Medication Management

Medication Management in Annandale, NJ

Medication management is ongoing psychiatric care used to evaluate, prescribe, review, and monitor mental health medications when they are clinically appropriate.

At Solar Behavioral Health, Tenishia Santiago, APRN, PMHNP provides personalized psychiatric medication management for children ages 4 and older, adolescents, adults, and older adults.

Care is available in person at our Annandale office and through telehealth for eligible patients throughout New Jersey.

Whether you are considering medication for the first time, have questions about a current prescription, are experiencing side effects, or want another professional review of your treatment plan, we take time to understand your symptoms, history, goals, and concerns before discussing treatment options.

Insurance, Self-Pay & Access

Solar Behavioral Health works with a range of insurance providers and also offers self-pay options. If your insurer is not listed below, please contact the practice — out-of-network and self-pay arrangements may be available.

If your insurance provider is not listed, out-of-network and self-pay options may be available. A sliding scale is offered for qualifying uninsured patients. Please contact the practice to discuss your situation.

Service

Fee

Initial session (45–90 minutes)

$300

Standard visit (20–45 minutes)

$150

These are published provider fees, not a guaranteed price for a combined therapy-plus-medication visit. Actual cost depends on your insurance benefits, the services provided during the appointment, and any applicable sliding-scale adjustments. Please contact Solar Behavioral Health to verify your specific coverage and estimated costs.

Key Takeaways

Medication management is not a one-time event. It is an ongoing process of evaluation, monitoring, and adjustment.
Medication is prescribed only when the provider determines it is clinically appropriate for the individual patient.
The initial evaluation takes 45 to 90 minutes and includes a comprehensive review of your history, current symptoms, and treatment goals.
Follow-up visits typically last 20 to 45 minutes and are scheduled based on your clinical needs.

Solar Behavioral Health serves patients ages 4 and older, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults.
Both in-person appointments in Annandale, NJ and telehealth appointments for eligible New Jersey residents are available.
Medication management can be provided alongside individual therapy, though neither service is required to access the other.

Board-Certified PMHNP

Care provided by Tenishia Santiago, APRN, PMHNP

Licensed in New Jersey

NJ License #26NJ01421600

Ages 4+

Care for children, adolescents, adults, and older adults

Telehealth Across New Jersey

Virtual appointments for eligible residents

Insurance + Self-Pay

Multiple plans, self-pay, and qualifying sliding-scale options

Is Medication Management Right for Me?

Medication management may be worth discussing when mental health symptoms are affecting daily life or when you have questions about a medication you are already taking.

Experiencing symptoms that affect daily life

Anxiety, depression, mood changes, difficulty concentrating, impulsivity, sleep concerns, trauma symptoms, behavioral challenges, or other mental health concerns may affect school, work, relationships, or everyday routines.

Medication is not automatically the right answer for every person. A psychiatric evaluation can help clarify what options may be appropriate.

01

Taking medication but still having concerns

You may already have a prescription but still experience symptoms, unwanted side effects, uncertainty about dosage, or questions about whether the medication is helping.

Medication management provides a structured way to review what you are taking and how you are responding.

02

Looking for ongoing psychiatric follow-up

Psychiatric medications often require ongoing review rather than a one-time prescription.

Follow-up visits give the provider an opportunity to discuss response, possible side effects, adherence, changing symptoms, and treatment goals.

03

Looking for therapy and medication support together

Solar Behavioral Health provides psychotherapy along with medication management when appropriate.

This allows treatment to consider more than medication alone.

04 Tenishia Santiago, APRN, PMHNP

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner, Licensed in New Jersey

Bringing together psychiatric expertise and genuine human connection to every appointment.

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Licensed in New Jersey
Experience with children, adolescents, adults, and seniors
Medication management with psychotherapy
In-person and telehealth care

Professional Qualifications

Credential

Detail

Name

Tenishia Santiago, APRN, PMHNP

Title

Board-Certified Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner

Specialty

Psychiatric Mental Health (Across the Lifespan)

Certification

Psychiatric-Mental Health Nurse Practitioner-Board Certified (PMHNP-BC)

License State

New Jersey

License Number

26NJ01421600

Patients

Children ages 4+, adolescents, adults, older adults

Care Options

In-person (Annandale, NJ) and telehealth for eligible NJ residents

What to Expect

From your first outreach to ongoing care, here’s how the process works.

Request an Appointment

Complete the appointment request form on this page or call our office. A member of our team will follow up to confirm your appointment details, gather basic information, and answer any initial questions about what to expect. You will not be asked to submit detailed medical information or a medication list through the online form.

01

Complete Your Initial Evaluation

Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. It is not a prescription visit. The purpose of the initial evaluation is to understand who you are, what you are experiencing, and what your history looks like before any treatment decisions are made. This appointment typically takes between 45 and 90 minutes.

02

Review Your History and Current Treatment

During the evaluation, your provider will review your mental health history, relevant medical history, current medications and supplements, previous psychiatric treatments, and any prior experiences with therapy or medication. You are encouraged to share as much or as little as you are comfortable sharing. No clinical decisions will be made without a thorough review of your individual situation.

03

Discuss Treatment Options

After reviewing your history and current symptoms, your provider will discuss potential treatment options with you. This may include medication, therapy, lifestyle factors, or a combination of approaches. If medication is discussed, your provider will explain what medications may be considered, how they work, potential benefits, potential side effects, and what to monitor. You will have the opportunity to ask questions and share your preferences.

04

Build a Personalized Treatment Plan

If medication is determined to be clinically appropriate, your provider will develop a personalized treatment plan. This plan is individualized to your specific situation and goals. It is not a one-size-fits-all protocol. The plan will include a medication recommendation if applicable, a follow-up schedule, and any relevant instructions or precautions. No specific treatment outcome is guaranteed.

05

Begin or Continue Treatment

If a prescription is provided, you will receive guidance on how and when to take the medication, what to monitor, and when to contact the office with questions or concerns. If you are continuing treatment from a previous provider, your new provider will review your existing regimen before making any changes. Medications prescribed by a previous provider will not automatically be continued without clinical review.

06

Monitor Response and Side Effects

Medication response varies from person to person. Between appointments, you are encouraged to track changes in your symptoms, note any side effects, and contact the office if you have concerns that cannot wait until your next scheduled visit. Your provider will discuss with you what to monitor and how to reach the office when needed.

07

Attend Follow-Up Visits

Follow-up medication management appointments typically last between 20 and 45 minutes. The frequency of follow-up visits depends on your individual clinical needs. Early in treatment, more frequent visits may be recommended. As your treatment stabilizes, visits may be scheduled less frequently. Your provider will recommend a follow-up schedule that reflects your specific situation.

08

Adjust the Plan When Needed

Medication management is an ongoing process. Your provider will continue to review your response to treatment at each follow-up visit and adjust the plan as needed. This may include changes to dosage, changes in medication, the addition or removal of a medication, or a transition to a different phase of care. Any changes will be made collaboratively, with your input and in accordance with clinical best practices.

09 Conditions & Concerns Related to Medication Management

Medication management at Solar Behavioral Health may be appropriate for a range of psychiatric conditions and concerns. Below are some of the most common.

Anxiety

Anxiety disorders include generalized anxiety, social anxiety, panic disorder, and related conditions. Medication may be considered as part of a broader treatment plan when anxiety symptoms are significantly affecting daily functioning, and when the provider determines that medication is clinically appropriate. Medication is not automatically the first or only intervention for anxiety.

Depression

Depression can range from mild and situational to severe and persistent. Medication management may be considered when depressive symptoms are moderate to severe, when therapy alone has not been sufficient, or when the provider determines that a medication trial is clinically warranted. No specific outcome is guaranteed.

