When is it time for Medication? - Introducing Leslie Lartey, DNP, PMHNP-BC, FNP-BC
- Crystal Myers
- Jul 7
- 2 min read
When Holistic Care Meets Medication: A Balanced Approach
Embarking on a wellness journey often begins with self-care — nourishing foods, movement, restorative sleep, mindfulness, and therapeutic conversation. Yet sometimes, especially with entrenched symptoms, medication becomes a supportive ally rather than a first resort. This isn’t about dependency—it’s about making space for healing.
Signs It Might Be Time for Medication Support
Persistent, life-disrupting symptoms – Anxiety, depression, mood swings, intrusive thoughts, or focus issues that linger despite weeks or months of therapy and lifestyle adjustments.
Safety or functional alarm bells – Sleep or appetite loss, overwhelming panic, or intrusive self-harm thoughts signal the need for additional support.
Bio-chemical factors – Genetics, chronic stress responses, or medical conditions may require neurochemical intervention.
Planned integration – Best outcomes occur when medication is paired with talk therapy, stress-relief practices, and lifestyle shifts.
Meet Leslie Lartey, DNP, PMHNP‑BC, FNP‑BC
Dr. Lartey is a Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner practicing at Life Works Professional Counseling Center in Ruckersville. He brings a rare blend of psychiatric insight and family medicine experience—spanning dialysis, ICU, nephrology, and outpatient care—plus six years as an instructor.
Medication Management: Specialized in mood disorders, depression, anxiety, ADHD, OCD, PTSD, psychosis, sleep difficulties, trauma—and more .
Collaborative care: Medication is introduced thoughtfully, always in tandem with psychotherapy and client goals.
Accessibility: Accepts major insurances (Aetna, Blue Cross, Cigna, Medicaid, Medicare) and offers both in-person and tele-health visits.
A Holistic-Psychotherapeutic Model
Comprehensive Assessment – Delving into mental health history, physical health, daily routines, and emotional goals.
Shared Decision-Making – Openly discussing pharmacologic options, side effects, and dosage timelines.
Integrative Toolkit – Pairing medication with therapy, mindfulness, exercise, nutrition, and social support.
Ongoing Tuning – Regular check-ins to fine-tune treatment pathways and reassess goals.
Is It Your Time?
Ask yourself:
Have I tried consistent self-care and therapy over time?
Am my symptoms intense enough to impair daily life or safety?
Do I view medication as a support toward growth—not a substitute?
Am I ready to partner in treatment, with adjustments as needed?
When the answer to several of these is "yes," it may be time to explore medication under knowledgeable, compassionate care.
Connecting with Quality Support
Visit Life Works’ Medication Evaluation & Management page for detailed info:https://www.lifeworksprofessionalcounseling.com/medicationmanagement
To work with Dr. Leslie Lartey:
📞 Call (434) 337‑5447
✉️ Email via the Life Works Professional Counseling contact form
✅ Ask about insurances, telehealth, and scheduling availability
Final Thoughts
Medication isn’t a shortcut—it’s one cornerstone in a whole-person care strategy. With clinicians like Dr. Lartey and the Life Works team, you gain access to a compassionate, integrative framework: medication, therapy, lifestyle, and connection, all guided by listening and choice.
Start gently, keep checking in with yourself, and let medication support—not define—your wellness journey.
This post is for informational purposes and not a substitute for professional advice. If you’re in crisis, seek medical help immediately.
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