Psychiatric Medications: What Non-Prescribers Need to Know
Mental health professionals who understand psychopharmacology collaborate more effectively with prescribers, support clients in making informed treatment decisions, and recognize medication-related clinical presentations that require coordination or referral. This 2-hour continuing education course provides non-prescribing clinicians with a working knowledge of psychiatric medications — covering the major classes of psychotropic drugs (antidepressants, anxiolytics, antipsychotics, mood stabilizers, stimulants), their mechanisms of action, clinical indications, side effect profiles, and common clinical concerns including discontinuation syndromes and medication interactions. The course emphasizes practical application: what clinicians need to know to have productive conversations with clients about their medications, when to initiate contact with prescribers, and how to document medication-related clinical observations.
2
CE Hours
3
Modules
15
Quiz Questions
2
Est. Minutes
What you'll learn
- Analyze the mechanisms of action and therapeutic effects of major classes of psychiatric medications including SSRIs, SNRIs, benzodiazepines, and mood stabilizers
- Evaluate the common side effects and contraindications of psychiatric medications to better support client treatment adherence and safety monitoring
- Apply knowledge of medication interactions and withdrawal symptoms to enhance collaborative care planning with prescribing providers
- Demonstrate understanding of therapeutic timeframes and expected outcomes for different psychiatric medication classes
- Analyze the impact of psychiatric medications on therapy process and treatment planning considerations
- Evaluate ethical boundaries and scope of practice limitations regarding medication discussions in non-prescribing mental health roles
Approval & credit
CounselorReady is an NBCC-Approved Continuing Education Provider (ACEP #7760). This course awards 2 NBCC-approved CE hours; a certificate is issued on completion. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. CounselorReady is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.