At Magnolia Connection, we understand that psychiatric treatment is often a necessary and beneficial intervention to improve brain health. Our board-certified psychiatric and mental health nurse practitioner can prescribe medication to aid in symptom reduction in many common child and adolescent-related diagnoses.

We believe that medication should be provided sparingly and conservatively, and medications will only be prescribed if it is deemed necessary.

If you are interested in scheduling an initial evaluation to discuss options with our provider, please click the START NOW link to complete the intake packet. Once we receive your completed packet, we will reach out to arrange your appointment.

If you have questions regarding any of our services, connect with us to share what you are looking for in regards to testing on our website under “Get in touch” or by calling us at (515) 994-8255.

Frequently Asked Questions

Medication management is the process of meeting with a mental health professional who is trained on medication effectiveness and how it relates to each specific patient and diagnosis. Part of this process includes an initial consultation, changes/adjustments in prescriptions (if needed), and continuous monitoring.

Yes! The provider will collaborate with the client and family to determine an appropriate treatment plan that addresses symptoms. If the provider, client and/or family agree that a medication may be beneficial, you will be provided with important information regarding possible benefits or side effects, as well as a follow-up plan. The provider will only offer a prescription if the family agrees.

We provide medication management services to children, adolescents, and young adults. The ages range from 4 – 28 years old.

AETNA, Blue Cross Blue Shield/Wellmark, HealthPartners, Iowa Total Care, Molina Healthcare, Tricare West, Optum (United Healthcare), Wellpoint (formerly Amerigroup), and Cash Pay.

Our nurse practitioner is licensed in Iowa and Minnesota and provides services to clients within these two states.

This varies depending on a variety of factors, including the age of the child, presenting concerns and medication(s) prescribed.  It is most common when starting a new medication to have a brief follow-up after 2 weeks.  Once the right dosage of medication has been identified and minimal changes are being made, a common follow up schedule is every 3 months.

 Yes, your child must attend every appointment. It is equally important that a parent be present to provide necessary information and ensure that both the child and parents have an appropriate understanding of the treatment plan and any follow-up instructions given.

Yes! Many of our clients find the convenience of telehealth sessions ideal for their busy schedules. Telehealth also makes it easier for children to participate in their appointments. Please be aware that you are required to be physically present in Iowa for all appointments.

At times, lab tests might be suggested to get a full picture of a patient’s health and to identify any hidden medical conditions that could be affecting their mental well-being. Pharmacogenetic testing, such as Genesight, which predicts medication response based on genetics, may also be utilized. However, it is important to note that the FDA does not universally recommend this type of testing for guiding prescribing decisions due to insufficient scientific evidence. Our provider may suggest pharmacogenetic testing after a client has unsuccessfully tried several evidence-based treatment options.

Our Medication Management Team

Ellie Rizor, ARNP
Board Certified Psychiatric and Mental Health Nurse Practitioner
Meet Ellie

Jeneca Miller
Scheduling Specialist and Medication Management Coordinator
Meet Jeneca