How Psychologist Can Discuss Medication Treatment with Patients to Improve Engagement in Psychiatric Treatment: A Star Wars Approach

How Psychologists Can Discuss Medication Treatment with Patients to

Improve Engagement in Psychiatric Treatment: A Star Wars Approach

Virtual Only

Sponsored by Central Office

Presented by Dr. Stacy Greeter, MD

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

1. Summarize current research evidence of how therapeutic alliance and patient

attitudes towards medication predict medication response.

2. Understand how to discuss medications while staying within the therapist's scope of

practice and effectively collaborate with psychiatrists.

3. Develop practical therapy techniques for addressing resistance to taking

medication, over-use of medication, and stigma.

Course Description

Psychotherapists can be powerful allies of psychiatrists in empowering patients to

assertively and effectively use psychiatric treatment. Discussing medications with

patients in therapy can combat the stigma and shame that taking psychiatric

medication holds for some of our patients. This presentation will summarize current

research evidence on how much impact the psychological meanings that psychiatric

medications hold for patients have on their treatment response. Therapists will learn

how to discuss medication with their patients in a way that cultivates patient attitudes

towards medication that promote healing while staying within the therapist's scope of

practice. This will include practical techniques for addressing resistance to taking

medication, over-use of medication, and expectations of medication treatment.

Patients from socially disadvantaged backgrounds (minorities, women, and those of

low socioeconomic status) are more vulnerable to feeling powerless and more likely

to report side effects while taking psychiatric medications. Particular attention will be

paid to discussing how psychotherapists can empower patients to take ownership of

their healing, utilize psychiatric medications in health-promoting ways and assertively

communicate with their psychiatrists and other prescribers.

Approved for 2 hours of general continuing education credits

Course Level: Intermediate

Fee: Free for FPA Members; $50 Non-FPA Members

Refund Policy: 3 days in advance of the event

Registration: www.flapsych.com

Online registration is required for this event

You must attend the complete program to obtain CE credit

If accommodations for a disability is needed please contact nickcole@flapsych.com

The Florida Psychological Association is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Florida Psychological Association maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

The Florida Psychological Association is approved by the Florida Department of Health, Board of Psychology and Board of School Psychology to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. The Florida Psychological Association is approved by the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy, and Mental Health Counseling as a provider of continuing education. The Florida Psychological Association maintains responsibility for the program and its content.