News and Insights for Psychiatric Pharmacists

Practice, practice, practice! The 150-question mock exam lets you test your knowledge, pacing, and endurance before sitting for the BCPP certification exam. #BCPP #AAPP #examprep #psychpharmacy

Learn skills to effectively manage meetings during this 3-part, live virtual workshop! This exclusive workshop is limited to just 20 learners, and the first session is Sept. 9. Register now to secure your spot!

Despite their importance as first-line options for OUD treatment, confusion remains regarding their use in acute care settings, especially when patients seek care at institutions that do not have opioid treatment program (OTP) licensure. AAPP members and authors Zoe Karovolis, Emily Leppien, and Annette Percy have developed a go-to resource addressing frequently asked questions regarding the use of buprenorphine and methadone in acute care settings. Check out and bookmark this timely member resource today.

In this JAMA Pediatrics article presenting the results of a nationally representative survey study of US adolescents and young adults, a fifth reported using AI chatbots for mental health advice.

This webinar focuses on the CATCH cluster-randomized trial, which was conducted in 6 New York City public hospitals. The study’s Principal Investigator will give an overview of the significance of addiction consult services and the origins of the study, and then present quantitative and qualitative findings from the study. Discussion will include reflections on the effectiveness of these services for improving the reach of medications for opioid use disorder in the hospital and post-discharge, while also identifying areas for future programmatic innovations and research.

This session reviews practical, evidence-based approaches for bringing overdose prevention and opioid use disorder (OUD) treatment into pediatric primary care. It will cover screening and risk assessment, brief counseling to reduce the consequences of drug use, naloxone distribution, and pathways for initiating and managing medications for OUD (including buprenorphine).

Join the Partnership for Part D Access for a virtual congressional briefing on June 18 at 12:00 pm ET to discuss the history and importance of the six protected classes policy, as well as the risks posed by restricting access to critical, lifesaving medications through formulary limitations and utilization management practices. The event will feature a multi-stakeholder panel representing patient, provider, and advocacy perspectives.

This study of Medicaid records from 29,193 women found that pregnant women who received OUD treatment, including medication, talk-based therapies, or both, had significantly better pregnancy outcomes than those who received no treatment.

The CURESZ Foundation (Comprehensive Understanding via Research and Education into SchiZophrenia) founded by Bethany Yeiser and Dr. Henry Nasarallah has assembled a Clozapine in Schizophrenia Expert Panel (CLOSZE). The goal is to assist individuals living with schizophrenia and/or caregivers in finding a clinician who can assist them in trying clozapine. AAPP encourages psychiatric pharmacists to sign up for the registry so that patients/caregivers can outreach to establish ongoing care.

Sold as a readily available supplement, phenibut is not approved for medical use in the U.S. It has a high potential for abuse and dependency making AAPP’s newest toolkit an important read. Author Sarah Thomason addresses phenibut’s mechanism of misuse, clinical presentation, and management of acute intoxication and withdrawal among other topics. Check out this timely member resource today.

This report examines data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and other federal sources.

Dr. Shaina Musco, PharmD, offers suggestions to new residents on how to navigate their new position.

The 2026 AAPP Outcomes Research Grants provide $15,000 each to support retrospective studies on bipolar, clozapine, and MOUD. Mark your calendar for the Q&A session June 30, 2026! Get your questions answered and learn how to advance your research. #PsychPharm

Get a better understanding of LAIs and LAI use in this webinar: Introduction to Long-Acting Injectable Antipsychotics and Patient Selection. This is one of six modules in our complimentary Psychotropic LAI Training Program. Register today and get access to the full program and LAI resources!

Alleviate confusion about the use of buprenorphine and methadone in acute care settings through AAPP’s toolkit.

Congratulations to AAPP member and Past-President Dr. Deanna Kelly, PharmD, BCPP, named by the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) as the 2026 recipient of its prestigious Scientific Research Award! The honor, which recognizes groundbreaking contributions to the understanding and treatment of mental illness, was presented at the organization’s national convention, NAMICon, May 27–30, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. Dr. Kelly, Professor of Psychiatry and Director of the Maryland Psychiatric Research Center (MPRC) and its Treatment Research Program, has spent nearly three decades advancing care for individuals with schizophrenia and related disorders and representing and advancing psychiatric pharmacy.

These findings suggest that glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist monotherapy may alter some nicotine outcomes in people who smoke, irrespective of cessation treatment.

GLP-1 RA use in adults on methadone with both OUD and T2D was associated with lower rates of cardiometabolic and mental health complications.

Findings suggest brief educational interventions can help primary care providers recognize misinformation that may otherwise undermine implementation efforts.

This study conducted a systematic review following PRISMA 2020 guidelines.

Planning to sit for the BCPP exam? We've got resources! #BCPP #AAPP #examprep #psychpharmacy

Authored by AAPP members Zoe Karavolis, Emily Leppien and Annette Percy, AAPP has released an FAQ to help clinicians address frequently asked questions regarding the use of buprenorphine and methadone in acute care settings.

AAPP's Psychotropic LAI Training Program is back and full of updates! This grant-funded educational activity is offered complimentary and includes access to 6 webinars and LAI resources like a pocket-guide, administration videos, and more. Register today and help us share this program with others that would find it valuable.

