Medication can be life changing when it is chosen carefully, started at the right dose, and monitored with a clear plan. At Cura Mind and Wellness, patients in Boston receive personalized medication management that blends clinical expertise, patient education, and practical follow up. Care is directed by Vivian Emuobe, MSN, BSN, APRN, PMHNP-BC, a board certified psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner licensed in Massachusetts, with experience across inpatient and outpatient settings and leadership in structured programs.
We see patients in person in Boston, and by secure telehealth across Massachusetts. Your plan includes therapy integration, lifestyle support, and clear markers that tell us when to adjust, continue, or simplify. Note for Massachusetts, TMS is not offered at the Boston location, if an advanced option is appropriate, we discuss alternatives and coordinate trusted referrals.
What medication management includes
- Comprehensive evaluation, history, current symptoms, sleep, stress, medical contributors, past medication trials
- Diagnosis clarity, anxiety, depression, ADHD, bipolar spectrum, PTSD, OCD, insomnia, or a blend
- Medication selection, evidence based choices matched to symptom profile, side effect tolerance, and personal goals
- Education, benefits, risks, timelines, and realistic expectations explained in plain language
- Monitoring, early and ongoing follow ups that review response, side effects, and safety labs when indicated
- Coordination, therapy alignment, primary care collaboration, and documentation for school or work when appropriate
- Gene testing in Boston, pharmacogenomic screening for patients with prior side effects or limited benefit
Conditions commonly treated with medication
- Anxiety disorders, generalized anxiety, panic, social anxiety
- Depression, single episode or recurrent, seasonal patterns, persistent low mood
- ADHD, inattentive, hyperactive impulsive, combined presentations
- Bipolar disorder, depressive and hypomanic or manic episodes
- PTSD, hyperarousal, nightmares, avoidance, mood reactivity
- OCD, intrusive thoughts, compulsive behaviors
- Sleep disorders, insomnia and circadian disruption, often treated with behavioral approaches first
Medication is only one part of care. We combine prescribing with therapy skills, sleep routines, and stress strategies so improvement shows up in your actual Boston week.
Medication classes and how we use them
- SSRIs and SNRIs, first line for anxiety and depression, titrated gradually with education about early effects and timelines
- Bupropion, considered when motivation and energy are primary targets, often helpful when sexual side effects need to be minimized
- Mirtazapine, sometimes chosen when poor sleep and low appetite dominate
- Mood stabilizers, lithium, lamotrigine, and others when bipolar spectrum is present, with lab monitoring as indicated
- Second generation antipsychotics, used when mood or psychotic symptoms require stabilization, with careful metabolic screening
- ADHD medications, stimulants or non stimulants selected conservatively, with objective and functional follow up
- Sleep medications, used cautiously and time limited, while CBT-I anchors long term results
Your plan is individualized. If a medication is not helping, we change it. If side effects appear, we address them quickly. The goal is the lowest effective dose with the fewest problems.
Boston context, treatment that fits this city
Academic calendars, clinical rotations, research deadlines, and city commutes can derail the best intentions. We build treatment around Boston realities.
- Shift friendly schedules, early or late visits when available, telehealth for busy weeks
- Medication timing, aligned with rotations, call nights, and exam seasons
- Performance focus, plans that protect concentration and presentation confidence
- Seasonal support, light timing and sleep routines that offset winter changes
- Documentation, clear letters for academic or workplace accommodations when criteria are met
Safety, monitoring, and refills
Your safety is central to every decision.
- Baseline review, medical history, allergies, interactions, pregnancy plans, and substance use considerations
- Vitals and labs, ordered when clinically indicated, thyroid, vitamin D or B12, metabolic panels for certain medications
- Controlled substances, prescribed only when appropriate, with monitoring consistent with Massachusetts and federal guidance
- Refill timelines, scheduled follow ups prevent gaps, portals handle routine requests, we plan ahead before travel or exams
- Adverse effects, clear guidance on what is common and transient, what is urgent, and what to do next
Integrating therapy, skills, and lifestyle
Medication opens the door, skills keep it open. Your plan may include:
- CBT, thought records, behavioral activation, and exposure maps
- DBT skills, emotion regulation, mindfulness, distress tolerance, and interpersonal effectiveness
- CBT-I, stimulus control, consistent wake times, wind down routines, light and caffeine timing
- ADHD coaching, time blocking, task batching, visual systems, and two minute starts
- Nutrition and movement, practical steps that support mood and focus without perfection pressure
Gene testing, when precision helps
If multiple medications have caused side effects or limited benefit, we may discuss pharmacogenomic testing available in our Boston office. Results are used alongside clinical judgment, they do not choose a medication for you, they help us avoid known problems and narrow options safely.
A 90-day roadmap to steady progress
- Weeks 1 to 2, evaluation and plan: We confirm diagnosis, review past responses, discuss preferences, and set clear goals, for example fewer panic episodes, restored morning energy, better class or meeting attendance. You leave with written instructions, what to expect in week one, what to track, when to follow up.
- Weeks 3 to 4, first check in: We assess early effects, sleep, appetite, and daily function. If benefits emerge with tolerable side effects, we hold or adjust slightly. If not, we modify dose or consider an alternative path.
- Weeks 5 to 8, optimize: Therapy skills deepen, CBT for negative thoughts, DBT skills for emotion regulation, exposure for panic or OCD. Medication adjustments are made only when data supports the change. Labs are ordered if needed.
- Weeks 9 to 12, consolidate and maintain: We confirm sustained benefit, simplify when possible, and formalize a maintenance plan, relapse warning signs, and steps to take if stress rises.
This pacing flexes to you. The point is consistent follow up and decisions backed by outcomes, not guesswork.
What progress looks like
- Shorter, less intense anxiety spikes
- Brighter mornings, steadier energy, clearer focus
- Fewer missed classes or meetings, more follow through
- Improved sleep continuity and daytime performance
- Reduced hospital or urgent care visits
- Confidence that your plan is working and sustainable
We track progress with brief symptom scales, sleep and routine markers, and personal goals that matter to you.
FAQs, Medication Management in Boston, MA
-
Not always. Many begin with therapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is offered when benefits are likely and you feel comfortable proceeding.
-
Early changes can appear within one to three weeks, full effects often build over six to twelve weeks, timelines vary by medication and dose.
-
Yes, when clinically appropriate and compliant with Massachusetts rules. You must be physically in Massachusetts during the visit.
-
Contact us through the portal. We may adjust timing, reduce dose, switch options, or add supportive strategies, safety comes first.
-
They may be used briefly for specific situations. We prioritize non sedating options, therapy skills, and long term solutions.
-
No. TMS is not offered at the Boston location. If appropriate, we discuss alternatives and provide referrals.
-
Yes, with your written consent. Updates are concise, medication list, diagnoses, current plan.
-
Yes. Every evaluation ends with a documented plan, medication instructions, therapy focus, monitoring steps, and follow up timing.
Why patients choose Cura Mind and Wellness in Boston
- Board certified leadership, psychiatric expertise with inpatient and outpatient depth
- Integrated care, therapy, medication, testing, and documentation in one practice
- Measured decisions, changes guided by outcomes, not habit
- Patient education, clear explanations and written plans at every step
- Respect for your life, culturally sensitive, Boston informed, privacy protected with HIPAA compliant systems
Begin medication management with clarity
Effective prescribing is collaborative, careful, and measurable. With in person visits in Boston and telehealth statewide, Cura Mind and Wellness provides medication management that respects your goals and your schedule, while keeping safety and progress at the center.