Medication Management, With Time to Actually Talk It Through
If you've ever left a fifteen-minute med check wondering if the provider actually heard you, you know how little that format leaves room for. I built my practice around the opposite approach: enough time, in the first visit and after, to understand what's really going on before we decide anything about medication. I'm Erin Cavallo, a board-certified psychiatric nurse practitioner (PMHNP-BC), and I see patients ages 13 and up for medication management — in person in Syracuse or by telehealth anywhere in New York State.
What the First Visit Looks Like
New patients start with a 90-minute evaluation. That's long enough to go through your symptoms, health history, what you've already tried, and what you're actually hoping will change — not just checking boxes, but understanding the person in front of me. We talk about sleep, stress, and how things are showing up in your daily life, because those pieces matter for figuring out a plan that fits, not just a prescription that fits a diagnosis.
How I Approach Medication
Medication is one part of the plan, not the whole plan. When it makes sense, I combine medication management with psychotherapy, drawing on ACT and psychodynamic approaches, so we're working on the symptoms and the patterns underneath them at the same time. Some patients need medication and ongoing therapy together; others need medication plus periodic check-ins; some come in specifically because they want a provider who will also talk with them, not just manage a prescription. We figure out together what makes sense for you, and we adjust as we go — this isn't a plan you're locked into after one visit.
Ongoing Care
After the initial evaluation, we move into regular follow-up visits to monitor how things are going, adjust medication as needed, and keep therapy woven in where it's helpful. How often we meet depends on where you are in treatment — more frequent early on, spacing out as things stabilize.
Insurance & Fees
I'm directly credentialed with MVP. For other insurance, I participate through Headway and Alma, and coverage depends on your specific plan and platform — the best way to confirm your benefits is to check directly through Headway or Alma, or ask my office. Self-pay is available for anyone who prefers it or whose plan isn't yet in network. If you have questions about a specific plan, our FAQ page covers the basics, or you can call the office directly.
Ready to Get Started?
If you're considering medication for the first time, or you've tried it before and felt like something was missing, I'd like to hear the whole story — not just the symptom list. Appointments are available in Syracuse or by telehealth across New York.
Book an appointment or call (315) 607-9417.
Syracuse Integrative Psychiatry
5108 Velasko Road, Suite 2000
Syracuse, NY 13215