This publication highlights best practices for managing OUD during and after pregnancy and summarizes current evidence on treating perinatal substance use disorder.

Nearly 1 in 5 adolescents and young adults are turning to AI chatbots for advice when they’re sad, angry, nervous or stressed, according to a new study. The findings, from the research institute RAND, represent an increase from early 2025, when the nonprofit conducted a similar survey. At the time, around 13% of respondents said they used chatbots for such advice, but the share rose to 19% in the group’s latest survey in November.

"While working with the inpatient unit, I learned more about the transition of care to our outpatient Women's Mood Disorder clinic, the site for my ambulatory rotation during residency. My residency program director coordinated with the attending physician who oversaw the clinic, and I was immediately acknowledged as a member of the team. I was the first pharmacist to practice in this setting, which was a valuable experience in and of itself. I spent six months in the once-a-week clinic and grew to love my time there. To date, this was the most informative and rewarding patient care experience of my career..." Learn more about Caitlin Hughes' experience with perinatal psychiatry.

The Board of Pharmacy Specialties (BPS) is now accepting applications for the 2027 BPS Ambassador Program. Board-certified pharmacists interested can apply until June 12, 2026.

These findings emphasize the need for targeted, system-level strategies to improve access, adherence, and coordinated care for individuals with schizophrenia within Medicaid programs.

This report used literature review and data analysis to gain insight into existing research and the real-world impact by examining Medicare fee-for-service and Part D data from 2021 to 2023.

Get certified in Mental Health First Aid! The next course is on July 16 and is completely free to attend, courtesy of the AAPP Foundation. Seats are filling up! Save your spot today.

See how board-certified psychiatric pharmacists are well positioned to manage medications for people with mental health conditions to address psychiatric workforce shortages. Regulatory changes can expand their impact on patient care.

The mock exam is composed of 150 questions based on the content domains and knowledge statements included in the BPS content outline. Register today and practice, practice, practice!

Exams can be daunting. Let us help! Register for the Developing Effective Test-Taking Skills webinar to sharpen your skills. #BCPP #examprep #psychpharmacy #AAPP

AAPP’s resource document on Methamphetamine Use Disorder provides information on screening, diagnosis, intoxication, withdrawal, treatment, co-occurring psychiatric disorders, special populations, and harm reduction strategies.

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) on Tuesday announced a new clinical trial of methylenedioxymethamphetamine-assisted therapy, more commonly known as MDMA, to evaluate the safety and efficacy when treating current and former military personnel for severe mental health disorders including posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorder. The latest announcement comes on the heels of a strong federal government-wide push across multiple branches to study and, ultimately, lawfully recognize different modalities like MDMA, psilocybin, LSD and ibogaine. Legislation has been crafted on bipartisan levels in both the U.S. House and Senate to accelerate the pace for which the VA, Food & Drug Administration (FDA) and the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) can collectively give the green light for more widespread use in controlled settings.

AAPP partnered with Pharmacy Times to record a Pharmacy Focus podcast focused on emerging trends in psychiatric pharmacotherapy as presented at AAPP 2026, held April 19-22 in WA. Moderator Bob Haight, PharmD, BCPP, AAPP Annual Meeting Director and Past President, Clinical Application Series Chair Archana Jhawar, PharmD, BCPP, and Chelsea Di Polito, PharmD, BCPP, Annual Meeting Chair, shared insights gained on newer psychiatric medications and how these newer therapies fit into clinical decision-making, especially given considerations like cost, monitoring requirements, and patient-specific factors. The episode also explores cutting-edge research and practice challenges, including the growing interest in GLP-1 receptor agonists for substance use disorders, evolving strategies for clozapine monitoring following REMS changes, and advancements in long-acting injectable antipsychotics that improve flexibility, adherence, and patient-centered care. Tune in to hear the major takeaways and to see how AAPP’s Annual Meeting provides a valuable forum for translating emerging evidence into practical strategies that can be immediately applied in clinical practice.

Stream this expert-led discussion on the expanding role of digital therapeutics in treating mental health conditions. Watch the recording and stay ahead in this fast-evolving field! Visit the course page to watch the webinar or learn more and register.

Through expert guidance, participants will refine their presentation skills and learn how to captivate audiences. This 2-hour program with ACPE credit provides a unique opportunity to gain practical tools to elevate speaking abilities, enhance your expertise and confidence, and make you a standout voice in the field of psychiatric pharmacy. Don't miss this opportunity to learn!

The FDA granted de novo approval for a neuromodulation device to treat symptoms associated with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The wearable, non-invasive device -- dubbed Modius Spero -- uses electrical vestibular system stimulation to target specific brain areas. It is prescribed and overseen by a healthcare professional as part of a comprehensive PTSD care plan.

This webinar will detail the benefits of SBIRT, the appropriate screening tools to use and how to use these to facilitate change-focused conversations.

The SSP-based model provided rapid access to buprenorphine prescriptions, but precipitated withdrawal was a common complication.

Public sentiment on Regulations.gov supports the United States Drug Enforcement Administration's proposal for cannabis rescheduling, though the majority views the proposed Schedule III classification as inadequate and supports further rescheduling or complete de-scheduling of cannabis.