Heres what you need to know about adding weight management to your psychiatric practice in 2026, including the clinical rationale, state-by-state regulations, telehealth prescribing rules, and the business case for integrating this service
GLP-1 agonists like semaglutide mimic a natural hormone called GLP-1 that regulates appetite and glucose levels in the body, which can help manage obesity and promote weight loss
Bhattacharyya S, Feferman L, Unterman T, Tobacman JK
Emotional regulation suffers
What pre-existing mental health changes: The threshold for noticing new symptoms is lower Existing symptoms can flare during any major medical change Coordination between the prescribing provider and any mental health provider becomes more important The patient and provider need to be more attentive to warning signs For patients in active treatment for anxiety or depression, the standard recommendation is to: Continue current psychiatric medications during tirzepatide titration Don't change psychiatric medications and start tirzepatide simultaneously Keep regular contact with the mental health provider Have a plan for worsening symptoms (when to call, what to do) Track mood as well as physical side effects during the first 12 weeks Most patients with stable, well-controlled mental health conditions do fine on tirzepatide