Can You Get Psychiatric Medication Without Therapy? A Guide for Busy Adults

Wondering if you can take psychiatric medication without therapy? You absolutely can. At Dignity Brain Health, busy adults across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Florida — especially in Boston, Cambridge, Brookline, Somerville, Newton, and Back Bay — can access expert psychiatric medication management via tele‑psychiatry, with or without therapy.


Why Medication-Only Can Work

Research shows that medication alone can significantly improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. A meta-analysis found that pharmacotherapy yields moderate improvements in functioning and quality of life — not significantly different from psychotherapy alone — but combined treatment offers the greatest benefits (Cuijpers et al., 2016).

A systematic review of depression treatment effectiveness found no significant difference between antidepressant medication and psychotherapy in reducing depressive symptoms (Kappelmann et al., 2020).

Moreover, meta-analyses demonstrate that different psychotherapies — CBT, interpersonal therapy, behavioral activation — are similarly effective, so if therapy isn’t feasible, medication remains a strong alternative (Cuijpers et al., 2021).

Another analysis of symptom-level outcomes indicated that neither therapy nor medication clearly outperformed the other across different symptoms of depression (Kappelmann et al., 2020).

More recent studies also suggest that telepsychiatry models that focus on medication management can improve accessibility and outcomes among underserved populations — including those with high time constraints (Yellowlees et al., 2020).

What Medication-Only Tele-Psychiatry Looks Like

  • Virtual intake appointment: discuss symptoms and history with a licensed provider

  • Personalized plan: select an SSRI/SNRI or other medication, plus optional genetic testing for precision guidance

  • Follow-up care: continued tele-visits every 2–4 weeks to fine-tune dosing

  • Convenience: all appointments online — ideal for your busy schedule

  • Privacy: no waiting rooms, discreet care from home

When Medication Might Be the Best Fit

If you're dealing with:

  • Persistent symptoms impacting daily life

  • Limited time or unable to attend regular therapy

  • Previous success with medication

  • Desire for faster stabilization

  • Need for flexible scheduling

Medication-only care can offer valid, evidence-based support that works around your life.

When Combining Medication and Therapy Helps

While medication can help alone, combining it with therapy often yields better results in moderate-to-severe or chronic cases. One study showed combined treatment increased remission in moderate chronic depression — from 32% to 48% — compared to therapy alone (de Maat et al., 2007).

Combined approaches are especially useful for those struggling with comorbid conditions like PTSD or personality disorders, where a deeper therapeutic framework may improve long-term resilience (Cuijpers et al., 2016).

Common Concerns Answered

“Will I miss out on long-term support?”

Not at all. Medication-only care is valid and empowering. If later you’d like therapy, we can refer you to partners like McLean Hospital or Mass General.

“What about side effects?”

We monitor closely via telemedicine visits, adjust dosage as needed, and offer genetic-guided options for safer prescribing.

“Is online care safe in MA?”

Yes. Our services are HIPAA-compliant and offer fully licensed providers serving Massachusetts — including Boston and surrounding suburbs.

“Will my provider understand my unique needs?”

Yes — our board-certified clinicians use evidence-based approaches tailored to your symptoms, schedule, and treatment history.

Does Insurance Cover Medication Without Therapy?

Yes. Most insurance plans, including MassHealth and commercial insurers, cover psychiatric medication management without requiring therapy. However, coverage may vary, so it’s worth checking specifics with your plan.

Some patients opt for out-of-pocket care to maintain greater privacy or flexibility. Dignity Brain Health offers transparent pricing and payment plans.

Local Resources in Massachusetts

Final Takeaway

Yes—you can receive psychiatric medication without therapy through Dignity Brain Health’s secure tele-psychiatry services. This pathway is supported by research, especially when therapy isn't practical.

We're here for busy adults seeking balance and relief—without extra burdens.

👉 Start your your online psychiatric medication consultation process now

References (APA Format)

Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Reijnders, M., & Purgato, M. (2016). The efficacy of psychotherapy, pharmacotherapy, and their combination on functioning and quality of life in depression: A meta-analysis. Psychotherapy and Psychosomatics, 85(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1159/000441583

Kappelmann, N., Lewis, G., Dantzer, R., Jones, P. B., & Khandaker, G. M. (2020). Antidepressant medication versus psychotherapy for depression: A symptom-level meta-analysis. BMC Medicine, 18, 39. https://doi.org/10.1186/s12916-020-01623-9

Cuijpers, P., Karyotaki, E., Weitz, E., Andersson, G., Hollon, S. D., & van Straten, A. (2021). Psychotherapies for depression: A network meta-analysis. World Psychiatry, 20(2), 245–256. https://doi.org/10.1002/wps.20860

de Maat, S. M., Dekker, J. J., Schoevers, R., de Jonghe, F., & Peen, J. (2007). Relative efficacy of psychotherapy and combined therapy in the treatment of depression: A meta-analysis. European Psychiatry, 22(1), 1–8. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.eurpsy.2006.10.004

Yellowlees, P., Shore, J., & Roberts, L. (2020). Practice guidelines for videoconferencing-based telemental health – October 2009. Telemedicine and e-Health, 26(11), 1316–1329. https://doi.org/10.1089/tmj.2020.29040.psy

Kristina BelarminoDignity Brain Health