Thoughtful, Compassionate Care for the Whole You
At Esperanza Mental Health, I see you—not just your symptoms or your diagnoses, but the full picture of your mental, emotional, and physical well-being. As a psychiatric nurse practitioner, I’ve worked with many individuals who struggle with weight gain linked to psychiatric medication, and I understand how frustrating, discouraging, and isolating it can feel.
Weight isn’t just a number—it can affect how you move through the world, how you feel in your own body, and how you see yourself. And just as importantly, weight changes can have a real impact on mental health, contributing to depression, anxiety, and low self-esteem. That’s why, in my practice, I consider the whole person when exploring treatment options—including whether weight loss medications may be helpful and appropriate.
A Realistic & Supportive Approach
I offer individualized consultations to help you explore medication options in a safe, supportive, and judgment-free space. My approach is never one-size-fits-all—everything is tailored to your history, goals, and current treatment plan. If you’re struggling with weight gain that may be related to psychiatric medication, we’ll take a closer look together.
However, not everyone is a candidate for weight loss medications. These treatments are best suited for individuals who meet certain clinical criteria, such as a specific BMI range or the presence of health conditions related to weight. I always ensure that any medication I prescribe is clinically appropriate, safe, and aligned with your broader mental health care.
You deserve care that sees all of you—your mind, your body, your goals, and your potential.
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Unfortunately, insurance companies often limit access to the most effective weight loss medications by requiring burdensome documentation—such as proof of failed diet programs or unrelated medical assessments. These requirements often delay care and disrupt treatment outcomes.
Because of this, I do not complete prior authorization requests for weight loss medications. My focus is on working with you directly to create a plan that is effective, ethical, and centered on your goals. During your visit, I will offer realistic cost estimates and referral suggestions for affordable access to lab testing and prescriptions, when possible.
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To ensure any treatment is both safe and appropriate, I require the following information prior to or during our consultation:
Recent lab work (within 6 months)
If you haven’t completed labs recently, I can refer you to affordable testing resources
Recent vital signs, including:
Blood pressure
Weight
Waist circumference
A home scale and blood pressure cuff are strongly encouraged
If you’ve recently seen your primary care provider (PCP), I’ll need your most recent results and vitals from that visit
This information helps guide a thoughtful, safe, and clinically appropriate decision regarding any medication recommendations.
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If a weight loss medication is prescribed, ongoing monitoring is essential to ensure your safety and success. I recommend the following schedule for follow-up care:
Monthly appointments for the first 3 to 6 months
Once treatment is stable, visits every 3 months
Each follow-up session is 50 minutes and billed at $245. During these visits, we’ll monitor progress, evaluate medication effects, and make thoughtful adjustments as needed.
Rooted in Mental Health. Focused on the Whole You.
As someone who specializes in psychopharmacology and psychiatric medication management, I understand how medication can impact appetite, metabolism, energy levels, and motivation. When these side effects lead to weight gain, the emotional burden can be just as heavy as the physical one.
That’s why I consider all of these factors when we meet. My goal is to help you feel more balanced, confident, and in control of your health journey—not just mentally, but physically too.
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Medications I May Discuss With You
If medication is an appropriate part of your care plan, we may explore one or more of the following options:
