Introduction to Psychopharmacology for Non-Prescribing Mental Health Providers

Content from this course is also included in the 15-hour course on Psychopharmacology

This advanced beginner-intermediate course provides the essential information that non-prescribing mental health professionals need to know about psychopharmacology. Its goal is to provide a highly practical, user-friendly approach so that professionals can use the information in their practices and best advocate for their clients.

The course is comprised of three sections of original content. The first section begins with an overview of basic principles of neuroscience, including the structure and function of the neuron, how neurons communicate, and common neurotransmitters and their associated functions. Related topics, including agonists, antagonists, side effects, dosing, metabolism, concentrations, tolerance, dependence, and withdrawal, are explained. The initial section also addresses situations in which mental health professionals might consider referring their clients for a psychotropic medication evaluation and the advantages and disadvantages of collaborating with psychiatrists versus primary care physicians.

The second section provide the most current information about (1) the neuroscience behind common mental disorders, (2) how psychotropic drugs work, (3) medications’ potential side effects, risks, interactions, withdrawal symptoms, and warnings, (4) how prescribers select among psychotropic medications, and (5) how non-prescribing therapists can support their clients who are taking medications.

Frequently asked questions are addressed about common categories of psychotropic medication, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, benzodiazepines, mood stabilizers, and medications for insomnia and attention deficit disorder.