ADHD

Attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder affects children, adolescents, and adults. Medication is commonly used as part of ADHD treatment, though it is not appropriate for everyone. The provider will conduct a thorough evaluation before making any recommendation regarding ADHD medication, including reviewing the clinical appropriateness of stimulant versus non-stimulant options.

Bipolar Disorder

Bipolar disorder involves episodes of mania or hypomania alternating with periods of depression. Medication is often a central component of bipolar disorder treatment, though the right medication or combination of medications varies significantly from person to person. Regular monitoring is an important part of bipolar medication management.

Trauma / PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder and trauma-related symptoms may be addressed through therapy, medication, or both. Medication can be helpful in managing specific symptoms such as hyperarousal, sleep disturbance, or intrusive thoughts when the provider determines it is clinically appropriate. Medication alone is generally not considered a complete treatment for PTSD.

OCD

Obsessive-compulsive disorder involves persistent, intrusive thoughts and repetitive behaviors that are difficult to control. Certain medications have evidence for use in OCD treatment. The provider will evaluate whether medication may be a helpful component of care alongside therapy, and will not prescribe medication without a clinical evaluation.

Psychosis

Psychotic symptoms, including hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking, may occur in conditions such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, or as features of other psychiatric illnesses. Medication is typically an important part of managing psychotic symptoms, and regular monitoring is essential.

Behavioral Issues

Behavioral concerns in children and adolescents, including oppositional behaviors, aggression, impulsivity, and emotional dysregulation, may sometimes be addressed in part through medication management when other interventions have been insufficient and the provider determines medication is clinically appropriate. Behavioral and therapeutic interventions remain an important part of the overall plan.

Sleep Concerns

Sleep difficulties, including insomnia and disrupted sleep patterns, are often associated with psychiatric conditions. When sleep concerns are part of a broader psychiatric picture, medication may be considered as one component of treatment. Sleep concerns are always evaluated in context and are not treated in isolation from the overall clinical picture.

Personality Disorders

Personality disorders, such as borderline personality disorder, are complex conditions that are primarily treated with specialized psychotherapy. While medication is not a direct treatment for personality disorders, it may be used to address specific symptoms such as mood instability, impulsivity, or co-occurring anxiety or depression, when the provider determines it is clinically appropriate.

Why Choose Solar Behavioral Health

I am worried that I will just be handed a prescription without real discussion.

The initial evaluation is 45 to 90 minutes and focuses on understanding your full history before any clinical decision is made. Medication is prescribed only when the provider determines it is clinically appropriate for you specifically.

I am not sure if medication is right for me.

Medication is not automatically the right answer for every person. An evaluation is an opportunity to discuss your situation and explore all available options, including therapy and non-medication approaches, without pressure to start any specific treatment.

I have had bad experiences with psychiatric medication in the past.

Previous medication experiences, including side effects, ineffectiveness, and discontinuation, are reviewed as part of the evaluation process. Past experiences inform, rather than override, your current care.

I do not want to take multiple medications.

The provider actively aims to avoid polypharmacy — the use of multiple medications when fewer may be more appropriate. Simplifying a complex regimen is something that can be discussed during your evaluation or follow-up.

I am not sure I can afford care.

Solar Behavioral Health accepts multiple insurance plans and offers self-pay options. Qualifying patients may also be considered for a sliding-scale fee. Insurance and payment questions can be addressed before your first appointment.

I need care for my child or teenager, not just adults.

Solar Behavioral Health serves patients ages 4 and older, including children, adolescents, adults, and older adults. Pediatric and adolescent psychiatric care involves age-appropriate evaluation and a conservative approach to medication.

Thoughtful Medication Use

Medication is prescribed only when the provider determines it is clinically appropriate. Polypharmacy is actively avoided, and the goal is always to use the most targeted, evidence-based approach for each individual patient.

Longer Initial Evaluation

The first appointment is 45 to 90 minutes, not a brief 15-minute encounter. This time allows for a thorough review of your history, symptoms, and goals before any clinical decision is made.

