Course Code: REL-BHC-0-BPBHP
Hours: 1.5
Type: Online Course
Content Expiration Date: 12/31/2028
Learning Objectives:
Indicate ways that behavioral health professionals can enhance collaborative medication engagement and management with recovery-oriented strategies.
Recall the uses and major side effects of antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, antidepressants, and antianxiety medications.
Identify special concerns related to the use of psychiatric medications in older adults and people who are pregnant or postpartum.
Outline:
Section 1: Overview of Medication Use in Behavioral Health
Why Learn About Medications?
The Role of Behavioral Health Professionals
Implicit Bias in Psychiatric Medication Prescribing
Why Medication Engagement Can Be Challenging
Strategies to Enhance Engagement With Medication Management
Psychiatric Medication Basics
Classes of Psychiatric Medications
FDA Approval and Off-Label Use
Factors Affecting Medication Effects
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 2: Antipsychotics and Mood Stabilizers
Antipsychotic Medications
Types of Antipsychotics
Conditions Treated by Antipsychotics
Antipsychotic Medication Side Effects
Mood Stabilizer Medications
Lithium
Valproic Acid
Lamotrigine
Carbamazepine
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 3: Antidepressant and Antianxiety Medications
Antidepressants
What Conditions Are Treated With Antidepressants?
FDA Warning and Antidepressants
SSRIs and SNRIs
Less Commonly Prescribed Antidepressants
Atypical Antidepressants
Antianxiety Medications
Benzodiazepines
Antidepressants for Anxiety and Related Disorders
Other Medications for Anxiety
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 4: Special Concerns in Psychopharmacology
Special Concerns: Psychopharmacology for Older Adults
Polypharmacy
Anticholinergic Effects
Benzodiazepines
Antidepressants
Antipsychotics
Helping Mr. Thompson
Special Concerns: Psychopharmacology for People Who Are Pregnant
Higher Risk Medications for People Who Are Pregnant
Helping Leah Stay Safe During and After Pregnancy
Review
Key Takeaways
Section 5: Conclusion
Course Summary
Course Contributors
References
Subject Matter Expert: John Cahill, MD, PhD
Dr. John Cahill has 18 years of experience in community psychiatry across both the UK and US healthcare systems. He has served as medical director of the Yale first episode psychosis service (STEP) and also treats folks with more chronic illnesses. He is interested in designing and implementing person-centered systems of care for individuals dealing with severe and persistent mental illness. He is board certified in psychiatry and addiction medicine and teaches at the Yale School of Medicine and School of Nursing.
Writer: Kathryn Falbo-Woodson, MSW, LCSW
Kathryn earned a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from West Virginia University and a Master’s in Social Work from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and Certified Clinical Social Work Supervisor in North Carolina. Kathryn has served on the NASW-NC Chapter Board of Directors and held leadership roles with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention-NC Chapter, including board member and president. As board president and co-chair of the Charlotte Out of the Darkness Walk, she led the chapter to national recognition. She is the founder of Forsythia Counseling, PLLC, in Charlotte, NC, and serves as a Behavioral Health Subject Matter Expert at Relias. With a background in psychotherapy, education, and advocacy in integrated care and community mental health, Kathryn has trained healthcare professionals in Motivational Interviewing, Mental Health First Aid, QPR Suicide Prevention, and other crisis interventions. Her work reflects a strong commitment to behavioral health and the professional development of those in the field.
Target Audience:
The target audience for this course is: Behavioral Health Counselors; Marriage and Family Therapists; Nursing Personnel; Pharmacists; Pharmacy Technicians; Psychologists; Social Workers; Substance Use Counselors; in the following settings: Behavioral Health and Intellectual Developmental Disability, Behavioral Health: Community Services, Behavioral Health: Crisis Services, Behavioral Health: Intensive Services (IRTS), Behavioral Health: Outpatient Services, Behavioral Health: Residential Services, Behavioral Health: Social Rehabilitation Facilities, Behavioral Health: Substance Use Services, Behavioral Health: Substance Use Services: In-Home, Community Mental Health Centers (CMHCs).
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All courses offered by Relias Learning, LLC are developed from a foundation of diversity, inclusiveness, and a multicultural perspective. Knowledge, values and awareness related to cultural competency are infused throughout the course content.
To earn continuing education credit for this course you must achieve a passing score of 80% on the post-test and complete the course evaluation.
Course Delivery Method and Format
Asynchronous Distance Learning with interactivity which includes quizzes with questions/answers, and posttests.