Therapy or Meds? Here’s How to Know What’s Right for You

May 26

“Do I need a therapist or someone who prescribes medication?”

It’s a question we hear almost daily—and it makes perfect sense. If you’re struggling with anxiety, depression, or other mental health concerns, you may wonder where to start. Should you talk to someone? Try medication? Or both?

At Anchoring Hope Counseling, we’re proud to offer both therapy and psychiatric medication management in Abingdon, Wise, and Pennington Gap, Virginia—and we want to help you understand the difference so you can feel more confident choosing the care that fits you best.

What Therapists and Counselors Do

Mental health therapy focuses on helping you explore thoughts, emotions, behaviors, and relationships. Our therapists help you build skills, uncover patterns, heal from trauma, and move toward the life you want.

At Anchoring Hope, we have a team of qualified, experienced professionals—including:

LPCs – Licensed Professional Counselors
LCSWs – Licensed Clinical Social Workers

While their backgrounds vary, these types of providers are highly qualified to help you manage mental health challenges like depression, anxiety, grief, stress, trauma, and relationship issues.

At Anchoring Hope Counseling in Wise, Abingdon, and Pennington Gap, you’ll get therapy tailored to your needs—whether you prefer individual sessions, couples counseling, or family-based support.

What Medication Providers Do (and Don’t Do)

On the other side of the mental health world are prescribers—medical professionals who can evaluate symptoms from a biological or physiological perspective and prescribe medications when appropriate.

At Anchoring Hope, our psychiatric medication management is led by Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioners (PMHNPs) who work with people ages 6+ experiencing:

Major depression
Generalized anxiety
Panic attacks
OCD
ADHD
Bipolar disorder
Sleep disorders
Trauma responses
And more

They evaluate your mental and physical symptoms, review your medical history, and develop a treatment plan that might include medication—but that’s not where we automatically begin.

A Holistic Approach to Medication Management

Our philosophy in Southwest Virginia is simple: medication can be helpful, but it shouldn’t be the only option.

We know many of our clients in Wise, Abingdon, and Pennington Gap prefer to start with natural methods—and that’s why our psychiatric team takes a whole-person, holistic approach to care.

We work with you to explore alternatives such as:

Lifestyle changes – improving sleep, nutrition, hydration, and physical activity
Light therapy – for Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) and mood enhancement
Mind-body strategies – like meditation, grounding, and breathing exercises
Natural supplements – when appropriate and evidence-based
Therapy integration – collaborating with your counselor for well-rounded care

If medication becomes the right step for you, our providers ensure it's monitored carefully, with regular check-ins and open communication. You’ll never be left wondering what you’re taking or why.

So... Which One Is Right for You?

It depends—and that’s okay.

Start with therapy if:

You want to explore your emotions, triggers, and history
You’re going through a major life transition, loss, or stressor
You prefer talk-based support before trying medication
You're ready to build tools and skills for emotional regulation

Start with medication management if:

Your symptoms are significantly interfering with your sleep, work, or daily function
You’ve tried therapy in the past and need additional support
You feel stuck, hopeless, or emotionally “flat” despite your best efforts

Do both if:

You want to heal from all angles—emotional, mental, physical, and relational
You want a full team supporting your growth
You believe in combining science and self-awareness

And the best part? At Anchoring Hope Counseling, you don’t have to choose right away. You can begin with one provider and add another when the time is right.

Why People in Abingdon, Wise & Pennington Gap Choose Anchoring Hope

We understand the unique needs of our Southwest Virginia communities—and we believe in making high-quality mental health care accessible, judgment-free, and genuinely supportive.

Here’s what makes us different:

Local, licensed therapists who understand rural values and real-life challenges
On-site and telehealth appointments available
Holistic psychiatric services with medication options, not medication pressure
A team-based approach with LPCs, LCSWs, and PMHNPs
Care that puts you in the driver’s seat

Whether you need depression treatment in Wise, anxiety therapy in Abingdon, or natural alternatives to medication in Pennington Gap, we’re here for you.