Photo of Higher Ground Wellness Group, Licensed Professional Counselor in 60301, IL
Higher Ground Wellness Group
Licensed Professional Counselor, PsyD, MFT, LPC
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301
Higher Ground Wellness Group’s mission is to provide a safe therapeutic space for all people, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our vision is to end stigma in BIPOC communities regarding seeking mental health services, by increasing awareness and access to mental health resources. It is a courageous choice to seek therapy and with over 50 years of combined experience, Higher Ground Wellness Group is committed to providing extensive, high quality therapeutic services for individuals, couples, families in a safe and non-judgmental environment that reinforces emotional, physical, and mental wellness.
Higher Ground Wellness Group’s mission is to provide a safe therapeutic space for all people, particularly Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Our vision is to end stigma in BIPOC communities regarding seeking mental health services, by increasing awareness and access to mental health resources. It is a courageous choice to seek therapy and with over 50 years of combined experience, Higher Ground Wellness Group is committed to providing extensive, high quality therapeutic services for individuals, couples, families in a safe and non-judgmental environment that reinforces emotional, physical, and mental wellness.
(708) 340-0963 View (708) 340-0963
Photo of Dr. Tichiya Maxey, Clinical Social Work/Therapist in 60301, IL
Dr. Tichiya Maxey
Clinical Social Work/Therapist, DSW, LCSW, MSW
Verified Verified
Oak Park, IL 60301  (Online Only)
As a therapist, I work to create a warm, inviting and safe space to speak with clients. I work tenaciously with clients to see a positive change and growth they desire. I see therapy as a partnership and an opportunity for clients benefit from the skills they attain. I work with people of all ages and circumstances, however my areas of specialty are working with children and adolescents, individuals with mental illness, individuals facing mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and families that have children in special education or in need of school support.
As a therapist, I work to create a warm, inviting and safe space to speak with clients. I work tenaciously with clients to see a positive change and growth they desire. I see therapy as a partnership and an opportunity for clients benefit from the skills they attain. I work with people of all ages and circumstances, however my areas of specialty are working with children and adolescents, individuals with mental illness, individuals facing mood disorders, such as depression, anxiety, grief, life transitions, and families that have children in special education or in need of school support.
(708) 290-7497 View (708) 290-7497
Medication Management Therapists

What are the most effective ways to manage medications?

One of the most effective ways a patient can manage their medications is to keep a list of each drug and dosage they take. Such a list can be helpful in keeping to their schedule and can also be something they bring to their psychiatrist or other physician so that the healthcare provider has a clear picture of what they’re taking and in what quantity. Using a pill organizer can be useful for memory and organization. Patients should discuss their medications and their effects at every appointment.

What are the risks if medications are not managed properly?

A suboptimal approach to medication management can lead to potentially harmful health outcomes. Most psychiatric drugs have side effects, and if a patient is not aware of them, they may seek additional medical help or over the counter or prescription drugs to treat the side effects, which may have its own side effects, a process called “prescription cascade.” Another risk to disorganization is that a psychiatrist without full knowledge of a patient’s regimen could prescribe a medication that should not be mixed with a patient’s existing drugs.

What’s the best way to encourage someone to get help managing their medications?

It’s helpful to express concern and love for the person while framing medication management as a tool for improving their life and avoiding dangerous side effects. Offering specific examples of an individual’s failure to properly manage their medication regimen should be done with compassion and with empathy. It may be useful to break management down into parts, and there are several apps that can be used to organize which drugs are ingested, when they need to be refilled, and how they should be stored.

Are there natural treatments that can replace medications?

While there are many medications that can be vital to mental health, there are some natural lifestyle changes that can help reduce the need for drugs. Regular exercise, good sleep habits, a healthy diet, and therapy can all go a long way in symptom relief. Psychiatric medications typically treat symptoms but do not necessarily treat the cause of the condition. Many clinicians consider medications an adjunct to treatment rather than a treatment in and of itself.