Lifespan Mental Health Care

Care is available for patients from age 4 through older adulthood. Whether you are seeking care for a young child, a teenager, yourself, or an older family member, Solar Behavioral Health provides services across the full lifespan.

Inclusive Care

Solar Behavioral Health is committed to providing respectful, individualized care to patients from all backgrounds, including military-connected individuals and veterans, women across all life stages, and people from diverse communities.

Patient Reviews

Real reviews from our patients will be added here soon.

“From the first appointment, I felt heard for the first time in years. Tenishia took the time to actually understand what I was going through instead of rushing through a checklist. The combination of therapy and medication management has genuinely changed my daily life.”

James Vella

“Our teenage daughter had been struggling for months and previous providers never seemed to look at the full picture. The initial evaluation was thorough and thoughtful, and the personalized plan made us feel confident in her care for the first time.”

Sarah Cuschieri

“I was nervous about starting medication, but everything was explained clearly and adjusted when the first option wasn’t the right fit. The follow-up visits are consistent and I never feel like just another appointment on the schedule.”

Alex

Locations and Telehealth

Solar Behavioral Health — Annandale, NJ

67 Beaver Avenue, Corbit Building, Suite 4Annandale, NJ 08801

Communities Served

Local landmarks are listed for geographic reference only. Solar Behavioral Health has no affiliation with, endorsement from, or official relationship with any of the locations listed above.

Telehealth Across New Jersey

Virtual appointments available statewide for eligible New Jersey residents

Telehealth medication management appointments are available to eligible patients anywhere in New Jersey. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. Patients need only a smartphone, tablet, or computer with a camera and internet connection.

Telehealth may be a good fit if you are:

Patients who live at a distance from our Annandale or Montville offices
Patients with transportation challenges or mobility limitations
Patients with scheduling needs that make in-person visits difficult
Patients who prefer the convenience and privacy of virtual appointments
Patients who are managing symptoms that make travel difficult

Also in Montville, NJ: Solar Behavioral Health also provides in-person care at a second location in Montville, New Jersey. Contact the office for details about that location.

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about depression treatment at Solar Behavioral Health.

How do I know if medication management is right for me?

The best way to determine whether medication management is appropriate is to schedule a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation. During that evaluation, your provider will review your history, current symptoms, and treatment goals to determine what approaches — including medication, therapy, or both — may be appropriate for your specific situation. Medication is not automatically the right answer for every person, and an evaluation does not commit you to any particular treatment.

What happens at my first appointment?

Your first appointment is a comprehensive psychiatric evaluation lasting 45 to 90 minutes. The purpose of this appointment is to understand your mental health history, medical history, current symptoms, previous treatments, and treatment goals. It is not a prescription visit. Clinical decisions, including whether medication is appropriate, are made after this evaluation — not at the start of it.

Will I receive a medication prescription at my first visit?

Not necessarily. The first appointment is an evaluation, and medication is prescribed only when the provider determines it is clinically appropriate for you. Some patients leave their first appointment with a prescription. Others leave with a recommendation for therapy, a plan to gather additional information, or a follow-up evaluation. No specific outcome is guaranteed, and you will not be pressured to accept any treatment you are not comfortable with.

Can children and teenagers be seen for medication management?

Yes. Solar Behavioral Health provides medication management for patients ages 4 and older, including young children, school-age children, teenagers, and adolescents. Pediatric and adolescent psychiatric care involves a conservative, age-appropriate evaluation process. Medication is prescribed only when the provider determines it is clinically warranted, and parental or guardian involvement is an important part of care for younger patients.

Can I receive therapy and medication management at the same time?

Yes. Individual therapy and medication management are both offered at Solar Behavioral Health, and they can be provided together or independently. You are not required to receive therapy in order to access medication management, and you are not required to take medication in order to receive therapy. If you are interested in both, your provider can discuss how they might work together based on your individual needs.

Is telehealth available for medication management?

