Ever leave a school meeting wondering if you’re “doing enough”… and also somehow “doing it wrong”?

In this episode of Unlocking School Success, I’m joined by Brianna Cullen, a pediatric psychiatric mental health nurse practitioner in Southern Oregon, to talk about what parents really need to know when understanding ADHD Medication & Mental Health Support at School.

What you’ll learn:

• How mental health nurse practitioners can support kids and families and why many parents don’t realize this option exists.
• What providers look at when deciding whether medication might help (academic, social, and home functioning).
• Why medication decisions should be a family decision (and a kid decision), not something dictated by school pressure.
• How to think about meds as “a tool, not a forever path” including the reality of trial-and-error.
• Why collaboration with teachers can be key feedback when evaluating whether a medication is helping.
• How stigma and guilt show up for parents and how supportive care can change everything.
• Why untreated ADHD can increase long-term risks (including impulsivity and substance use) and why early support matters.

This episode will help if:

• You feel overwhelmed by school feedback and you’re wondering if medication is being suggested too quickly.
• You’re nervous about side effects, stigma, or “making the wrong choice” for your child.
• You live in a rural area (or anywhere with long waitlists) and need more clarity on care options like telehealth.
• You want a provider who partners with your family without pushing a one-size-fits-all plan.
• You’re trying to support a child with ADHD, anxiety, or big emotional/behavioral challenges impacting school. 

Quick Links:

• SkyLake Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Clinic (Southern Oregon) — referral-based; telehealth available in Oregon
• Gifted and Distractible: Understanding, Supporting, and Advocating for Your Twice Exceptional Child by Julie F. Skolnick (book recommendation)

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