Stimulant medications are often the first-line treatment for ADHD in adults. In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN explains how stimulants work, the differences between short-acting and long-acting options, common side effects, and why monthly follow-ups are key to safe prescribing.

ADHD medications aren’t one-size-fits-all. Some people do best with stimulants, others with non-stimulants, and many with a blend of approaches. In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC breaks down the differences—how they work, what side effects to expect, and how to find the right fit.

Adult ADHD is often misunderstood. Instead of hyperactivity, it can look like restlessness, procrastination, or emotional ups and downs. At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, Tannia Salazar, APRN, offers comprehensive evaluation and treatment for adults across Connecticut.

Psychiatry is more than prescriptions. At Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, Tannia Salazar, APRN, combines medical insight, lab evaluation, and compassionate support to provide holistic care for anxiety, depression, ADHD, and trauma. Discover how this whole-person approach can help you feel grounded, supported, and ready to heal.

Understanding Antidepressants: Frequently Asked Questions
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿

Over the past five posts in my Understanding Antidepressants series, we’ve explored SSRIs, SNRIs, atypical antidepressants, mood stabilizers, and augmentation strategies. This FAQ brings them all together in one place — answering common questions like:

• What’s the difference between SSRIs and SNRIs?

• What are atypical antidepressants, and when are they used?

• Are mood stabilizers only for bipolar disorder?

• What does “augmentation” mean if my antidepressant isn’t working?

• Do antidepressants change my personality?

👉 Whether you’re just starting medication or wondering about next steps, this guide offers a clear, compassionate overview.

Understanding Antidepressants, Part 5: Augmentation Strategies
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿

Sometimes antidepressants alone don’t bring enough relief. This is called treatment-resistant depression (TRD) — but it doesn’t mean you’re out of options.

In this post, I explain augmentation strategies: adding a second medication to boost the effect of your antidepressant. We’ll look at options like Rexulti, Abilify, Lamotrigine, Quetiapine, Buspirone, and Trazodone, including common side effects and when these strategies might make sense.

Understanding Antidepressants, Part 4: Mood Stabilizers
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿

Sometimes antidepressants alone aren’t enough. For people living with treatment-resistant depression or persistent anxiety, mood stabilizers can provide added balance and relief. Medications like lamotrigine (Lamictal®), lithium, or valproate may help ease symptoms, reduce mood instability, and support steadier emotions—especially when standard treatments haven’t worked well enough.

In this post, I explain how mood stabilizers work, who might benefit, what side effects to expect, and the monitoring that helps keep treatment safe and effective.

Understanding Antidepressants, Part 3: Atypical Antidepressants
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿

Not all antidepressants fit neatly into the SSRI or SNRI categories. Atypical antidepressants—like bupropion, mirtazapine, trazodone, and newer options such as vilazodone—work differently in the brain and may be a better match for certain symptoms like low energy, poor sleep, or appetite changes. In this post, I explain how these medications work, what side effects to expect, and how we decide when they may be the right option for you.

Thinking About Antidepressants? Start Here.
SSRIs and SNRIs are among the most commonly prescribed medications for anxiety and depression, but starting one can feel overwhelming. In this blog series, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, breaks down how these medications work, what to expect, and how to navigate side effects with support.

📍 Serving adults across Connecticut via telehealth

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SSRIs are one of the most commonly prescribed types of antidepressants—but what do they actually do? In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN explains how SSRIs work, what side effects to expect and why they’re not about changing your personality—they’re about giving your brain the support it needs to heal.

Curious how virtual psychiatric care compares to in-person visits? In this mini blog, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, explains what makes telehealth different—and why many adults find it more personal and flexible than expected.

What if your provider doesn’t see things the same way you do?
Navigating differences in diagnosis can be unsettling—but it doesn’t mean your concerns aren’t valid. At Rooted in Serenity, we believe psychiatric care should be a conversation, not a verdict. In this post, we explore why diagnostic disagreements happen, what they don’t mean, and how to move forward feeling heard and empowered. 💚

Anxiety isn’t always panic—it can look like anger, perfectionism, or constant overthinking. In this blog, Tannia Salazar, APRN and founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, breaks down the hidden ways anxiety shows up in high-functioning adults and why naming it matters.

Emotional regulation isn’t about controlling your feelings—it’s about responding to them with care and intention. In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health, explores why regulation can be so difficult (especially with anxiety, ADHD, or trauma) and how you can begin to build this essential skill with support, not shame.

Even mental health providers struggle. In this warm, educational post, Tannia Salazar, APRN reflects on the stigma clinicians face when disclosing their own mental health challenges—and why honesty and humanity belong in care, too.

Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC is now accepting Anthem | BCBS insurance. Get in-network psychiatric medication management via secure telehealth—anywhere in Connecticut

Ever wonder who you’re opening up to when you start psychiatric care? In this Q&A-style blog, Tannia Salazar, APRN—founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC—shares her story, her values, and what to expect when working with her. From gardening to high-functioning anxiety, this post is a candid glimpse into the person behind the practice.

Looking for updated info on Tannia Salazar, APRN, FNP? She now provides virtual psychiatric care for adults across Connecticut through Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health—a telehealth practice grounded in compassion, privacy, and evidence-based care.

💚 Now accepting new patients for anxiety, ADHD, depression, and more

Many people think anxiety is just “overthinking” — but it can affect your body, sleep, and relationships in powerful ways.
In this post, Tannia Salazar, APRN at Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, shares what anxiety really looks like and how evidence-based medication support can help you feel grounded again.

Cigna is now in-network at Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC | Tannia Salazar APRN

As of 08/08/25, we will be in-network with Aetna. Learn more about our upcoming partnerships and how we’re making access to psychiatric care easier in Connecticut.