Ep 8 | Understanding Psychiatric Medication: What Parents Should Know

For many parents, one of the most difficult questions in their child's mental health journey is whether medication should be part of the treatment plan. It's a decision that often brings up important questions: Is medication truly necessary? Will my child need it for a long time? Will it change who they are? In this episode of You Only Know What You Know, hosts Beth Hope, LCSW, and Britt Teasdale are joined by Dr. Alex Timchak, Child, Adolescent, and Adult Psychiatrist, and Regional Medical Director, to discuss how medication decisions are made, when psychiatric care may be appropriate, and how medication can work alongside therapy and other mental health supports. They also explore common concerns about side effects, dependency, and long-term use, while explaining how progress is monitored throughout treatment. If you've been wondering how medication fits into your child's treatment, this episode offers an honest look at how psychiatrists approach these decisions and what families can expect along the way. Download the Parent Guide Here