Psychiatric Medication 101: An Introduction for Clients and Families

Psychiatric medications can play an important role in treating conditions such as depression, anxiety, ADHD, and other presenting concerns - but understanding how they work (and when they’re recommended) is often one of the biggest challenges clients and families face.

This blog post offers a foundational overview of psychiatric medications, followed by a child psychiatrist’s perspective (from our very own, Dr. Grace Kim!) on how medication decisions are made. We also highlight unique concerns expat families face in Korea and share practical steps for parents who are unsure about what to do next.

A Psychiatrist’s Perspective on Medication for Children

When deciding whether a child should take antidepressants, psychiatrists consider both symptom severity and developmental impact.

Here are Dr. Grace Kim (aka. MindFlow’s psychiatrist)’s responses to common questions from clients, especially the parents:

“What age is appropriate for antidepressants?”

Children as young as 6 years old can begin medication — if symptoms are significantly impacting their ability to function properly at school, home, or socially. The goal is to help children develop at a healthy pace.

“Can therapy be enough without medication?”

In mild cases, yes. But for moderate to severe symptoms, therapy paired with medication may help the child stabilize faster and benefit more effectively from therapy.

“Will my child become reliant on the meds?”

Research shows low rates of long-term dependence. Regular psychiatric follow-ups help ensure meds are used only as needed and adjusted or tapered when appropriate.

The Expat Perspective: Navigating Mental Health Abroad

For internationals, expats, and expat families in South Korea, these challenges can feel even more overwhelming:

• Language barriers and difficulty finding English-speaking providers

• School systems that don’t always accommodate neurodivergent or emotionally sensitive children

• Cultural gaps in emotional expression and levels of stigma regarding mental health

This can lead to clients and parents missing early warning signs or feeling unsure about what supports are available. Accessing competent and culturally sensitive care is critical.

Tips on What Parents Can Do

If you’re worried about your child’s mental health — here’s how to act thoughtfully:

Be aware of signs:

• Persistent sadness, irritability, or social withdrawal

• Sleep issues, stomachaches, or frequent headaches

• Declining school performance or resistance to routine

Talk to your child:

• Use open, non-judgmental language: “I’ve noticed you seem down — how are you feeling?”

• Don’t rush to solutions — start with listening.

Track behavior changes:

• When did the issues start?

• Are there school or family stressors?

Seek professional input:

• Start with therapy— therapy can help clarify what your child needs.

• If symptoms are severe or not improving, explore medication consultation with a child/adolescent psychiatrist can be helpful

MindFlow’s Approach to Medications

At MindFlow, we believe in collaborative care. Our team, including Dr. Audrey Kim (Clinical Psychologist) and Dr. Grace Kim (Psychiatrist), work together to:

• Evaluate whether medication is appropriate

• Combine therapy + medical support

• Involve families at every stage of treatment

Listen, seek to understand, and create individualized care paths that respect your child’s emotional needs.

Ready to Talk? You’re Not Alone

Whether you’re confused about antidepressants, worried about your child, or simply looking for guidance — our clinic offers English-speaking, culturally sensitive care in Korea.

Contact us - for a consultation or to book an appointment.