Controlled Substance Policies

Benzodiazepine Policy

I care very deeply about your/your child’s health and wellbeing and believe in the power of compassionate transparency and collaboration. As a mental health provider, I strive to educate and empower. This policy aims to inform you of my philosophy on the use of benzodiazepines (such as Xanax/alprazolam, Ativan/lorazepam, Klonopin/clonazepam) in my private practice outpatient setting. 

Benzodiazepines serve a very specific purpose in the mental health toolkit, especially for people suffering from anxiety and panic attacks. However, because of the unique qualities of this medicine family, long-term use can cause physiological dependence (withdrawal) and psychological dependence (worsened anxiety when the medication is not available). With more psychiatric medications and therapy approaches available than ever, I choose to work with patients to equip them with tools and support to manage mental health concerns without benzodiazepines.

Stimulant Policy

Some of the most evidence-based, safe, rigorously researched, and optimal medications for ADHD are called “stimulants”. Stimulant medications for ADHD are considered “controlled substances”. There are very strict federal regulations under DEA law that impact prescription rules with these “controlled substance” medications. It is imperative that you adhere to the following policy as there is no wiggle room with the law and safety of dispensing this kind of medication. If you have any questions at all, please bring them up during your appointment and I will help to provide clarification.

The Stimulant Policy is as follows:

  • You MUST take these controlled substance medications as directed. They cannot be refilled before they are due for refill. This applies even if your prescription is lost or stolen, or if you run out before your refill date. Please remember that this is the federal law and is out of my control.

  • If you feel you need to adjust your/your child’s dose to a higher dose of the medication, you must call the office and consult with me prior to making any such adjustments to your/your child’s dose. DO NOT increase your dose on your own.

  • You must be responsible with your/your child’s medication and take measures to ensure that your/your child’s medication is not lost or stolen.

  • As per federal law, patients must be seen for visits with me (your child’s prescribing clinician) at a minimum of every three months to obtain a prescription for these medications. If you reschedule your appointment at the last minute, this could impact your ability to get a new prescription as medicines cannot be refilled without an appointment within the three-month limit.

  • If you/your child requires an early refill of your medication because you have adjusted your/your child’s dose without consulting me or because your medication was lost/stolen, you/your child are in violation of the controlled medication policy and you/your child will likely be referred out my practice. Management of these medications is taken extremely seriously and in such a manner as to minimize potential misuse or abuse.

I thank you in advance for your commitment to partnering with me to ensure that these medications are used safely and optimally.