Medication Management in Honolulu: What It Is and What to Expect

Introduction

Your therapist suggested you “see someone for medication.” Your primary care doctor mentioned a referral to psychiatry. Or maybe you’ve been managing anxiety or depression for years and wonder if medication could help.

Whatever brought you here, you’re probably asking: What exactly is medication management? And how do I find a psychiatric provider in Honolulu who’s actually accepting new patients?

This guide explains everything Oahu residents need to know about psychiatric medication management—what it is, how it works, and how to get started.

What Is Medication Management?

Medication management is ongoing psychiatric care focused on finding, adjusting, and monitoring psychiatric medications. It’s a partnership between you and your provider to optimize treatment for conditions like:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• ADHD
• PTSD
• OCD
• Insomnia
• Other mental health conditions

It’s more than just getting a prescription. True medication management involves:

• Comprehensive initial evaluation
• Careful medication selection based on your specific situation
• Regular follow-up appointments
• Dosage adjustments as needed
• Side effect monitoring and management
• Coordination with therapists or other providers
• Long-term partnership in your mental health care

Medication Management vs. Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Many people wonder whether they need medication, therapy, or both.

Medication Management

• Focus: Brain chemistry and symptom reduction
• Provider: Psychiatrist or PMHNP (psychiatric nurse practitioner)
• Approach: Prescribing and monitoring psychiatric medications
• Best for: Moderate to severe symptoms, biological components of conditions
• Appointments: Typically 15–30 minutes after initial evaluation

Therapy (Psychotherapy)

• Focus: Thoughts, behaviors, coping skills, processing
• Provider: Psychologist, LCSW, LMFT, LPC
• Approach: Talk therapy, CBT, EMDR, and other modalities
• Best for: Processing trauma, changing patterns, building skills
• Appointments: Typically 45–60 minutes weekly

The Truth?

Many people benefit from both. Medication can reduce symptoms enough to engage effectively in therapy. Therapy can address patterns that medication alone won’t fix. They’re complementary, not competing approaches.

What Happens at a Medication Management Appointment?

Initial Evaluation (60 minutes)

Your first appointment is comprehensive. Your provider will:

Gather Your History

• Current symptoms and concerns
• Previous mental health treatment
• Medications you’ve tried (what worked, what didn’t)
• Medical history and current medications
• Family history of mental health conditions
• Substance use history
• Social situation and stressors

Conduct a Clinical Assessment

• Mental status examination
• Diagnostic clarification
• Risk assessment if needed

Develop a Treatment Plan

• Discuss diagnosis and recommendations
• Review medication options
• Address your questions and concerns
• Make collaborative decisions about treatment
• Schedule follow-up

Follow-Up Appointments (15–30 minutes)

After starting medication, you’ll have regular follow-ups to:

• Assess medication effectiveness
• Monitor for side effects
• Adjust dosage if needed
• Address new concerns
• Refill prescriptions
• Modify the treatment plan as circumstances change

Typical frequency

• First few months: Every 2–4 weeks
• Stable maintenance: Every 1–3 months
• Some conditions: Quarterly visits once stable

Common Questions About Psychiatric Medication

“Will medication change my personality?”

No. The goal is to help you feel like yourself—not a different person. If a medication makes you feel “flat” or “not yourself,” tell your provider. There are many options.

“Will I be on medication forever?”

Not necessarily. Some people need medication long-term. Others use it temporarily. This depends on your diagnosis, history, and goals.

“What about side effects?”

All medications can have side effects, but many are temporary and manageable. Providers monitor closely and adjust as needed.

“How long until medication works?”

• ADHD stimulants: Hours to days
• Anti-anxiety medications: Days to weeks
• Antidepressants: 2–4 weeks (full effect 6–8 weeks)
• Mood stabilizers: Several weeks

Finding a Medication Management Provider on Oahu

Who Can Prescribe Psychiatric Medications?

Psychiatrists (MD/DO)
Medical doctors specializing in psychiatry.

Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs)
Board-certified advanced practice nurses with full prescribing authority in Hawaii.

Primary Care Providers
May manage mild conditions and refer complex cases.

Challenges on Oahu

• Long wait times
• Provider shortages
• Insurance limitations
• Traffic and logistics

Telehealth as a Solution

Telehealth often means shorter wait times, no commute, and high-quality care from anywhere on Oahu.

Medication Management at Aegis Behavioral Health Group

At Aegis Behavioral Health Group, we provide comprehensive psychiatric medication management for adults across Oahu.

What We Offer

• 60-minute initial evaluations
• Personalized medication plans
• Ongoing follow-up with the same provider
• Telehealth appointments
• Currently accepting new patients
• Insurance accepted

Conditions We Treat

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Adult ADHD
• Bipolar disorder
• PTSD
• OCD
• Insomnia

Our Philosophy

Medication is a tool—not a cure-all. We focus on thoughtful prescribing, careful monitoring, and collaborative care.

Ready to Get Started?

If you’re considering medication for your mental health, we’re here to help.

Phone: (808) 746-3664
Email: admin@aegisbhg.com
Website: https://www.aegisbhg.com

Book Your Appointment

About the Author

Jason Eala, DNP, APRN, PMHNP-BC is a Hawaii-born psychiatric nurse practitioner providing compassionate medication management and psychiatric care to adults across Oahu and the Hawaiian Islands.