Possibly. Before continuing any medication, we will carefully review your history, current needs, and prior records to determine if continuation is clinically appropriate. This decision may depend on the specific medication, whether it is being used on-label or off-label, and overall safety considerations. Controlled substances require additional safeguards and are only prescribed when safe, appropriate, and compliant with state and federal guidelines.

Controlled substances are not routinely prescribed and are only considered for short-term use, when medically appropriate, and always on a case-by-case basis. These medications are never guaranteed, even if you have taken them previously.

Prescribing decisions are based on clinical safety, evidence-based guidelines, and current regulations.

Before any controlled medication is prescribed, the following may be required:

• Review of prior medical and psychiatric records

• Urine drug screening or other safety labs

• A controlled substance treatment agreement

• Regular follow-up appointments

• Safe-use monitoring when indicated

Early refills, replacements for lost/stolen medication, or refills after missed appointments are not provided.

Your safety is always our top priority, so these medications are prescribed carefully, only when appropriate, and in compliance with state and federal law.

This includes medications such as benzodiazepines (e.g., Xanax®, Ativan®), sleep medications (e.g., Ambien®), and buprenorphine-based treatments.

• Before prescribing, we may require:
  Review of prior records

• Urine drug screening or relevant labs

• Regular follow-up visits

• A signed controlled substance agreement

Please note:

• These medications are never guaranteed and are rarely prescribed at a first visit

• Prescriptions cannot be issued if you are outside New Jersey during your appointment

• Lost, stolen, or misplaced prescriptions cannot be replaced early

Benzodiazepines and sedative-hypnotics (e.g., Xanax®, Ativan®, Klonopin®, Ambien®) may be considered only for short-term use when clinically indicated. These medications are not used as long-term or primary treatment for anxiety or insomnia and require close monitoring. Long-term prescribing is not offered.

No. New Jersey law does not permit prescribing Schedule II stimulant medications via telehealth.
Because of this legal restriction, stimulant medications are not prescribed under any circumstances at Thrive & Shine Behavioral Health.

If stimulant therapy is clinically appropriate, we will provide a referral to an in-person prescriber who can legally manage these medications.

Please request refills at least 3 business days before you run out. Refills are typically managed during follow-up appointments, and most requests require at least a 15-minute visit to ensure safe prescribing.

Refills may only be provided if you are up to date with follow-up care. For safety reasons, early refills and refills for missed appointments are not provided. Replacement prescriptions for lost or stolen medications are considered on a case-by-case basis.

Our visits include supportive discussion and coping strategies, but we do not provide full-length psychotherapy sessions. Medication management is the primary service offered.

We strongly recommend combining medication with ongoing therapy for the best outcomes. Therapy is especially helpful for conditions such as PTSD, OCD, bipolar disorder, chronic anxiety, trauma-related symptoms, and others where deeper, structured work is beneficial.

If you are not already connected with a therapist, we can provide referrals to trusted providers.

We provide psychiatric support for patients in early or sustained recovery. If you are actively using substances, a higher level of care may be recommended before starting outpatient psychiatric treatment.

MindMetrix and QbCheck are objective assessment tools that may be recommended in some cases to clarify a diagnosis and guide treatment.

• MindMetrix is a broad, adaptive mental health assessment that screens across more than 60 conditions. It helps identify co-occurring symptoms and ensures nothing important is overlooked. (Cost: $59, billed directly by the company)

• QbCheck is an FDA-cleared, computer-based test that measures attention, activity, and impulsivity. It is especially useful when evaluating ADHD and can also track treatment response over time. (Cost: $79, billed by Thrive & Shine Behavioral Health after completion of the assessment)

These tools are not part of your visit fee with Thrive & Shine Behavioral Health. They are billed separately, and in some cases, may be required before prescribing certain treatments or to support diagnostic clarity.

Pharmacogenetic (PGx) testing looks at how your genes may affect your response to certain psychiatric medications. It can help reduce trial-and-error when choosing medications, especially for patients with complex treatment histories.

• GeneSight® Psychotropic analyzes multiple genetic markers and reviews how your body may metabolize or respond to 64 FDA-approved psychiatric medications. It focuses on common treatments for depression, anxiety, ADHD, and related conditions. (Cost: $330 out-of-pocket if not covered by insurance)

• Genomind® PGx is a broader panel that evaluates 15 pharmacodynamic and 11 pharmacokinetic genes, providing insights across more than 700 medications. This test may be especially useful for patients with multiple conditions or extensive prior treatment failures. (Cost: $599 out-of-pocket if not covered by insurance)

Both tests are simple and convenient. A kit is mailed directly to your home, where you collect a painless cheek swab and return it to the lab. Results are typically available within a few days, and we will review them together to see if they provide helpful guidance for your treatment plan.

These tests are optional and billed directly by the testing companies. Some insurance plans may cover part (or even all) of the cost. Results are reviewed collaboratively and can help guide, but never replace, clinical decision-making.