly can cause unwanted effects. If you want to make a change, talk with your prescriber so it can be planned safely.
For some young people, medication can be a helpful part of treatment, but it calls for extra care. AACAP recommends it be part of a comprehensive plan with ongoing assessment. Some antidepressants carry an FDA warning for people under 25, so families and clinicians watch closely, especially in the first weeks.
Genomind is an optional genetic test that uses a cheek swab to assess how an individual's genetics may affect their response to mental health medications. It can help guide medication decisions when needed. It is not required, and we are happy to talk through whether it makes sense for you.
Whether you are exploring medication for yourself or your child, we are glad to talk it through. Call our office at (203) 769-1365 to schedule an initial call, or contact us with your questions.
We provide expert diagnosis and evidence-based treatment for anxiety disorders in children, adolescents, and adults—helping individuals and families move forward with clarity and confidence.
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