Article
Do I need counseling, medication, or both?
This question stops a lot of women before they start. It is worth saying plainly that counseling does not require you to decide first.
The short answer
Counseling and medication address different parts of the same problem. Counseling works on patterns, meaning and skills. Medication is prescribed by a physician or psychiatric provider and can lower symptom intensity. Many people use one, and many use both.
Who does what
Lori Rasmussen is a Licensed Independent Social Worker and does not prescribe medication. If medication seems worth exploring, that conversation belongs with your physician or a psychiatric provider, and counseling can continue alongside it.
Choosing counseling does not commit you to medication, and taking medication does not mean counseling is unnecessary.
A reasonable way to think about it
- If symptoms are moderate and you want tools and understanding, counseling alone is a common starting point.
- If symptoms are severe enough that daily functioning is hard, a medical conversation alongside counseling is often useful.
- If you have tried counseling before and felt too overwhelmed to use it, medical support may make the work more available to you.
- If you are already on medication and still stuck, counseling is often the missing piece.
No pressure either way
You will not be pushed toward medication here, and you will not be talked out of it. The point is what actually helps you, decided with the professionals who know your situation.
Common questions
Does Lori prescribe medication?
No. Lori is a Licensed Independent Social Worker. Medication is prescribed by a physician or psychiatric provider.
Can I do counseling while taking medication?
Yes, and many people do.
What if I do not want medication?
That is a completely acceptable choice, and counseling does not require it.
Learn more about counseling for anxiety and depression with Lori, or browse all articles on anxiety and depression.
Written by Lori Rasmussen, LISW, a Licensed Independent Social Worker licensed in the State of Iowa and a Certified Spiritual Director. Lori counsels women and female students in Waterloo, Iowa and online across Iowa. Articles here are meant to help you understand what you may be experiencing; they are not a diagnosis and they do not take the place of care from a professional who knows your story.
Reaching out can be the first step.
You don't need to know exactly what to say, or have anything figured out, before you contact Lori.
Or email rasmussencounselingandsd@gmail.com