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Psychopharmacology for Therapists
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Many of our therapy clients are either taking psychiatric medications or curious about them. That means knowing how to talk about medications as a non-prescriber is a key part of our therapist role. But with over 150 different types of psychiatric meds available, where do you begin? This workshop offers an easy introduction to meds that covers a wide range of clients, approaches, and issues—from substance use disorders to rapid-acting treatments to psychedelics. Together, we’ll examine the latest advances, including newly approved drugs like Auvelity for depression and Zurzuvae for postpartum depression. You’ll also explore:
- How to tailor your therapy approach and techniques based on what medication a client is using
- Common misunderstandings about psychiatric medications and how to talk to clients about what medications can and can’t do
- Specific lifestyle changes you can recommend that often enhance medication response
- Circumstances under which medications work best, and ones in which they don’t
Chris Aiken, MD
Chris Aiken, MD, is a psychiatrist and psychotherapist whose work focuses on natural and lifestyle approaches to mood disorders. He is the director of the Mood Treatment Center, Editor-in-Chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report, the bipolar Section Editor for Psychiatric Times, and an instructor at the Wake Forest University School of Medicine. He hosts the weekly Carlat Psychiatry Podcast with Kellie Newsome, PMH-NP.
Dr. Aiken’s interest in mood disorders came from experience with close friends who suffered from depression. He began his career as a research assistant at the National Institute of Mental Health and went on to complete medical school at Yale and residency at Cornell and Duke Medical Centers. He remains active in research, and his work has appeared in peer-reviewed journals and books. He lives in North Carolina with his wife Lisa and twin children, David and Eleanor.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Dr. Chris Aiken is the director and founder of the Mood Treatment Center and has employment relationships with WiseMind, Wake Forest University, and the NYUI School of Medicine. He is the Editor-in-chief of The Carlat Psychiatry Report and an editor of Psychiatric Times. Dr. Aiken receives royalties as a published author. He receives a speaking honorarium, recording, and book royalties from PESI, Inc. He has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Dr. Chris Aiken is a member of the North Carolina Psychiatric Association and the International Society for Bipolar Disorders. He is the president of the Forsyth County Psychiatric Association and a member of the board for Transformed Minds. He is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association.
Kellie Newsome, PMH-NP
Kellie Newsome, PMH-NP, practices combined psychotherapy and medication treatment in North Carolina. She hosts The Pocket Psychiatrist, a podcast for clients, as well as The Cariat Psychiatry Podcast for mental health professionals.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kellie Newsome has an employment relationship with Mood Treatment Center and is the podcast host of Carlat Psychiatry Podcast. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kellie Newsome has no relevant non-financial relationships.
Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Kellie Newsome has an employment relationship with Mood Treatment Center and is the podcast host of Carlat Psychiatry Podcast. She receives a speaking honorarium from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Kellie Newsome has no relevant non-financial relationships.
