Ten Ways to Get the Most Out of Your Treatment:
Success in treatment requires partnership between doctor and client. These practical
suggestions will help insure care that is both efficient and effective. Some of the suggestions
may not apply to you, so focus on those that seem relevant to your situation.
1) Let us know your goals. How would you like your life to be different?
2) Let us know what you expect from us. How do you want us to help you?
3) Speak up when things aren't going the way you thought. Ask questions if you don't
understand.
4) Keep notes between appointments. Include how you feel, good things and bad things that
happen, medicine effects and reactions, and questions that come up.
5) Follow up on our suggestions. This is especially important when it comes to tests to check
for physical illness that can cause psychiatric symptoms, and blood tests used to adjust and
monitor medications.
6) Call right away if you start to feel suicidal. If you can't reach us at work (356-3100) or at
home (356-2516), then call a friend, family member or the hospital emergency room.
7) It is essential that you tell us about all medical problems that you have or develop, and that
you tell us all of the medications that you are taking. This includes prescriptions from other
doctors, over-the-counter medications, and herbal and natural supplements.
8) When you call, leave a complete message:
For prescriptions, include:
-
Medicine, dose and schedule
-
Phone number for your pharmacy
-
Whether to call you as well as the pharmacy
9) Plan ahead about your prescriptions. Let us know several days before you run out-- it may
take a day to check your record and reach the pharmacist, and some prescriptions cannot be
made by telephone.
10) Give us your suggestions. How can we provide better care for our clients?