Yes. Telehealth medication management appointments are available to eligible patients anywhere in New Jersey. Sessions are conducted through a secure, HIPAA-compliant video platform. To be eligible, you must be a New Jersey resident and meet other clinical criteria that will be reviewed before your appointment is confirmed. Not all patients are appropriate for telehealth-only care, and your provider will discuss whether telehealth is suitable for your situation.

How long are appointments?

The initial evaluation typically lasts 45 to 90 minutes. Follow-up medication management appointments typically last 20 to 45 minutes, depending on the complexity of your care and what needs to be addressed at each visit. Appointment length may vary based on your individual circumstances.

How often will I need to come in for follow-up visits?

Follow-up visit frequency is determined by your individual clinical needs. Early in treatment, more frequent visits — such as monthly — may be recommended to monitor your response to medication and make adjustments as needed. As treatment stabilizes, the interval between visits may lengthen. Your provider will recommend a follow-up schedule that reflects your specific situation and the requirements of your treatment.

Can I transfer my care from another provider?

Yes. Solar Behavioral Health sees patients who are transitioning from another psychiatric provider. If you are currently taking psychiatric medication prescribed by another provider, your new provider will conduct a thorough evaluation and review your existing regimen before making any clinical decisions. Medications prescribed by a previous provider will not automatically be continued without review. Records from your previous provider can be helpful and may be requested as part of the intake process.

What if I am taking multiple psychiatric medications?

If you are taking multiple psychiatric medications — a situation sometimes called polypharmacy — your provider will review your full regimen during the evaluation. One of the clinical goals at Solar Behavioral Health is to avoid unnecessary polypharmacy. If it appears that simplifying your regimen may be clinically appropriate and safe, that will be discussed with you as part of your treatment planning.

Do you offer psychological testing?

Psychological testing is not currently offered as a standalone service at Solar Behavioral Health. However, if testing is identified as a clinical need during your evaluation, your provider can discuss options for referral. Psychiatric evaluation and psychological testing are different services performed for different clinical purposes.

What insurance plans are accepted?

Solar Behavioral Health accepts Aetna, Carelon Behavioral Health, Cigna and Evernorth, Horizon BCBS of New Jersey, Optum, Oscar Health, Oxford, Quest Behavioral Health, TRICARE, and UnitedHealthcare/UHC/UBH. Out-of-network benefits may also be available. Self-pay options and qualifying sliding-scale rates are available for patients not using insurance. Insurance benefits should be verified before your first appointment, and the office can assist with this process.

Related Services

Psychiatric Evaluation

A comprehensive psychiatric evaluation is the starting point for all clinical care at Solar Behavioral Health. It is a thorough assessment of your mental health history, current symptoms, relevant medical history, and treatment goals. The evaluation informs recommendations for medication management, therapy, or other approaches. It does not guarantee any particular outcome or treatment plan.

Individual Therapy

Individual therapy is talk-based treatment provided one-on-one with a licensed clinician. It can be provided alongside medication management or independently. Solar Behavioral Health offers individual therapy for children, adolescents, and adults. Therapy is not a requirement for medication management, and medication is not a requirement for therapy.

If you have concerns about your current psychiatric diagnosis, treatment plan, or medication regimen and would like an independent clinical perspective, a second-opinion consultation may be appropriate. This service is available for patients who are currently under the care of another provider and want a thorough, independent review of their situation before making changes to their treatment.

Psychiatric Evaluation

Individual Therapy

Medication Management

Ready to Talk With Someone About Your Medication?

Whether you are considering psychiatric medication for the first time, continuing care from a previous provider, or looking for a second opinion, Solar Behavioral Health is currently accepting new patients. The first step is a comprehensive evaluation — not a prescription. No specific outcome is guaranteed, and you will have the opportunity to ask questions and discuss your options before any treatment decisions are made.

Request a Medication Management Appointment

Complete the form below and a member of our team will follow up to confirm your appointment details.