Psychopharmacology (Medications)

      Sometimes medication is an important part of treatment. This is frequently the case with difficulties such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Depression, Bipolar Disorder, Anxiety, Insomnia, and others. People are often referred directly to our psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Parker, directly by their primary care physicians, other medical specialists, friends, or associates, for a medication evaluation.

     Upon completion of his evaluation, Dr. Parker often refers patients to a therapist within our practice for continuing psychotherapy if he and they believe this is necessary and appropriate. At other times, our therapists may refer people to Dr. Parker for a medication evaluation if they perceive the use of medication as a necessary and useful tool in combination with ongoing psychotherapy.

     In all cases, when medication is warranted, our staff functions as a team. When permission is granted by the patient, patients are assured that their therapist and Dr. Parker communicate with each other to coordinate treatment. When Family Nurse Practitioners are involved in their care, appropriate communication also occurs between them, Dr. Parker, and the therapist, whenever permission is authorized by the patient.

     Our psychiatrist, Dr. Charles Parker, is a nationally recognized authority on psychotropic (psychiatric) medications. He has expertise developed from over 30 years experience in private practice and in using SPECT imaging techniques, as Chief Psychiatrist at the Amen Clinic in Reston, Virginia, near Washington, D.C. Under his supervision, our Family Nurse Practitioners help to manage our patients’ medications.