The Role of Psychiatric Medications in Mental Health Treatment 
Live CE event: May 13, 2022; Noon to 1:30 P.M.
 
Presenter:  
Agnes Kwon Simone, DO

This continuing education training is a didactic review on the use of psychiatric medications in the treatment of mood and anxiety disorders as well as insomnia and ADHD.  We will discuss when to consider recommending medication and the process of determining the correct use of psychiatric medications with diverse patients. We will also discuss the different types of medication used, their efficacy in treatment of mood and anxiety disorders, and common side effects. We will also identify personal/social/cultural stigmas surrounding use of medications. 

1) Describe various psychiatric medications used for the treatment of mood/anxiety disorders, insomnia and ADHD

2) Identify specific side effects of medications used to treat mood and anxiety disorders, insomnia and ADHD

3) Demonstrate ability to determine when it is appropriate to refer a client for psychiatric evaluation 

Course Outline:  

I.           Introduction  
II.          Medication used to treat Depression
             A.    Clinical Vignette 
             B.    Listing of medications used to treat depression
             C.     Comparison of efficacy
             D.    Target symptoms
             E.     Common Side Effects

III.           Medication used to treat Anxiety Disorders 
             A.    Clinical Vignette
             B.    Listing of medications used to treat Anxiety Disorders 
             C.     Comparison of efficacy
             D.    Daily vs. as needed medications
             E.     Target symptoms
             F.     Common Side Effects
             G.    Considerations in treatment of OCD

IV.          Medication used to treat Insomnia 
               A.    Listing of medications used to treat insomnia
               B.    Discussion of addictive vs. non addictive options

V.            Medication used to treat ADHD 
              A.    Listing of medications used to treat ADHD

VI.          Non-pharmacological and alternative Treatments 
              A.    TMS
              B.    ECT
              C.    Ketamine 
              D.    Naturopathic options 

VII.        Questions and Answers 

Agnes Simone, DO Bio: 

Dr. Simone is a board certified adult psychiatrist who specializes in the treatment of anxiety disorders, depression, young adult mental health, ADHD, and insomnia. She has experience working in a variety of settings including academic, community, private, and veterans affairs. She is passionate about her integrative and culturally competent approach to mental health care. While she provides medication management, she also highlights the importance of non-pharmacologic interventions including healthy lifestyle changes, mindfulness, and psychotherapy.

Dr. Simone is a Southern California native. She received her bachelor’s of science degree in human biology and psychology from UCSD, earned her medical degree from Western University of Health Sciences, and completed her psychiatry residency at UCLA and West Los Angeles VA Medical Center, where she was Chief Resident. She has been awarded the Psychiatric Education & Research Foundation Excellence in Psychiatric Education Award, American Psychiatric Association Resident Recognition Award, and the Western University of Health Sciences Psychiatry Clinical Chair Award.

Register at Eventbrite Here: The Role of Psychiatric Medications

*contact [email protected] with registration questions 

Presentations will be held virtually via Zoom

For a total of 1.5 LIVE CE Credits Each for Psychologists, LCSWs, and LMFTs.

[These programs will be recorded and available On Demand via our website.]

Licensed SGVPA members                 $50               Licensed SGVPA non-members    $65

Unlicensed Post-grad members          $15              Unlicensed Post-grad members      $25 

Student members                                $10               Student non-members                    $20

Affiliate members                                 $15               Affiliate non-members                     $25

Can California Psychologists Prescribe?

California psychologists cannot legally prescribe medication. This prohibition is established in Section 2904 of the California Business and Professions Code.

 Often, consumers seeking mental health services are taking medications or suffering from conditions that could be treated very successfully by medications prescribed by a physician. Psychologists are often the first mental health care providers assessing and treating such consumers. Indeed, many psychologists have extensive training and experience in the applications of medications. Psychologists may discuss medications with a patient. A psychologist may suggest to a physician a particular medication to be prescribed by a physician. However, the ultimate decision as to whether a patient should receive medication lies solely with the physician. A psychologist may engage in a collegial discussion with a patient's physician regarding the appropriateness of a medication for the condition being treated. A psychologist has primary responsibility to monitor the patient's progress in psychotherapy which includes assisting in monitoring the changes which may be attributable to the medication in the patient. Psychologists should maintain a close consultative relationship with physician care givers in order to assure appropriate overall treatment of the patient.

 There are many psychological conditions which manifest themselves in physical symptoms. There are physical problems which have psychological symptoms as well. The best interests of the patient demand that psychologists work closely with primary care physicians and psychiatrists who are prescribing medications to the patient of the psychologist. While a psychologist's responsibility can include involvement in limited aspects of a patient's medications, the patient's physician is the only person who may lawfully prescribe the medication for the patient.

https://www.psychology.ca.gov/consumers/medicate.shtml 

CPA is co-sponsoring with The San Gabriel Valley Psychological Association. The California Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. CPA maintains responsibility for this program and its content. CPA co-sponsored credit is also accepted by the Board of Behavioral Sciences for their licenses. Important Notice: Those who attend the workshop and complete the CPA evaluation form will receive 1.5 continuing education credits. Please note that APA CE rules require that we give credit only to those who attend the entire workshop. Those arriving more than 15 minutes after the start time or leaving before the workshop is completed will not receive CE credits.

Have questions about The Role of Psychiatric Medications in Mental Health Treatment 

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