Quick Overview: Yes. Therapy can be offered alongside medication. The National Institute of Mental Health states that psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to or alongside medication and other care options. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration also notes that a person may need more than one type of care and lists therapy and counseling alongside medication management. These sources do not determine whether combining options fits any particular person.
When considering therapy alongside medication, it may help to separate a general possibility from a personal decision. The available information establishes that psychotherapy and medication can both be part of a broader range of care options. It does not establish what approach, if any, is appropriate for an individual.
Understanding Therapy Alongside Medication
NIMH defines psychotherapy, also called talk therapy, as a variety of treatments that aim to help a person identify and change troubling emotions, thoughts, and behaviors. NIMH identifies psychotherapy and medication as common forms of mental-health treatment.
The phrase “therapy alongside medication” describes a situation in which psychotherapy and medication are both being considered or used within a broader care picture. It does not mean that therapy replaces medication, that medication replaces therapy, or that either option is required.
SAMHSA describes therapy and counseling as types of care and lists medication management separately. Its overview explains that some people may need more than one type of care. That statement is general information, not an instruction to combine services.
What General Information Can Answer
The research supports a limited, clear answer: psychotherapy may be used alongside medication and other care options. It also supports the point that more than one type of care may be relevant for some people.
General education cannot determine personal fit, medication decisions, or outcomes. NIMH states that choosing a treatment plan is based on a person’s individual needs and medical situation and should occur under the guidance of a mental-health professional. Questions about medication, psychotherapy, or how options may relate to one another can be discussed with an appropriate health-care professional.
What Psychotherapy May Involve
NIMH describes several possible elements of psychotherapy. Depending on the approach, these can include examining automatic thinking patterns, developing ways to cope with stress, building problem-solving strategies, examining interactions with others, learning social and communication skills, using mindfulness or relaxation techniques, tracking emotions and behaviors, or exploring troubling issues through supportive counseling.
NIMH also notes that therapists may use one primary approach or incorporate elements from multiple approaches depending on their training, the disorder being treated, and the needs of the person receiving treatment. This does not mean that every therapy service includes the same elements.
Reflection Questions for Exploring Options
The questions below are not a decision tool or a recommendation. They can help identify topics to ask about when exploring psychotherapy and medication as possible parts of care.
| Question to consider | Question to bring forward |
|---|---|
| What am I seeking information about? | What can psychotherapy address, and what questions should I ask about its approach? |
| What questions do I have about medication? | Who is the appropriate person to ask about medication-related questions? |
| Am I considering more than one type of care? | How can I understand the different types of care I am exploring? |
| What therapy format am I interested in learning about? | Which services does the practice offer, and what information is available about them? |
| Does location or virtual access matter to my inquiry? | Does the access option I am asking about apply to the service I am considering? |
Questions About Fit and Approach
NIMH suggests that a preliminary conversation with a possible therapist can help a person understand how treatment will proceed and whether they feel comfortable with the therapist. NIMH identifies rapport and trust as important in psychotherapy.
Questions about a therapist’s approach, specialty, rationale, evidence base, goals of therapy, and how progress may be assessed are among the topics NIMH identifies for discussion. A person may also ask whether medication is an option and whether the therapist is able to prescribe medications. Those questions are not answered by a general article and may vary by provider and circumstance.
Practice Note: Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. Alina Hovsoyan, LCSW, is listed by Rooted Integrative Therapy. The available practice information does not assign each listed service specifically to her.
Therapy Services at Rooted Integrative Therapy
Rooted Integrative Therapy lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives. These service names describe the practice’s listed offerings; they do not establish which service is a fit for a particular person or concern.
The practice offers in-person access near Orem and Provo, with virtual therapy across Utah. The available information does not state which access options apply to each service. Asking about the service and access option of interest can clarify what is available.
Consultation as a First Step
Rooted Integrative Therapy’s FAQs describe scheduling a consultation call as a first step. The consultation call provides an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit. The practice’s Connect page invites inquiries and appointment requests through its contact details or form.
A consultation is a place to ask for information about the practice’s listed services, access options, and the questions that matter to you. It does not allow this article to determine whether therapy, medication, or any combination of options is appropriate for you.
Questions to Bring to a Consultation
- What therapy services are currently available through Rooted Integrative Therapy?
- I am considering therapy alongside medication. What questions can I ask about the therapy process?
- What approach or approaches are used in the service I am asking about?
- Is in-person access near Orem or Provo available for this service?
- Is virtual therapy across Utah available for this service?
FAQs
Can therapy be offered alongside medication?
Yes. NIMH states that psychotherapy can be used as an alternative to or alongside medication and other care options. This does not determine personal fit or outcomes.
Does SAMHSA say everyone needs more than one type of care?
No. SAMHSA states that a person may need more than one type of care. Its overview does not determine whether multiple forms of care are appropriate for any individual.
What services does Rooted Integrative Therapy list?
The practice lists individual therapy, couples therapy, group therapy, and therapy intensives.
Is virtual therapy available through the practice?
Rooted Integrative Therapy states that it offers virtual therapy across Utah. Ask whether this access option applies to the service you are considering.
Can I ask questions before requesting an appointment?
The practice’s FAQs describe a consultation call as a first step with an opportunity to ask questions and consider fit.
Sources and Further Reading
Sources used for this article:
- National Institute of Mental Health: Psychotherapies
- Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration: Types Of Treatment
A Grounded Next Step
If you would like information about Rooted Integrative Therapy’s services, access options, or consultation process, the practice invites inquiries and appointment requests through its Connect page.
Please do not include urgent or highly sensitive clinical information in a general inquiry.
This article is for general education only. It is not a diagnosis, treatment plan, or substitute for individualized mental-health care. A qualified mental-health professional can help you consider what fits your circumstances.