Psychopharmacology with John Preston

This training reviews new developments in the field of psychopharmacology with a focus on how psychotherapists can enhance outcomes with clients taking psychiatric medications. It discusses common reasons that medical treatments fail (e.g. unsuspected medical disorders, non-adherence, side effects, fears and mis-information) and specific interventions to improve outcomes. How therapists can act as coaches with clients dealing with medication issues and collaborate with primary care prescribers. Also mentioned briefly are controversies, experimental treatments, new medications and the limitations of pharmacologic treatments.

Course Outline/Schedule:  (2 hour workshop)

• Introduction: Inadequate outcomes in psychiatric medication treatment and the role of the psychotherapist in addressing this problem. Collaboration with prescribers and ethical issues to consider
• Why people do not take medications as prescribed and specific intervention strategies for improving outcomes
• Common and understandable fears and concerns: e.g. possible addiction; increased suicidal behavior in those taking antidepressants; do antidepressants work?
• Common reasons for treatment failures: specifics on common medical disorders that often go unnoticed/undiagnosed for years and that contribute to psychological symptoms. How to evaluate and intervention strategies.
• Brief review of new medications
• Limitations of medical treatments for psychiatric disorders

Course Objectives:

¬    Help therapists develop better skills related to diagnosing psychiatric disorders and collaborating with primary care doctors and nurses
¬    Become familiar with new  medication treatments
¬    Identifying common reasons that people often do not reach full remission
¬    Intervention strategies for improving medication adherence
¬    Appreciate the limitations of pharmacologic treatments and the need for integrated approaches (combined use of medications and psychotherapy)

John Preston, Psy.D., ABPP is  Professor Emeritus with Alliant International University; Sacramento campus. He has also taught on the faculty of UC Davis, School of Medicine. Dr. Preston is the author of twenty-one books, five of which are psychopharmacology texts. He is the recipient of the California Psychological Association’s Distinguished Contributions to Psychology Award. He has presented over 500 workshops during the past 25 years, lecturing in the United States, Canada, Africa, Europe, and Russia.

For information on joining SVC-CAMFT or renewing your membership for 2015 please email: info@sacramentovalleycamft.org

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Cancellations received more than 7 days prior to an event may be subject to an administrative fee to cover costs of the initial transaction.  No shows, failure to attend, and cancellations 7 or fewer days prior to an event for any reason are non-refundable, including registrations received fewer than 7 days prior to an event. No credit, refunds, or price adjustments will be given for typographical advertisement errors. A $25 fee in addition to the registration fee will be charged for insufficient funds, denied credit cards, or charge-backs. By registering for the event you agree to the terms of the Refund Policy.

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